RIP Frank Ifield, died 18 May 2024

Although he has been mentioned briefly in the Famous Coventrians thread, I thought he deserved a rather fuller obituary. Francis Edward Ifield was born on 30 November 1937. His Australian father was an engineer who created the Ifield fuel pump, used in jet aircraft. He worked for Lucas Industries and was engaged in work on Frank Whittle's jet engine. The family had moved to Coventry in 1935 as work prospects were better than in Australia. In the 1939 directory they were living at 98 Evenlode Crescent. After the war they returned to Australia and Frank's musical career blossomed during his teens. He won talent shows singing country songs and his gimmick was yodelling. In the early 1960s he decided to try his luck in the UK and in 1962 had a number one hit with 'I Remember You', Other hits followed including 2 more number ones and the Beatles supported him on tours. By the late 1960s his style was becoming old-fashioned and by the 1980s he had returned to Australia where he remarried. A botched operation meant he could no longer sing so he became a television presenter. To anyone over about 65, (I suspect that means most forumites) his name will still ring bells. For a brief period just pre the Mersey Sound, he really was a big star and will be fondly remembered by many.