AN iconic musician who helped The Beatles make their start has died aged 86.
Frank Ifield, who took the UK by storm in the ’60s, peacefully died in his sleep on Saturday, a pal confirmed.
The UK-born artist, who grew up in Australia, moved back to England in 1959 and quickly became a household name.
He had four number-one hits on the UK singles chart – I Remember You, Lovesick Blues, The Wayward Wind, and Confessin’ That I Love You.
Ifield’s friend, music historian, and journalist Glenn A. Baker announced his death.
The star was gifted a guitar at the age of 13, taught himself how to play and started writing songs.
He was said to have always had a love for country music and yodelling.
Ifield made his way to the top and in just six years released 44 records and was the top recording artist in Australia, New Zealand, and Tasmania.
After moving to the UK, he introduced his fans to The Beatles who opened for him.
He also performed in front of the late Queen in 1965 – at Royal Variety Show.
In 1986 Ifield was diagnosed with pneumonia and was rushed into surgery to remove part of a lung.
His vocal cords were damaged during the surgery – putting his musical career on hold for years.
In 2005 the star wrote his autobiography.
Four years later he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia for service to the arts as an entertainer.
Ifield leaves behind his wife Carole Wood and two children.
