David Whitfield

David Whitfield (2 February 1926 – 15 January 1980) was a British male tenor vocalist from Kingston upon Hull. In November 1953 he became the first British male artist to have a number one single in the UK with "Answer Me". He died from a brain haemorrhage in Sydney, Australia, while on tour, at the age of 54.

Life and career Whitfield was born in Kingston upon Hull in the East Riding of Yorkshire. He sang in the choir at his church during his childhood and entertained his fellow members of the Royal Navy during the Second World War. After the war, he stayed in the navy until June 1950, having had a long spell in Singapore, where he broadcast on radio. He appeared on Opportunity Knocks, a talent show on Radio Luxembourg on April 30, 1950, and won his heat. This led to his joining the touring stage show of Opportunity Knocks, hosted by Hughie Green for a while. After leaving the navy, Whitfield had taken a job in a cement factory, but in 1953 he was given the opportunity to sing in West End cabaret at the Washington Hotel on Curzon Street, where he was a great success. This led to a variety stage tour.

His first recording to reach the Top 10 of the UK Singles Chart in October 1953 was "Bridge of Sighs", written by Billy Reid. "Answer Me" (later recorded with different lyrics as "Answer Me, My Love") reached number one in the UK.

All of his hits were released by the Decca record label in the UK. His only album to reach the UK Albums Chart was The World of David Whitfield, which reached Number 19. starring Joan Collins and Richard Burton; and "William Tell", the theme music to the television series The Adventures of William Tell.

"Cara Mia" spent ten weeks at top of the charts in the UK, making it one of the biggest selling British records in the pre-rock era; the recording co-credits Mantovani and his Orchestra and Chorus. Whitfield appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show and the 1954 Royal Command Performance.

A statue in memory of Whitfield was unveiled outside the New Theatre in Hull on 31 August 2012, before the opening night of a show celebrating his life and music.

Discography