David Whitfield (born 2 February 1925, Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire — died 16 January 1980, Sydney, Australia) was a a popular British Tenor Vocalist and Hit Recording Star of the 1950's. In a time before Rock 'n' Roll when music was music, there was no heavy metal, rave, pop or electronic thumping beat. Just a pure voice, orchestral accompaniment and beautiful tunes that combined to make music which is preserved in the golden era known as the 'Fabulous Fifties'.

With a string of Chart Hit singles recorded on the DECCA Record label, David became Britains biggest recording star of the mid 1950's. 'Rags to Riches', 'Answer me', 'The Book' and 'My September Love' were some of the songs which contributed to his success and were played on Gramaphones and Dansettes by teenagers of the period.

David gained some singing experience as a choir boy before joining the Royal Navy when he was 17. He gave seven years service including service in the Far East and being part of the D. Day invasions. During his Navy days, Gunner Whitfield would entertain his shipmates aboard HMS 'Ramillies' and also in base hospitals whenever he could.

When he returned back to civvy life he worked in the concrete business though he still sang whenever he got the chance at as many local concerts as possible. A major turning point came when he was a big hit on the talent contest 'Opportunity Knocks' a programme on Radio Luxembourg.  It was Hughie Green the host of this show who got David his big break when he managed to get him a booking at The Washington Hotel in London's West End. It was at this venue that an Executive of The Decca Record Company heard him singing and booked an immediate record test. As a result of this David gained his first recording contract and the success was soon to follow.

Signed to the Decca Record Company David's biggest hit was a song called 'Cara Mia' which was written by MANTOVANI who also provided accompaniment on this track with his String Orchestra.

David was the first ever British male singer to be awarded a Golden disc for sales of 'Cara Mia' and was also apparently the first British Male singer to achieve a million seller in the US. Even today some 50 years later, David Whitfield is one of the few artists who achieved double figures for consequetive weeks on the chart since their dawning in 1952. 'Cara Mia' notched up 10 weeks at Number One in 1954.

David had his own T.V. shows, made eight appearances on the 'Ed Sullivan' show at the 'Toast of the Town' in New York, US and made three 'Royal Command' Performances at the London Palladium. Further success came in the form of Stage Musicals where David was a favourite as 'The Red Shadow' in the production of 'The Desert Song'. His voice also made it to the big screen where David recorded the song 'I'll Find You' as the title track for the movie 'Sea Wife' starring Joan Collins and Richard Burton. (photo of David with Joan Regan and Terry Thomas)

By the 80's, even though the charts were sounding the Disco beat, David was still performing not just in Britain but the World. Unfortunately David died whilst touring Australia in 1980. Aged only 54, he left behind a legacy of quality music and memories of a now by-gone era.
 

(info from http://www.howell.clara.net/biography1.htm#top1)