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Donald's Encyclopedia of Popular MusicA B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y ZCHACKSFIELD, Frank(b 9 May, '14, Battle, Sussex) UK pianist, arranger, conductor. Piano at seven, church organist at Salehurst Church, Robertsbridge. Worked as solicitor's clerk, began leading bands in spare time; residencies in Tonbridge '36, Jersey '39. Joined RASC WWII, made first broadcast '43; staff arranger to 'Stars In Battledress' entertainment unit, also for Merry-Go-Round radio show then for radio's Stand Easy '46. Became show's conductor '48 leading Henry Hall's band; made first record that year backing singer Frederick Ferrari. Conducted Geraldo band '49; made records under own name for Polygon label, incl. own comp. 'Prelude To A Memory'. Single 'Meet Mr Callahan' successful on Oriole, then top ten UK hit 'Little Red Monkey' on Parlophone '53. Signed by Decca UK (London label in USA), doing lush string arrangements made with Decca's 'FFRR' system (Full Frequency Range Recording), the best technology at the time. World-wide hit with theme from Chaplin film Limelight '53, even bigger hit same year with 'Ebb Tide', no. 2 in USA. Consistent LP seller for many years; also UK single hits 'In Old Lisbon', 'Donkey Cart' '56; USA chart entry with 'On The Beach' '60. Music adviser to Irish Television Service at its formation; mid-'70s he took a 40-piece orchestra on 15-date tour of Japan. |