Hull's Musical Heritage - David Whitfield 1 | Page 5

After his appearances in America,
David was invited for a film test by
Joe Pasternak, one of Hollywood’s
most celebrated producers. David
passed this audition, and was
offered a contract, meaning that
the boy from Hull, would be moving
over the Atlantic.

David and Sabrina at the 1956 Royal Variety
Perfomance before it was cancelled.

David continued to tour the UK,
and was invited to perform for the
Queen at the Royal Variety
Performance on 3 separate
occasions. Other performers on the
bill that included Noel Coward, Bob
Hope, Howard Keel, and Frankie
Laine.

David decided not to take up this
offer, and there are various reasons
that have been mooted for this,
from home sickness, to
causing problems on the Variety
Circuit back in the UK. Whatever
the reason, Hollywood called, but it
couldn’t tempt David to move away.
Towards the end of 1954, the razzle
dazzle of America, was replaced
with the calming influences of
Switzerland. David was suffering
with throat problems, and a period
of convalescence followed.

After the success of Cara Mia in the
UK, the success continued across
the Atlantic, and David was invited
to perform on Ed Sullivan’s Toast of
the Town.
America was, and continues to
be, a difficult market to break.
David’s first performance on the
show was just two songs, but that
was enough to jam the switchboard
of CBS, the show’s maker, all
wanting more information about
this talented singer.
He performed on a show a further 6
times, and on the 7th and final
appearance, the US audience
rating for the programme was over
65 million people.

David Whitfield, a powerful tenor, with a
worldwide following of loyal fans