Vale – Reg Lindsay
Reg Lindsay – one of the last surviving early pioneers of Australian country music – has died.
At age 78, Reg had been suffering a long term illness since he collapsed from a cerebral haemorrhage during the Tamworth Country Music Festival in January 1995.
He died today (Tuesday August 5, 2008) in a Newcastle hospital of pneumonia after a long rehabilitation following a heart attack. His wife Roslyn and three daughters were by his side.
During his career of more than 40 years, Reg achieved success locally and internationally producing 64 albums and 250 singles and winning three Golden Guitars.
As one of the pioneers of Australian country
music, Reg, who was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for services
to music, had his own top-rating nationally-syndicated television and
radio programs over many years.
The composer of more than 500 songs, during his career he toured all over
Australia and tasted success in the USA.
Four of his biggest hits were Armstrong,
July You're A Woman, Silence On The Line and Empty Arms
Hotel.
Reg was one of the first to be inducted into the Australian Country Music Hands of Fame in 1977 and was elevated to Australian country music's highest honour, the Roll of Renown, in January 1984.
In
tandem with his busy musical career, the country star held a very strong
association with Australian rodeo.
"Reg was a giant of Australian country music," said Bob Kirchner, President of the Australian Country Music Foundation in Tamworth. "He was one of those people with true star quality, real talent, presence and charisma.
"Reg worked very hard for the success he achieved over the four decades since his legendary motorcycle ride from Adelaide to compete in, and win, Tim McNamara's '2SM Talent Quest' (something like today's 'Australian Idol') in Sydney in 1951.
"Another star has fallen from Australia's country music sky but the name, knowledge and reputation of the legendary Reg Lindsay will live on forever."
This month
Monday August 18
starring
Greg Bain
who will be launching his debut album
plus walkup artists
The entertainment kicks off at 6.30pm with entry by Gold Coin Donation. Food and refreshments available... sandwiches $3, tea and coffee $2
Raising funds for Australia's NEW Country Music Hall of Fame building. |
Vale – Smoky Dawson
Smoky Dawson – the last surviving original pioneer of Australian country music – has died. He was 94.
Smoky died of complications from surgery at 5.15pm Wednesday, February 13, 2008, in Sydney.
Herbert Henry (Smoky) Dawson was born in Melbourne in 1913. His career began in 1934 when he formed a western group and became a household name when he starred on Radio 3UZ, in a first live broadcast of its kind.
In 1941, Smoky recorded with Columbia and performed throughout Australia with great success.
In 1951, the Dawsons (Smoky married Dot in 1944) moved to the USA where Smoky obtained a contract with Acuff Rose and performed at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, returning to a tremendous welcome home by well wishers at Sydney Airport.
The Smoky Dawson Radio Show went on air in 1952 and stayed on air for 10 years.
A long and distinguished recording and performing career followed, recognised by his elevation to the Country Music Roll of Renown in 1978, an MBE (for services to country music) in 1983. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1999 and inducted into the ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Hall of Fame in 2005.
Smoky continued to perform and record as long as he was physically able.
"The country music world is deeply saddened at the loss of our dear Smoky," said Bob Kirchner, President of the Australian Country Music Foundation of which Smoky was the Patron.
"He was the eternal showman, the perennial entertainer, always there with a 'smile and a song' connecting with what must have been millions of fans during an amazing, almost century long, career."
Smoky is survived by his wife Dot who turned 101 last year.
Photo (by John Arnold): Smoky and Dot at their 2006 Australian Country Music Hall of Fame Tribute Dinner.
