|
SMOKY
DAWSON
Inducted January 1978
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, an Order of Australia (AM) in 1999 and inclusion in the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2005. Smoky passed away, aged 94, on February 13, 2008. |
