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CONGRATULATIONS to CMAA Golden Guitar recipients - DEAN PERRETT & LEE KERNAGHAN re their win for Bush Ballad Of The Year with the song 'Channel Country Ground'.


The track "Channel Country Ground' was written by Merv Maltman, is one from Dean Perrett's latest highly acclaimed album "Cattle Town".

For more information/and all award winners please go to

CMAA LINK

< Dean Perrett & Lee Kernaghan

VALE - ERIC WATSON - 1926 - 8/1/2012 January 2012

Eric Watson was a stalwart supporter of Australian Country Music.
He not only recorded and promoted artists through his own record label 'Selection Records', but was, himself, a great songwriter and a valued historian of Australian country music publishing two volumes of Australian Country Music history.
Eric's health recently deteriorated and he passed away at the Cedars Nursing home in Casino NSW, on Sunday 8/1/2012 at 11pm. He was 85 years old.
Eric Watson will be remembered as a great Australian and a great loss to the many friends who knew him.
- The Australian Bush Balladeers Association Inc.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Eric Watson : Bio extract courtesy of "The Book Of Australian Country Music" (1984)
Born on a dairy farm near Casino (NSW) in 1926, Eric Watson grew up 24 miles from a town and seven miles from the nearest neighbor. When radio first arrived in 1935, the newly-emerged country music became something to fill the empty nights. Eric soon knew all the Tex Morton, Wilf Carter and later Buddy Williams and Slim Dusty songs by heart and at 12 began to write his own. For some years he wrote two songs a day "in his head" while riding after the cows, but he lacked the singing ability to get them across. During a five-year stay in Sydney from 1952, helped by friend Pat Ware, he had songs recorded by Glen Davis and Jimmy Little. Back to the bush in 1957 he was too busy building up a run-down farm to think about music for another five years.
In 1962 Watson settled in Sydney and began to write again. Slim Dusty recorded his song When Snowy Sings Of Home, and soon after Buddy Williams, Rick and Thel, Eddie Tapp, Reg Poole and many other topline artists used his songs. Over 50 titles in all have now found their way on to records.
During 1973-4 Eric expanded what began as a series of articles on Australian country music personalities into a book which traced the history of our country music from its beginning to the end of 1949. Published in 1975, the book filled a great need and was an immediate success. It was probably the main factor in his gaining the first Gold Guitar for services to country music at the Australasian Country Music Awards in Tamworth in 1977, which included a trip to Nashville in the prize. The book covered the 78rpm record era and brought such a flood of enquiries about the availability of the records that a double album of the materials was issued under licence from EMI. Done at first in partnership with Larrikin Records, the album became the foundation stone of Eric's own Selection label when further compilations followed and when Reg Poole became the label's first artist to make original recordings. In its few years of life Selection has gained a prestigious place among the independent country music labels. Reg Poole has several highly successful albums and artists of the calibre of Gordon Parsons, Terry Gordon and Barry Thornton have contributed to more than 30 albums (now available) with a future five in preparation at time of writing.
January, 1983, saw the release of the second volume of Eric's Country Music In Australia book, dealing with 80-odd artists who emerged in the 1950s, published this time by Angus & Robertson. The motivating force behind all Eric Watson's work is a passionate desire to see the Australian country ethos, its people, places and situations expressed in our music and accepted by the public. He believes the present system is heavily and unfairly weighted in favor of the commercial interests who import overseas canned culture and that there will need to be a strong groundswell of concentrated activity by a lot of dedicated people before we can break the pattern.
With over 250 original Australian compositions recorded so far, Selection Records certainly practises what it preaches. And contrary to some of the predictions, the policy has been a great marketing success and will not change. Eric is determined that Selection's output, will remain definitively Australian.

FUNERAL:
11am Monday 16th January 2012 - Casino Uniting Church, Canterbury Street, Casino NSW

TAMWORTH FESTIVAL JANUARY 2012
“COUNTRY MUSIC SPECTACULAR”
Plus 'THE SPECIAL 'JOHNNY CASH' TRIBUTE
from BARRY K & LIN CHANDLER.
Special Guest appearance from WAYNE CHANDLER.
Guest Artists: Bush Balladeer Star Quest Winner 2011, KALESTI BUTLER, Award Winning Group, 'RUNAWAY DIXIE' & TAPPIN TEDDY THOMPSON.
The last 1hr of the show is the 'TRIBUTE to 'JOHNNY CASH', The MAN IN BLACK. 3 hours in air-conditioned comfort.
Staged seating & a walk down memory lane with the original sounds of 'JOHNNY CASH' & THE TENNESSEE THREE.
Book on line at ww.capitoltheatretamworth.com.au or at the Tourist Information Centre, or at the door on the day. Tickets just $17. THURSDAY 26th JANUARY 2012
9.30am — 12.30pm
The Capitol Theatre, Centre Point Arcade, Peel Street, Tamworth. Phone 02 6767 5300

TAMWORTH FESTIVAL - Balladeers Gig Guide now up!
All shows for the Balladeers Homestead are now confirmed and artists are now listed.
Check the link for all tradtional and bush ballad venues at the festival, plus more details on individual balladeers artists appearing at the festival as well.Festival 2012

TSA 2012 AWARDS FINALISTS now up!!
http://www.tsaonline.com.au/?page=73

Golden Guitar Australian Country Music
Bush Ballad of the Year - Finalists announced!

A Fencer From The Outback - written & recorded by Rod Williams
Channel Country Ground - written by Merv Maltman, recorded by Dean Perrett and Lee Kernaghan
Gentleman Joe - written by Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson, recorded by Dianne Lindsay
Kiandra Gold - written by Ben Jacobs & Shaza Leigh, recorded by Brian Letton
Son of The Red Dirt Country – written and recorded by Graham Rodger

Congratulations to the finalists!!!!!

Full line up
via http://www.country.com.au/

GIDGEE COAL BUSH BALLAD AWARD WINNERS 2011
WINNERS Marked *

MALE VOCAL
Peter Coad – Faded Shirt of Blue
Rod Williams – A Little Country Schoolhouse By the Lane
*Graham Rodger – Such a Shame

FEMALE VOCAL
Dianne Lindsay – Rusty It’s Goodbye
*Bec Hance – Only in Australia
Trudy Hintz – He Gave Us Gidgee Coals

NEW TALENT
Ged Hintz – Old Men’s Home
Alan Lavender – When a Man’s a Coward
*Kalesti Butler – The Closing of the Day

ALBUM
Peter Coad – Old Bush Mates
Ken Lindsay – The Night I Saved John Wayne
*Dianne Lindsay – Heartbeat of Australia

GROUP OR DUO
*Graham Rodger & Sara Storer – An Affair of the Heart
Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson – Come the Day
Trudy & Ged Hintz – Days of old Khancoban

INSTRUMENTAL
The Coad Sisters – Anzacs Song
*Peter Simpson & Lindsay Butler – Akubras in the Snow

COMEDY/NOVELTY
*Alan Lavender – One One and One Two
Ken Lindsay – Victoria the Place To Be
Graham Rodger – The Shape I’m In

SONGWRITER
Terry Bennetts – Such a Shame
*Bec Hance & Vaughan Baker – The Ballad of Castlereagh
Dianne Lindsay – Kellie’s Eyes

Legend Award:
Ron Peters

Encouragement Award:
Ken Chainsaw
———————-
The awards were held at Pittsworth Town Hall, Pittsworth, QLD,
on the weekend of 19th & 20th of November.

Not So Dusty II
The search is over…the final tracks have been found!

The Nulla Records search for the final track for inclusion on the long awaited sequel to the gold selling 1998 Not So Dusty album is over …and yesterday the album was sent off for mastering. Nulla recently had invited Slim fans to submit their Slim Dusty tributes in a search to hopefully find a suitable track to fill the final spot on the new Slim tribute album Not So Dusty II (The Bushies Tribute to Slim Dusty). It turned out to be a really tough decision for the Nulla Records judging panel (Joy McKean very cleverly abstained from being a part of this brave group!)as the label was totally overwhelmed by the quantity and quality of the entries that turned up. It was a diverse mix of covers of Slim’s classics and song tributes to Slim which fans had written and recorded over the years i.e since Slim’s passing in 2003.

A representative from Nulla said, “We were all a bit taken aback to be honest, we sort of expected to receive 10 or 20 tracks max.…not 50 or 60!!. It was a really nice surprise to receive so many but the large number of entries and the high standard of so many of them made it impossible for us to pick just one track. In fact we could have easily picked another 20 of them…we even discussed the possibility of doing a fan tribute album next…that is still a possibility sometime in the future ”.

Consequently it was decided that 2 fan tracks could be squeezed onto the album rather than just the one track originally intended. One of the tracks selected would be a cover version and the second an original Slim tribute song.

Nulla Records are thrilled to now officially announce that the two artists/ songs selected to be the special bonus inclusions on the Not So Dusty II album are :

Merv Webster ‘I never cried for Elvis but I shed a tear for Slim’

Brade ‘When the Rain Tumbles Down in July’

Congratulations to both artists …Merv what a song title and what a special tribute song for Slim! Merv has spent quite a few hot days over the years busking on Peel Street as a part of Tamworth Festival but of late has been building quite a profile touring his bush poetry show. Congratulations also go to the young Queensland duo… Brade. Bre and Jade have combined to create a truly fresh version of the very first song Slim ever wrote.

Nulla wish to thank all the artists that sent in their wonderful tributes to Slim…we wish we could have included all of them.

NOT SO DUSTY II (The Bushie’s Tribute To Slim Dusty)
To be released on CD & Digital Download
January 13, 2012
----------------
There will also be a special Not So Dusty II Show (A Bushies tribute to Slim) show happening on Friday, January 27 (starting at 7pm) at the Bush Balladeers Homestead as a part of the 2012 Tamworth Country Music Festival . Many of the guest artists who are featured on the new album will be performing on the night. Tickets are now available online: www.visittamworth.com or in person via the Tamworth Tourismoffice.

For further information contact the Nulla Office 02 99883989 ..or call Leon on Mob# 0404075545 (between 3pm & 6pm Mon – Thurs)

PRESS RELEASE!

The 2012 A.B.B.A. Bush Balladeer Star Quest has been cancelled!

Due to insufficient entries the 2012 Bush Balladeer Star Quest regretfully has been cancelled.

The Quest has been running successfully for over 10 years since its inception to help promote upcoming bush balladeer talent.

The Quest has been an invaluable support to the artists, when there was not the opportunity available.

The winner not only received an A.B.B.A. sponsored single recorded at a professional studio, they also enjoyed the opportunity to perform at major events around the country to help create awareness and further their career.

"We think the great change in the Bush Ballad world in Australia, over the last 11 years from being a struggling industry to a now thriving one with bush ballad festivals happening everywhere, along with more of mainstream country music festivals including bush ballad artists in their program has led to upcoming artists now having the option of being able to perform at these festivals, where in the past the opportunities were very limited.
It has been very pleasing to see this change come about, and we hope that the bush ballad festivals will continue to build and continue to a become a major music force in Australia.

We are very sad to cancel the Quest. It has achieved a wonderful reputation as the promoter of talent.
There may be a return to the Quest in 2013, but due to low entries this year, we had no choice but to cancel the 2012 event.
We thank everyone for their support of this event in the past.

The ABBA

DEAN PERRETT TAKES OUT HERITAGE AWARD AT MILDURA 2011

Dean Perrett was the recipient of the Heritage Award for the song HOLDING THE REDHIDE at the Australian Independant Country Music Awards held in Mildura on Saturday 8th of October.

HOLDING THE REDHIDE was co-written by Dean Perrett & Ian Quinn and is from Dean Perrett's highly acclaimed new album 'CATTLE TOWN'.

For more information on Dean Perrett go to
www.deanperrett.com
Photo by Greg Sylvia

CAN YOU HELP?

The photo "The Buddy Williams Country & Western Jamboree" is off the side panels from the pantec of Buddy William's 1948 Ford touring truck. This truck was replaced by a Dodge truck in the very early 60's with the name plates "The Buddy Williams Show". We have photos of that truck. What the ACMF of Tamworth are after is photos or a photo of the panels ("The Buddy Williams Country & Western Jamboree") on the 1948 Ford. All will be used as part of an exhibit at the Tamworth Country Music Museum.
Please email photos or any info to info@bushballadeers.com.au Thankyou ~ The ABBA

Have you got a special Slim Dusty tribute under your hat
…then don’t keep it to yourself any longer!!

As part of the lead up to the 2012 opening of the Slim Dusty Museum, Nulla Records have announced they are working on the follow-up to the very successful Not So Dusty album (a cross country/rock music tribute to Slim which was released back in 1998). The new tribute album, titled Not So Dusty II, will be a more traditional country music style tribute to our very own Aussie King of Country. Not So Dusty II will be launched in January 2012 as a part of the 40th annual Tamworth Country Music Festival.
Nulla Records have also now announced something very special and an industry first; the closing spot on the new CD will be especially saved for one country music fan’s own musical tribute to Slim Dusty. Nulla are looking to complete the album with a fan’s home-spun audio recording of their favourite Slim Dusty song. It won’t matter where it was recorded on your verandah, in your kitchen or even in the shower and it can be on CD or mp3 or even cassette - it doesn’t matter just as long as it is that little bit special!
The fans recording chosen to go on the album will be announced on the 8th of November on the official Slim Dusty website www.slimdusty.com.au . The track will be specially mastered by Australia’s premier mastering/engineer, Don Bartley of Benchmark Mastering (Don mastered many of Slim’s classic recordings). The track will then be included on the Not So Dusty II album master in ready for the albums launch in January 2012.
Not only will the lucky fan be featured alongside many of Australia’s most popular and respected bush balladeers but they will also receive an artist royalty from the CD sales of the Not So Dusty II album.
Get recording now …it could be you that scores that final spot!
But hurry the final closing date / time for all recordings … 27th October 2011 @ 5pm !

Post any CD or Cassette recordings to:
‘Not So Dusty II’
C/- Nulla Records PO Box 115 St Ives NSW 2075
or
Email all mp3 digital files to:
deanneparish@optusnet.com.au

KALESTI BUTLER - A.B.B.A. Bush Balladeer Star Quest Winner 2011
A.B.B.A. Webpage now available Kalesti Butler

SINGLE OUT NOW
Kalesti Butler's single "The Closing Of The Day" is now on the airwaves, via 'CRS Compilation #150', (June) and also "The Balladeers Vol 12". For bookings, interviews contact number/email direct via Kalesti Butler

JULY 2011

I’VE BEEN THERE (AND BACK AGAIN)
Slim Dusty & Joy McKean’s Lifetime of Travel, Stories and Songs
by
JOY McKEAN
An illustrated hardback edition will be published on
October 25, 2011 at $39.99
Also a very special limited edition (print run of 1927 only) collector’s set with special release CD’s at $100
Shared by his wife Joy McKean – the songs, lyrics and life with Australia’s country music legend, Slim Dusty
Through the lyrics of their much loved songs, Joy McKean takes readers into the life she shared at home, on the stage and on the road with her husband, country music legend Slim Dusty. Married for more than 50 years, Slim and Joy toured all over Australia singing, writing and performing.
I’VE BEEN THERE (AND BACK AGAIN) will include many never seen before photographs from Slim and Joy’s own family albums and also an extensive range by the internationally acclaimed photographer John Elliott, who has been photographing Slim and Joy, their band and family for decades.
Including many lyrics from the iconic songs they sang together, Joy reminisces about each song – who, how, when and where they were. The bush ballads and the bush life are recounted in detail as Joy tells of an Australian way of life that is almost gone. From the old showgrounds of the 1950s to the grand theatres of the big cities, the old-time music halls of country Australia and some of the most remote areas of the continent. This is a country music love affair.
Slim Dusty sold over 7 million albums in Australia and was our most prolific recording artist. Even today, he is still one of Australia’s all time biggest selling recording artists. Slim passed away on September 19, 2003.
Joy has been awarded six Golden Guitars for her song writing, and her skills as a writer and storyteller shine in this beautiful book. Joy wrote the bestselling biography Another Day, Another Town about his life.
For all enquire contact jaki.arthur@hachette.com.au or 02-82480864

The Shirley Thoms Bronze Bust Unveiled!
The unveiling of the Shirley Thoms Bronze Bust was on July 8th at 2-30 PM in Bi-Centennial Park Tamworth.
Thank you do all personnel involved in the fund raising such as artists performing, fans attending concerts etc & A.B.B.A. Your time & support has really be appreciated. Wayne Strickland was the sculpture re for this project.
We have now commenced fund raising for The Reg Lindsay Bronze Bust.- Lorraine Pfitzner

REG LINDSAY BRONZE BUST FUNDRAISER TAMWORTH Southgate Inn on Saturday 9th July from 4pm
Held over the Tamworth Hats Of To Country Weekend all funds collected are donated to the A.B.B.A. Reg Lindsay Bronze Bust Fundraiser. Presented by Lorraine Pfitzner, secretary of The Australian Bush Balladeers Association the show will be held at the Southgate Inn on Saturday 9th July from 4pm. Artists appearing include, Dianne Lindsay, Peter Pratt, Lynette Guest, Rachel Jillett, Greg Bain, Sharon Smith, Peter Simpson, John Battle, Rodney Walker, Col Taylor, Kevin Harris Enquiries; Lorraine Pfitzner (02) 6766 4236
lorraine@bushballadeers.com.au

KALESTI BUTLER & TAYLOR PFEIFFER ATTEND CMAA COURSE
KALESTI Butler (A.B.B.A. Bush Balladeer Star Quest 2011 Winner) of Emerald Qld will attend the “CMAA Australian Academy of Country Music Senior course” and Taylor Pfeiffer of Clare South Australia will attend the “CMAA
Australian Academy of Country Music - Junior Course" 25th of June to the 9th of July during the Hats Off To Country Weekend at Tamworth, on behalf of The Australian Bush Balladeers Association’s sponsorship.
< Kalesti Butler. Taylor Pfeiffer>
Both young artists are dedicated performers and are looking forward to this great opportunity to help build their individual musical careers.

The Balladeers Vol 12
The new 'Balladeers Vol 12" now available !!!
CDS $27 posted. Ch/M/O accepted.
Mail orders be addressed to: THE A.B.B.A. PO Box 90, Tamworth NSW 2340.

1. DOUG McINTYRE Carrathool Races (Doug McIntyre) 2:32
2. DIANNE LINDSAY & PETER SIMPSON
Rusty It’s Goodbye (Thel Carey/Slim Dusty) 3:33
3. DAVID BALDI Hittin’ The Murray (David Baldi) 3:43
4. KALESTI BUTLER The Closing Of The Day (Val Butler) 3:32
5. JOHN BATTLE Old Toll Bar Road (J. Seers/J. Battle) 4:02
6. THE RHYMER FROM RYDE (Bush Verse)
That's Australia (Graeme Johnson) 3:27
7. PETER COAD Old Bush Mates (H.H. ‘Bob’ Kane/Peter Coad) 2:10
8. DAVID CROSER People, Times and Places (Nev Molloy) 3:56
9. PETER SIMPSON The Man Who Steadies The Lead (Slim Dusty) 2:38
(Instrumental)
10. GORDON LARKIN Piebald Pony Dream (Jim Gilmore/Gordon Larkin) 2:43
11. HILTON BOYLE This Is My Homeland (Words. M. Orford/Music. Hilton Boyle) 3:58
12. JOHN P. TOOMEY A Trucking Song (John P. Toomey) 2:59
Performed by Lex K
13. GUS HELM The Dust Of Cobb & Co (Gus Helm) 2:34
14. GORDON LARKIN Kempy (Jim Gilmore/Gordon Larkin) 3:11
15. PAUL SEILS South Australian Opal (Paul Seils) 2:36
16. MICHAEL PINCOTT Merv Webster - Bard & Balladeer (Michael Pincott) 2:11
17. COAD SISTERS Anzac’s Song (Instrumental) (V.& L. Coad) 2:57

For more A.B.B.A.product please check the Product page

THE BALLADEERS HOMESTEAD 2012
A leaflet is now available to help spread the word on the A.B.B.A.'s Tamworth venue 'The Balladeers Homestead' 328 Goonoo Goonoo Road (Salvation Army Hall Complex).

The leaflet advertises the 2012 A.B.B.A. Concerts and A.B.B.A. Member Showcases at "Balladeers Homestead" organised by the A.B.B.A.during the Tamworth Festival plus Independent artists Concerts.

< Two sides of the A5 leaflet.

All shows feature a huge array of A.B.B.A. balladeer member artists.

The leaflet is designed to help promote this venue to festival goers around Australia, creating awareness etc.

You are very welcome to contact the A.B.B.A. secretary lorraine@bushballadeers.com.au with your address and brochures will be sent out immediately.

The brochures maybe displayed on your product tables at festivals or at personal shows etc.
Every little bit of promotion given will assist towards greater crowd attendances at the Balladeers Homestead Tamworth 2012.

Thank you for your support of this promotional project.

A confirmed artist appearance listing will be available on the TAMWORTH FESTIVAL 2012 page from mid November.

.

Stan Coster Memorial Bush Ballad Awards Finalists & Winners 2011
Male Vocal
Glenn Jones - Goodbye Old Chap *
Brian Letton - The Battered Billy Tin
Graham Rodger - Shadows Across the Moon

Female Vocal
Trudi Hintz - Saddle Boy
Charmaine Pout - Song of the River
Judy Stevens - Australia All Over *

New Talent
Gus Helm - Paroo River Dreaming
Trudi Hintz - Memories Won't Let Me Be *
Trent Holder - Cattlemen From the High Plains

Group or Duo
Ted Egan and Genni Kane - Ride on Little Cowboy
Glenn Jones - Brumbies Run
Peter Simpson - Akubra's in the Snow*

Album of the Year
Ted Egan - Saving the Best
Glenn Jones - Brumbies Run *
Tom Maxwell - Further Out

Song Writer
Ted Egan - The Marree Line
Graham Rodger - The Cooper Coming Down*
Graham Rodger - Take Your Bank and Shove It

Comedy Song
Ted Egan - Queensland Opera *
Glenn Jones - Stick in the Mud
Charmaine Pout - The Lord Helps Those Who Help Themselves

Barry Thornton
Encouragement Award: Trent Holder

KALESTI BUTLER TAKES OUT BALLADEER STAR QUEST
Held at the Wests’ Diggers Club Monday 17th of January during the Tamworth Festival, the winner of the 2011 A.B.B.A. Bush Balladeer Star Quest was 28 year old Kalesti Butler. Her first live appearance was at 3 years of age at Charters Towers Country Music Festival. She went on to win Qld Champions at the age of 9 and has since competed successfully in many other events. Kalesti now calls Emerald home.
The 2011 Bush Balladeer Star Quest featured top performances from the five finalists, Amelia Richards, Rod Brandt, Kalesti Butler, Tootie Hiles and Trent Holder.

The annual Bush Balladeer Star Quest is not just another quest. The winner must be dedicated to the bush ballad style and intent on making a career in the bush ballad industry. As a winner of the quest, that person receives recording time for a radio single, and major festival appearances around the country throughout their 12 months as winner which will bring them in contact with not only new fans for their music, but introduce their talent to the industry, radio and give them lifelong promotion skills.

The Star Quest Trophy was presented to Kalesti Butler by Australia’s first lady of country – Joye McKean.
Kalesti will be recording her winners single later in the year.

If you are heading to the Tamworth 2011 festival, please check out what is happening at the Balladeers Homestead and other Balladeer venues around Tamworth by going to the www.bushballadeers.com.au/festival.htm page.


The Australian Bush Balladeers Association Inc.

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VALE - RAY ROSE
On Saturday 11th of December at 9am, veteran bush ballad songwriter Ray Rose passed away. Ray leaves a legacy of award winning songwriting works recorded by many. He will be sadly missed.

Ray Rose was born in Taroom, Queensland on the 16th December, 1936. Raised on the family property "The Brae". Ray left home at nineteen and went working over various parts of the state, taking on what ever came to hand. Shearer, Breaker, Fencer, Drover, Truck Driver, Sapphire Miner, Butcher etc.
Just an old bushman, who, as he said, had been up more dry gullies than he cared to remember. He always had a yearning to own his own little piece of Australia [while there's still some left] and came close a few times.
Semi-retired, Ray lived at Gracemere, Queensland, and is survived by his wife Noreen and sons Wesley, Michael and Ethan.
Ray's songs have been recorded by Slim Dusty, Tom Maxwell, Brian Letton, Reg Poole, Dean Perrett, Nell Carter, Keith Jamieson and others.
Tom Maxwell's recording of "My Old R. M. Williams Boots" was featured in the promotional video of the manufacture of R. M. Williams boots. Tom Maxwell recorded a complete album of Ray Rose songs.
Ray took out the Golden Gumleaf Bush Laureate Award for his book Bulldust and Ballads for Book of the Year in 1996 and Bulldust and Ballads Volume 2 was also a finalist in two categories, Book of the Year and Original Book of the Year.

Funeral details still to be advised.
The A.B.B.A. extends deepest sympathies to the family.


VALE – RAY ROSE – 16- 12- 1936 / 11 -12 – 2010
We were deeply saddened upon receiving a phone call on Saturday 11/12/2010 notifying us of the passing of Ray. Ray will be saddley missed by those who knew him personally and as a songwriter.
I myself over the past decade have had a great association with Ray chatting over the phone about songs ect and always looked forward to catching up with the family when touring up north. Ray was a very prolific songwriter who had a way of putting verse to song of which many I have recorded over the years, with a most recently gaining a Top Five nomination for the 2011 Gold Guitar awards for Bush Ballad of The Year “ Kings without A crown “ written by Ray. Ray was a true bushman and
this showed within his love of writing's wriiten from with'in a bushmans heart.
Your so right old mate “ One lifetimes not enough.”
Ray has left behind wife Noreen, sons Wesley, Michael, Ethan and & Brad, to us a lot of treasured memories and great Bush Ballads. Our deepest condolences to the family at this sad time.
Tom and Lyn Maxwell
Pic: Ray Rose & Tom Maxwell

GOLDEN GUITAR FINALISTS 2011 ANNNOUNCED!
Album of the Year
Keep Breathing - Dianna Corcoran, produced by Rebecca Lyn Howard (USA) & Elisha Hoffman (USA)
Little Bird - Kasey Chambers, produced by Kasey Chambers & the Millionaires
Planet Country - Lee Kernaghan, produced by Garth Porter
Still Walking - Graeme Connors, produced by Matt Fell
Wrapped Up Good - The McClymonts, produced by Nath Chapman (USA) & Adam Anders (USA)
Male Artist of the Year
Luke Austen - She's So You
Adam Brand - It's Gonna Be OK
Graeme Connors - A Good Life
Lee Kernaghan - Planet Country
Markus Meier - A Different Land
Female Artist of the Year
Catherine Britt - Can't Change A Thing
Kasey Chambers - Little Bird
Dianna Corcoran - Thank You For Cheating On Me
Tracy Killeen - Brave
Melinda Schneider - The Deadwood Stage
Maton New Talent of the Year
Luke Austen - She's So You
Tracy Killeen - Brave
McAlister Kemp - All Kinds Of Tough
Markus Meier - A Different Land
Peter McWhirter - I Will Stand By You
Group or Duo of the Year
The Bostocks - Not By A Long Shot
Jonah's Road - End Of The World
McAlister Kemp - All Kinds Of Tough
The McClymonts - Wrapped Up Good
The Sunny Cowgirls - Summer
Vocal Collaboration of the Year
Both Sides Now - Adam Harvey & The McClymonts
Here We Are - Anne Kirkpatrick & Bill Chambers
Love Like A Hurricane - Kasey Chambers & Kevin Bennett
Seven Spanish Angels - Adam Harvey & Troy Cassar-Daley
Sing Me Home - McAlister Kemp & Adam Brand
Toyota Heritage Song of the Year
Angels Without Halos - written & recorded by Graham Rodger
Australian Boy - written by Lee Kernaghan, Col Buchanan & Garth Porter, recorded by Lee Kernaghan
Children Of The Gurindji - written by Sara Storer, recorded by Sara Storer & Kev Carmody
Nullabor (The Biggest Backyard) - written & recorded by Kasey Chambers
Sacred Bones - written by Luke Austen & Troy Cassar-Daley, recorded by Luke Austen
Fender Instrumental of the Year
Badl Bounce - Steve Passfield
Dixie Breakdown - Ian Simpson & John Kane
Optimystical - Michael Fix
Pronto Tonto - Brendan Radford
Run And Hide - The Bostocks
APRA Song of the Year
All The Money's Gone - written by Graeme Connors
Better Than This - written by Rod McCormack & Adam Harvey
It Don't Buy You Love - written by Drew McAlister & Mike Carr
Little Bird - written by Kasey Chambers
Planet Country - written by Lee Kernaghan, Matt Scullion, Garth Porter, Colin Buchanan
Video Clip of the Year
Australian Boy - Lee Kernaghan, directed by Jesse Frazer
Calling Me Home - Sara Storer, directed by Duncan Toombs
Girl In The Mall - Felicity Urquhart, directed by Erica Davis
Little Bird - Kasey Chambers, directed by Gemma Lee, Blackeberry Films
Wrapped Up Good - The McClymonts, directed by Conti Brothers
Single of the Year
A Beach House in the Blue Mountains - Graeme Connors
Little Bird - Kasey Chambers
Planet Country - Lee Kernaghan
Thank You For Cheating On Me - Dianna Corcoran
Wrapped Up Good - The McClymonts
Bush Ballad of the Year
The Battered Billy Tin - written by Shaza Leigh & Ben Jacobs, recorded by Brian Letton
The Cooper Coming Down - written & recorded by Graham Rodger
Every Time He Travels Through Cloncurry - written by Peter Denahy, recorded by Luke Austen
Kings Without A Crown - written by Ray Rose, recorded by Tom Maxwell
Say G'Day From Me - written & recorded Ian Quinn

THE 2011 BUSH BALLADEER STAR QUEST FINALISTS HAVE BEEN ANNOUNCED!
For more details go to......
http://www.bushballadeers.com.au/finalists.htm

GIDGEE COAL AWARD Finalists & WINNERS ANNOUNCED 21st November!

FINALISTS & WINNERS
MALE VOCAL.
Brewery Flat - Glenn Jones
Costers Curried Goat - Tom McIvor
The Passing Of Cobber Jack - Pete Smith
There's Still A Country Boy In Me - Johnny Greenwood
Bogong - Ernie Constance [WINNER]
FEMALE VOCAL.
Memories Of Tent Hill - Rachel Jillett
Little Western Gully - Lana Ross
Cooper After Rain - Dianne Lindsay [WINNER]
Saddle Boy - Trudy Hintz
VOCAL GROUP/ DUO/COLLABORATION.
Goin' Rodeoin' - Glenn Jones /Reg Poole [WINNER]
Good Friends - Lex K /Anita Ree
Country All The Way - Dianne /Reg Lindsay
Homestead Of My Dreams - Ged/Trudy Hintz
Long Road Home - Dianne Lindsay/ Anne Kirkpatrick
INSTRUMENTAL.
Walk A Country Mile - Lindsay Waddington
The Maple Sugar Sweetheart - Lindsay Hammond [WINNER]
Bellinger River/Lead Me Down To The Stockyard - Peter Simpson
ALBUM.
Jonsey Sings Reg Poole -Glenn Jones
The Naked Bullrider - Tom McIvor
Milestones - Ernie Constance [WINNER]
Heartbeat Of Australia - Dianne Lindsay
Western Star - Pete Smith
SONGWRITER.
When The Sun Sinks Away In The West - Ernie Constance
When The Brisbane Wattle Blooms Again - Johnny Greenwood
The Bridle That Hangs On The Wall - R. King/Nola Williams
Kellies Eyes - Dianne Lindsay
Manarichie Rails - Johnny Kaye/ Tom Mcivor [WINNERS]
NEW TALENT.
Memories Of Tent Hill - Rachel Jillet
Hittin'the Murray - David Baldi
Won't Those Memories Let Me Be - Trudy Hintz [WINNER]
Axemark On A Gidgee - Ged Hintz
COMEDY/ NOVELTY.
The Woolshed Friday Night - Johnny Kaye/Alec Raymer
The Snake In Charlies Pants - Col Edmonds
How Ya Goin' Mate - Johnny Greenwood
The Man Who Hated Snakes - Tom McIvor [WINNER]
Ripped Off - Lex K.
SINGLE.
Old Time Drover - Rod Williams [WINNER]
Hittin The Murray - David Baldi

GIDGEE COAL BUSH BALLAD LIVING LEGEND AWARD.
[ REG POOLE OAM]
ENCOURAGEMENT AWARD
[ALLAN LUSCOMBE]

Vale – Dot Dawson

Dot Dawson, wife and partner of the late Smoky Dawson, died in her Sydney nursing home this afternoon after a long illness.

Dot celebrated her 104th birthday just a couple of weeks ago on October 12.

Florence Dawson (nee Cheers) was born in Maryborough, Victoria, in 1906 to a mother with an Italian background and a father with a Welsh background.

In an interview by Rob Willis on file at the National Library of Australia, Dot recalled winning four guineas in a voice training competition in Bendigo, her first public performance at the Melbourne Town Hall and teaching elocution to young hopeful stars of radio and stage through the 1920s and '30s.

She recalled working at an amateur radio station in the late 1920s and being one of the first female broadcasters on radio.

In the interview, Dot says she was offered a job in radio, starting in voice production, radio plays, early radio advertising and children's radio programs including the 3KZ children's program after which she was called up by the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Commission) to work for them during the war including in the drama section and sound effect studios.

When she met Smoky in the early 1930s, she said Smoky's ambition was to succeed.

She recalled their early courting days, Smoky's songs and his illness after the war when he was laid up in hospital for more than a year. Dot and Smoky met doing their radio work.

After her time at the ABC, she returned to 3KZ where she stayed until she and Smoky took up an offer to go to America. While in the USA, Dot worked at a radio station in Tennessee as well as with Smoky.

Though the Dawsons, who married in 1944, never had children of their own, the couple loved children. This love extended to taking in a foster child for four years and to a long association with the Bear Cottage children's charity.

Among Dot's memorable radio career, she said, was getting involved with promoting Police on radio programs for children ("My Friend The Policeman") and the "Aunty June" program (Dot was Aunty June).

As recently as 2006, Dot and Smoky were still involved in radio, presenting a weekly country music program on a community station on Sydney's north shore.

Details of Dot's funeral will be included here when known.

Photo: Dot Dawson, at one of her last official functions, the 2007 Australian Country Music Hall of Fame Salute dinner to her and Smoky in Tamworth.
Article courtesy of The Country Music Bulletin website
http://www.countrymusicbulletin.com.au/

PASSING OF A LEGEND

Well known bush ballad writer TONY BROOKS passed away in Atherton late Sunday 5th September morning. Tony was 83.

Tony's songs have been recorded my many artists including Slim Dusty - When The Srubbers Break, Jimberella Kid and Pushing Time are some of the Tony Brooks songs recorded by Slim. Tony had battled many types of cancer since the early 1990s and he continued to write until the end of his life.

"Tony Brooks was a composite of all the characters he wrote about in his songs", said country music writer and photographer John Elliott. "Brooksie was fair dinkum - a real bush character who spoke his mind and fought for what he believed in. He stuck by his mates and was a passionate believer in all things Australian."

Tony is survived by his wife Rita and children Carl, Kim and Noni.

Funeral details are still to be announced.

Vale - Rick Aitchison
A sad loss to bush ballad fans and friends in country music re the passing of singer/songwriter recording artist Rick Aitchison on Thursday 15th April.
Deepest Sympathies to the Aitchison family
The funeral will be held at Lake Innes Memorial Gardens cemetary, Oxley Highway, Port Macquarie at 11:00 am on Friday 23rd April.

Vale - Pam Thomasson
Songwriter, recording artist Pam Thomasson passed away Thursday 15th of April. A recent songs the "Best Part Of A Fair While" and "Ol'Bawly" of Pam's was recorded by bush balladeer artist Sharon Smith.
A sad loss to the bush ballad industry.
Deepest Sympathies to the Thomasson family.
Funeral details to be advised.

RACHEL RICHARDS - VIDEO CLIP - ON CMC!
Rachel Richards latest single to be released from the album "Beautiful Dreams" has an accompanying video clip which can now be requested via the CMC website. The more requests, the more chance that it will be played on Austar and Foxtel on CMC. It's easy to request just go to www.countrymusicchannel.com.au and sign up as a member then click on request, type in the song title, "Going Home" and select the song. Rachel would greatly appreciate you taking the time to request this clip. Thanks.
www.countrymusicchannel.com.au

EXCELLENT TAMWORTH FESTIVAL 2010!
Once again the Balladeers Homestead, The Frog and Toad, Butlers Auditorium, The Oasis Hotel and other bush Ballad venues around town experienced great support for the Traditional Bush Ballad shows. This was wonderful to see.

The 'Balladeers Homestead' (Salvation Community Complex) had wonderful crowd support for the A.B.B.A. and Independent concerts throughout the week. The Salvation Army Kitchen staff again supplied top quality service and food throughout the week. Our thanks to all their volunteer staff who contributed in making the week a success.

THANKYOU!
We sincerely thank all who promote the Bush Ballad music and many shows at Tamworth Festival via word of mouth and radio. Your help keeps the crowds coming to support the Tamworth Festival and in particular from our point of view - the Bush Ballad shows.
Overall this would have been one of our best years so far.

HARD WORK PAYS OFF!
There is a lot of hard work put in by not only the A.B.B.A.committee but all independant organisers of the many shows around Tamworth and by all the artists involved to promote the various bush ballad shows and be part of the Tamworth Festival every year.

We have had so much positive feedback to all the shows our patrons supported - not only the "Balladeers Homestead' but at all the many bush ballad venues around town. It was great to hear.

SPREAD THE WORD!
Help keep the word positive re Bush Ballad shows being alive and kicking in Tamworth, because these annual Tamworth Bush Ballad shows held over many years now have become the strongest they have ever been due to growing public support and awareness of the Bush Ballad.
We need to continue to maintain the momentum of the bush ballad which has taken so much hard work and dedication to build.

Without the public's support we would have no festival to be part of, nore the crowds to support the shows that take so much effort, expense and planning to bring to Tamworth every year.
.
On behalf of the A.B.B.A. I thank all the members involved in our Concerts/Showcases etc.... we once again thank everyone for your contribution to making it another successful festival and look forward to doing it all again next year!!!

A.B.B.A. in the Parade...
The Australian Bush Balladeers Asociation celebrated its 10 year birthday in January.
After a two year break from being in the Parade, the A.B.B.A again ran a float courtesy of Careys transport Tamworth. We have inlcuded some pics of the float... and some of the shows at the Homestead..... All in all it was a top festival... and our sincere thanks to all for helping make it the success it was.

DAVID BALDI 2010 STAR QUEST WINNER!
On January 18th, the Australian Bush Balladeers Association held their annual Bush Balladeer Star Quest featuring 6 contestants. This prestigious Quest finds new upcoming bush ballad talent and again delivered a strong winner David Baldi, singer/songwriter from Victoria. At just 17 years of age, David is from Park Orchards in Victoria. David’s songs are about Australian people and places, He is in year 11 and studying certificate two in agriculture. David will spend the next twelve months as ambassador for the Australian Bush Balladeers Association, performing at major festivals and events around Australia. As part of his win, David will record a single later in the year. More info on David....
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Photo_ David Baldi with Star Quest trophy, Joy McKean and Peter Coad.
Photo by Toni Cook

Hunter Valley Bush Ballad Club welcomes you...
G'day everyone,
The Hunter Valley Australian Traditional & Bush Ballad Club was formed 3 years ago to promote Australian Country Music in particular the Bush Ballads. Our patrons are Glenn Jones, and Trevor Day. the club has grown in strength each year, we meets the last Sunday of the month at Hexham Bowling Club starting at 1pm and finishing at 5pm, our aim is to promote Australian Country Music and encourage all ages to perform, there a couple of other roundups in our area but if you are older or sing Bush Ballads they won't let you perform. We meet in the form of a showcase featuring each of our members. singing 3 songs if time permits, some of our artists are Slim Newton, Bob Easter, Greg Bain, Noel Riley and John Sutherland. we have a house band and some Sundays we feature upto 17 artists. There is no charge to attend. Every three months we feature a Guest artist. all Australian songs and no backing tapes. We average 80 people every month. Our first showcase for the year was on Sunday the 24th of February. If anyone is passing through on the last Sunday of the month drop in and have a great afternoon of Country Music. Also if any artist is planning a tour and are passing Hexham if they could ring Ian on 0249826923 and we might be able to book you. We need at least 2 months notice. Australian songs only. you will find us a friendly lot and all are welcome.
Regards,
Ian Crombie (Public Relations)
crombii@iprimus.com.au

A.B.B.A. The Balladeers Compilation album No. 11 No 8 of Aust. Balladeers Remembered - OUT NOW!
For more purchase details you may go to www.bushballadeers.com.au/compilation.htm online via the Country Music Store, Brisbane. or email the A.B.B.A. Secretary

A.B.B.A. Badge Available! Metal with Butterfly clip.
The A.B.B.A. now have a badge available..... prices below>
BADGE $5 each - Members + $1 postage ( Australia).
BADGE $5.50 - Non Member + $1 postage (Australia).
Overseas - Postage $5.00 ea.
If you would like to purchase one or some of these, please forward a M/O or cheque to Lorraine Pfitzner, PO Box 90, Tamworth 2340 NSW or email the Secretary

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