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FUND RAISING FOR CHAD'S BUST!
Chad Morgan, the “Sheik of Scrubby Creek” is the
last Australian country music pioneer!
Chad has well and truly earned the
title of King of Australian Country Music Comedy. Through the
years of touring, recording, performing and travelling countless
country miles, he’s become an institution in Australasian
country music. He has out-sung, out-drunk and outlived his famous
contemporaries.
When Slim Dusty died in 2003 the
heavy title of country music’s “national treasure”
was passed on to Chad. Dubbed the “clown prince of comedy”
by Slim Dusty, he’s the man who has been making Australian
country music fans laugh for more than six decades.
Chad was inducted into the TAMWORTH
HANDS OF FAME in 1979. The ROLL OF RENOWN in 1987, the KEMPSEY
LIVING LEGEND AWARD in 2002 and the ORDER OF AUSTRALIA MEDAL
(OAM) in 2004. Chad was the first person to be honoured with
the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD at the 2010 CMAA Awards in Tamworth,
Australia’s country music capital.
To that end, we are asking his multitude
of Australian country music fans to assist us in this OzCrowd
crowd funding campaign to help us commission a bronze bust of
this Aussie country music pioneer. The bronze bust will be placed
in Bicentennial Park, Tamworth, ensuring Chad claims his true
place among the other busts of Australia’s country music
legends.
After more than six decades on the stage, there’s no sign
of Chad slowing down either! He is now in his 80's and still
touring his much beloved “Chad Morgan Show” around
Australia. You can check out all his touring dates, as well
as purchase his CD’s and DVD’s at his website www.chadmorgan.com.au
So come on all you Australian country music fans! Lets make
this happen! Give Chad Morgan the honour of Tamworth’s
next bronze bust!
Lets make sure Chad gets to claim his true place among the Bronze
Busts of Australia’s Country Music Legends in Tamworth’s
Bicentennial Park!
Chad has well and truly earned the title of King of Australian
Country Music Comedy. Through the years of touring, recording,
performing and travelling countless country miles, he’s
become an institution in Australasian country music. He has
out-sung, out-drunk and outlived his famous contemporaries.
To that end, we are asking his multitude of Australian country
music fans to assist us in this 3 month – $20,000 OzCrowd
crowd funding campaign to help us commission a bronze bust of
this Aussie country music pioneer.
The bronze bust will be placed in Bicentennial Park, Tamworth,
ensuring Chad claims his true place among the other busts of
Australia’s country music legends!
So come on all you Australian country music fans! Lets make
this happen! Give Chad Morgan the honour of Tamworth’s
next bronze bust!!
Mark Cohen (Chad's
website management)
me@youatme.com
www.chadmorgan.com.au
The crowd funding site is "OzCrowd", and the link
to the crowd funding page for Chad's campaign is:
fund
raising link
BUNGENDORE MEMORIAL AWARDS
results 2016
MALE VOCAL
Tom Maxwell - DRIFT BACK IN TIME
FEMALE VOCAL
Norma O'Hara Murphy - SOLID GOLD
NEW TALENT
Caitlyn Jamieson - MY MUM & DAD
GROUP OR DUO
Coad Sisters - THINGS ARE NOT THE SAME ON THE LAND
INSTRUMENTAL
Lindsay Butler - BENEATH THE OLD MOON
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Keith Jamieson - PLAIN AND SIMPLE DRIFTER
SONGWRITER
Laura Downing - THE MT TAMBOURINE DROVER
COMEDY
Keith Jamieson - THIRTY SOWS & PIGS
BARRY THORNTON ENCOUAGEMENT
AWARD
Caitlyn Jamieson
WALKUPS WINNER
Michael Craig
Congratulations to all.
TAMWORTH
COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL 2016 - BALLADEERS HOMESTEAD
All shows and artist listing appearing at the Balladeers Homestead,
328 Goonoo Goonooo Road, Tamworth are now on www.bushballadeers.com.au/festival.htm
This includes ABBA Member Showcase, Days and Times. :)
----------------------------------
GIDGEE COAL BUSH BALLAD
AWARDS
FINALISTS & WINNERS 2015
ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Tom McIvor - “The Pride of Australia”
Bruce Lavender - “Take Me Back” (Winner)
John Smith - “Murrumbidgee Mud”
MALE VOCAL
John Smith - “Old Axe Man”
Terry Bennetts - “Fitzroy River"(Winner)
Bruce Lavender - “Take Me Back in a Song”
FEMALE VOCAL
Rachel Jillett - “Blue Gums Calling Me Back Home”
Kylie Castle - “The Friend I’ve Never Met”
(Winner)
Sharon Heaslip - “The Drought”
COMEDY/NOVELTY
Tom McIvor - “Vegemite on Toast” (Winner)
Bruce Lavender - “Santa Claus is a Cowboy”
John Smith - “Mailman’s Mate”
SONGWRITING
Terry Bennetts/Keith Lethbridge - “Fitzroy River”
Bruce Lavender - “Our Bushmen of Yesterday””
Tom McIvor - “Tent Show Fighters” (Winner)
INSTRUMENTAL
Ray Pratley - “Rabbit Flats”
Terry Bennetts - “Gnangara Sunset” (Winner)
Peter Salata - “Saddle the Wind”
GROUP OR DUO/COLLABORATION
Ged & Trudy Hintz - “Looks Like the Drought Has Broken”
Gunbarrel Highwaymen - “Do it All Over Again” (Winner)
Sharon Heaslip & Keith Jamieson - “Further Out”
Legend Awards :
Rick Carey & Norma O'Hara Murphy
New Talent: Garth Brand:
Encouragement : Rachel Jillett.
Award of Appreciation: presented to Keith Jamieson
& Alisha Smith
from John & Margaret Staunton, Ros Scotney and Friends of
the Gidgee Coal Awards.
-------------------------------
BUNGENDORE AWARDS FINALISTS
2016
Finalists in The Stan Coster Memorial Awards are as follows
but not necessary in order of placing.
Male Vocal.
Pete Smith: Country Way of Life, Justin Standley: Return of
the Stockmen, Tom Maxwell: Drift Back in Time.
Female Vocal. Dianne Lindsay: Charlie,
Laura Downing: The Vanishing Breed, Norma O’Hara Murphy:
Solid Gold
New Talent. Allan Herbert; Country Lovin,
Graeme Doubleday; The Boy I Left Behind, Caitlyn Jamieson: My
Mum and Dad.
Duo. Coad Sisters: Things Are Not The
Same on The Land, Shaza Leigh and Lynette Guest: Something of
a Privilege. Sharon Heaslip: Further Out.
Instrumental. Lindsay Butler: Beneath
the Old Moon, Ray Pratley: Rabbit Flats, John Kilcullen: Freight
Train Yodel.
Album. John Smith: Always On the Road,
Keith Jamieson: Plain and Simple Drifter, Tom Maxwell: Pictures
in the Smoke
Song Writers. Tootie Hiles: The Condamine,
Keith Jamieson: Plain and Simple Drifter, Laura Downing: The
MT. Tamborine Drover
Comedy. Keith Jamieson; Baby Boomin’
Grey Nomads, Keith Jamieson: Thirty Sows and Pigs, Keith Jamison;
Country Hat
DEAN PERRETT - BACK TO
THE STUDIO AGAIN
3 time Golden
Guitar recipient Dean Perrett has been back in the studio during
late September and early October recording his new Bush Ballad/
Australiana Album.
Once again Dean is co-producing the project with Nashville based
record producer Larry Marrs. Dean says he is once again indeed
fortunate to have some top songs from some of Australia’s
very best writers as well as songs from his own pen. There will
also be a special tribute song featuring 2 other Great Aussie
talents.
ROSEWOOD COUNTRY ROUNDUP
Held over the 21st-25th of October, at the Rosewood Golf Club
and grounds (near Tumberumba NSW), the gates open Monday 19th.
Artists appearing include: Lucky Starr, Rodney Vincent, Tom
& Patsy Routledge, Jay Podger, Lynette Guest and Rodney
Walker, Greg Bain, Ernie Constance. Poets: Merv & Chris
Webster and Garry Lowe.
SLIM DUSTY COUNTRY MUSIC
MEMORIES WEEK
19th to the 25th of October Kempsey will host the Slim Dusty
Memories week. Special artists appearing include:- Tania Kernaghan,
Anne Kirkpatrick and David Kirkpatrick & The Travelling
Country Band, Steve Passfield, Kathryn Jones, Trevor Tolton,
Dean Perrett, Glen Albrecht, Ken Lindsay, Johnny Greenwood,
Amos Morris, Pete Smith, Tom Maxwell, Dianne Lindsay, Peter
Simpson, Gary Fogarty, Ray Essery, Ged and Trudy Hintz, Sam
Smyth, Peter Coad & The Coad Sisters & Mickey Pye.
LEETON COUNTRY ROUNDUP
Held over Wed 28th Oct. to Sun 1st November at the Leeton Jockey
Club, Racecourse Road, Leeton NSW, artists will include Craig
Giles, Tom Maxwell, Johanna Hemara , Nathan Charlton, Grant
Luhrs, John Battle and the Redback Studio Band. Friday night
dance with music from Sharon Benjamin
DALE DUNCAN – NEW
ALBUM
Dale Duncan will be teaming up with 3 times Golden Guitar winner,
Bush Balladeer Dean Perrett for a duet on a song penned by Dean
entitled 'Back To The Bush Again'.
The track will be part of a new album from Dale, who travelled
to Nashville USA over late July to record the bed tracks with
renowned Country Music multi award winning producer Larry Marrs.
In the past three years, Dale has released two albums, (produced
by Lindsay Butler LBS Music) 'Family Values' and 'The Heart
of Australia'. Dale has had eight consecutive Country Music
Hits including two #1's. The new album will be titled 'Back
To The Bush' and will feature fourteen tracks with ten new songs
by some of the best Australian Bush Ballad writers including:-
Peter Coad, Graham Rodger, Dean Perrett, Peter Simpson, Dianne
Lindsay, Terry Bennetts, Keith Jamieson, Keith Lethbridge, Geoff
Sidebottom, Tony Sergeant, Nathan Charlton, Ben Jacobs and of
course Dale himself.
The project is expected to be completed later in 2015.
MILDURA COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Held between Friday 25th of September and Sunday 4th of October
this major independent artist festival is held annually in the
beautiful city of Mildura, Victoria. From Traditional Bush Ballads
to Contemporary Country you will find a full calendar of top
line talent to appease the ears. A highlight of the event is
the prestigious Southern Stars Awards.
BEDGEREBONG COUNTRY MUSIC CAMPOUT
WEEK
Bedgerebong near Forbes, has its’ own special country
charm, and comes alive over the 6th to the 13th of October with
the annual Music Campout. Guest artists this year include Tom
Maxwell, Errol Gray, Dianne Lindsay & Peter Simpson, Patsy
& Tom Routledge, Sharon Heaslip, Pete Smith, Peter Pratt,
Country Keys & Strings.|
PORT PIRIE COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL
Held in Pt. Pirie in the South Australia over the 8th –
the 11th of October, this annual event always presents fine
lineup of artists, which this year includes Aubrey & Martin,
Kalesti Butler, Amos Morris, Col Perkins and Sandie Dodd, along
with Dwayne Elix, Bill Bedford, Cactus Martins and many more.
ARIAH PARK “MARY GILMORE”
CULTURAL FESTIVAL
The Ariah Park Mary Gilmore Cultural Festival will be held from
the 14th to the 18th of October with the music festival on Sat.17th.
Wayne Horsburgh, Bill Grey, Dennis Morgan, Sami (Cooke), Dale
Hooper and Christina George headline the entertainment list.
WIDGEE BUSH BALLADEERS MUSTER
The Widgee Showgrounds set the scene for this annual event,
held over the 8th to the 11th of October. Artists this year
include Keith & Caitlyn Jamieson, Alisha Smith, Alan Luscombe,
Kevin Groves, Bruce Lavender, Ashley Cook, Jeff Gibson, Terry
Gordon, Alice Benfer, Kylie Castle and Olivia Nolan.
THE MUNNA CREEK COUNTRY MUSIC
FESTIVAL
The Munna Creek Country Music Festival will be happening over
the 3rd weekend of October (15th/16th/17th/18th). Artists on
the bill include Owen Blundell, Laurie Minson, Pete Smith, Tom
Maxwell, Sharon Heaslip and Jeff Gibson. Backing provided by
Lindsay Waddington, Tony Wagner, Kerry McDonnell and Cockroach
Wilson.
MAY
27th, 2015
SLIM DUSTY’S FORGOTTEN GOLDEN GUITAR
It might be surprising for Slim Dusty fans to learn that the
number of Golden Guitars won by the legendary Australian, Slim
Dusty, has increased from 37 to 38, despite the fact that Slim
died some 12 years ago in 2003. In fact, neither Slim nor his
music, has won another of the prized trophies presented in Tamworth
each year in January. It’s simply a matter of rectifying
a mistake that was made in the statistics many decades ago.
The inaugural Australasian Country Music Awards were staged
by Radio 2TM in the Tamworth Town Hall on a very hot Sunday
night on January 28th 1973. The initial Award that compere Kevin
Knapp announced that historic night was for APRA Song of The
Year. To present the Award, well known composer, George Dasey
(They’re a Weird Mob), was invited to the stage and he
presented the first ever Golden Guitar to Joy McKean for her
composition “Lights On The Hill”.
For many years Slim has been credited for winning only two Golden
Guitars at those first Awards in 1973. One was for the Best
EP or Single (Lights on the Hill) and another for the Best 12”
LP Album (Me And My Guitar). But, recently, Joy McKean and Anne
Kirkpatrick have been going through the collection of Slim memorabilia,
preparing it for the move to The Slim Dusty Centre in Kempsey
later this year, and discovered an extra Golden Guitar from
1973 and were puzzled about it. They wondered if it could be
a duplicate they had acquired for some reason.
However, after checking a rare tape recording of the first Awards
in 1973, from the Tamworth Sound and Film Archive, it was discovered
that Slim had also been awarded a Golden Guitar as the artist
who sang Joy’s Best Composition, (Lights On The Hill).
So now we know that Slim won three Golden Guitars in January
1973, and not the two that had been counted previously. Things
changed considerably in later presentations; 2TM dropped the
Golden Guitar for the singer of the Best Composition and also,
Golden Guitars given to winning record companies were dropped.
With the Slim Dusty Centre in Kempsey nearing completion, it
is appropriate that the great Slim Dusty is now credited with
the third forgotten trophy he won in 1973, bringing his grand
total up to 38 Golden Guitars awards, unmatched to date.
Commenting on the change, the Secretary of the Country Music
Association of Australia, Meryl Davis said, “It’s
great to see Slim’s tally of Golden Guitars being updated.
As a person who contributed so much to Australian country music,
Slim deserves all the recognition and thanks we can give him.
It will be exciting to see the Golden Guitars he won, on display
in the Slim Dusty Centre.”
All of Slim’s 38 Golden Guitars awards will be on display
in a special feature at the Slim Dusty Museum in Kempsey when
it opens in October this year.
For more information: Slim Dusty Centre (02) 65626533 or Max
Ellis 0438667314 or gmaxellis@icloud.com.
DEAN
PERRETT has signed to the newly partnered label WJO / Universal
Music Australia.
In what is a huge leap forward for traditional country music
in Australia, DEAN PERRETT MUSIC has signed to the newly partnered
label WJO / Universal Music Australia.
'I certainly am thrilled to now have my music distributed by
WJO and Universal Music' Dean said. 'WJO has always given me
100% commitment and service, and the fact they are now working
side by side with Universal Music Australia takes the availability
of my music to a whole new level. Not since the days of the
great Slim Dusty and the legendary Buddy Williams has the Australian
Bush Ballad been so readily available to fans of a musical style
born off the bush for the enjoyment of all Australians. I am
excited by the prospect of many more people enjoying my Australian
story songs'.
Three time Australian Country Music Award Of Australia winner
and leading traditional Australian country music recording Artist,
Dean also releases his brand new single 'Lorraine' to radio
and media. The track pays tribute to an enduring part of Australian
history, Lorraine Station, an iconic cattle property in the
Gulf country of North West Queensland. Lorraine Station has
continued to remain Australian owned by the same family company
for 100 years despite many large properties being bought out
by overseas investors.
Dean will re-release all seven albums 'Cattle Town', 'I'm The
Land', 'My Bush Heritage', 'New Traditions', 'Return Of The
Stockman', 'Shelter Of The Cross' and 'A Thousand Campfires'
through WJO / Universal Music Australia on the 3rd July 2015
followed by his brand new album featuring the new single Lorraine
later this year.
All media inquiries should be directed to info@wjo.com.au
GUITAR AUCTION IS HAPPENING NOW!
At
the Tamworth Country Music Festival this year, we held the inaugural
'Back To The Bush' Concert on the main stage in the Toyota Bicentennial
Park where Dot Bevan from Hervey Bay won a Bryden Guitar signed
by the thirty artists on the concert. This guitar will become
very collectable as time goes on. Dot has generously decided
to put the guitar up for auction to raise money for "Aussie
Helpers', a group dedicated to helping people on the land in
times of need. And that time is now. Along with the guitar is
a two hour DVD of the Back To The Bush Concert which is to be
released in June. If you would like to make a bid for the guitar,
go to the Facebook page for Aussie Helpers www.facebook.com/aussiehelpers
or visit their website www.aussiehelpers.org.au.
Good luck.
TRIBUTE TO ANZACS TOUR
Golden guitar winner Graham Rodger will be taking to outback
Australia with his ‘Tribute To The ANZACS’ ‘Tag
Along’ Tour. The tour kicks off on the 22nd of May 2015
with around 45 caravans.
This will be the second year Graham has taken his music on the
road, with a ‘tag along’ group of music lovers.
From Miles to the Red Centre, towns include Miles, Mitchell,
Charleville, Tambo, Yaraka, Windorah, Longreach, Winton, Cloncurry,
Mt Isa, Camooweal, Tennant Creek, Whycliffe Wells, Alice Springs
and Ross River. There is a one off concert in Mt Isa with the
BROTHERS 3, smokos, and a dinner show at Qantas Museum just
to mention a few highlights. Check Graham’s website for
all details. www.grahamrodger.com.au
PHIL & CHRIS
COAD'S COUNTRY MUSTER
This popular annual event is held at the undercover area at
Wyper Park Scout Camp, Bundaberg Queensland, from Tuesday 19th
- Sunday 24th May, artists featured are Dean Perrett, Kalesti
Butler, Pete Smith, Johnny Greenwood, Greg Bain, Ashley Cook,
Julie Perandes, Kathy & Michael Coad, Barry K. & Lin
Chandler, Bruce & Mark Lavender, Keith Jamieson & Alisha
Smith & Caitlyn Jane.
BARHAM BALLADEERS
The annual Barham Balladeers & Country Music weekend will
be held on the 29- 31st 29- 31st of May in the Barham Services
Club – Barham. Artists this year are Matt Manning, Brian
Letton, John and Christine Smith, Peter Smith, Bec Hance, Peter
Coad & The Coad Sisters, Jim Hermel and Tom Maxwell.
THE BOULDY BUSH
BALLAD BASH
Held at the PROGRESS ASSOCIATION COMPLEX — BOULDERCOMBE
QUEENSLAND just 25klms on Mt Morgan Road from Rockhampton, Monday
11th - Sunday 17th of May. Artists appearing include Jeff Brown,
Gary Fogarty, Ray Essery, Alan Luscombe, Sharon Heaslip, Bec
Hance, Kevin Groves, Pete Smith, Allan Caswell, Keith Jamieson,
Caitlyn Jane Jamieson and Alisha Smith.
TENTHILL TURNOUT
On Saturday 23rd of May, the annual concert to honour the late
Stan Coster will be held at the Ma Ma Creek Hall from 7pm. Ma
Ma Creek Hall can be found via Gatton in south east Queensland.
Stan’s daughter Tracy Coster will be on the show along
with Brian Letton, Jenny Brosman, Errol Gray, Pixie Jenkins
and Steve Newton.
DVD FUNDS TO ACMF
A DVD of the 2015 ‘Back To The Bush’ Concert will
be available in May. This two hour concert features 30 prominent
bush balladeer artists and a band featuring some of Australia’s
top musicians. All proceeds from the sale of this DVD support
the Australian Country Music Foundation in Tamworth who preserve
and record our Australian country music heritage. Dianne Lindsay
and Peter Simpson thank the Tamworth Regional Council and all
the artists and musicians who made this event possible. DVDs
can be ordered through www.diannelindsay.com, P.O. Box 5058,
Gwandalan NSW 2259 or phone 0402296747.
MAY ALBUM RELEASE
The 17th Australian Bush Balladeers compilation album will be
released late May. With 21 tracks this album assists in promoting
the many artists involved. The project includes new recordings
from Dean Perrett, Peter Coad, Ian Hands, Zeta Burns, The Coad
Sisters and Lorraine Pfitzner. More information will be available
soon on www.bushballadeers.com.au/product.htm
Vale - MERV SCHAPEL
Merv Schapel a presenter at 90.1FM Victor Harbour radio
in South Australia passed away recently. Merv was a strong supporter
of country music and bush ballad artists travelling through
the area. Radio presenters who support traditional music and
artists in the calibre of Merv Schapel are highly valued in
our music industry, and Merv will be sadly missed by artists
and all that knew him. Deepest sympathies to the Schapel family.
WAGGA WAGGA COUNTRY
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Wagga Country Music weekend will be held over the 14th &
17th of May. Wagga Commercial Club, Wagga NSW.
This will be a top weekend, with artists Tom Maxwell, Brian
Letton, Don Costa and Grant Luhrs on the lineup.
THE SLIM DUSTY CENTRE
OPENS IN OCTOBER 2015
The Australian legacy of Slim Dusty continues to grow with the
official announcement that the nationally significant Slim Dusty
Centre, incorporating the long awaited Slim Dusty Museum, will
officially open in Kempsey, on the Macleay Valley Coast NSW,
this October 2015. The Slim Dusty Centre will be a major “must
see” attraction for national and international tourists
alike.
Throughout his long and hugely successful career, this Australian
music pioneer achieved so many "firsts" in the Australian
entertainment industry. Even now, twelve years after his passing,
the King of Australian country music is still achieving those
industry breakthroughs. With the opening of the Slim Dusty Centre,
Slim will become the first ever Australian entertainment artist
to have a dedicated permanent museum established to celebrate
his music and life story! Slim Dusty took his unique Australian
country music touring show all the way from his Nulla Nulla
Creek home to the cities and indeed, to every nook and cranny
of this vast land, and now it is fitting that in October his
show and his music return to his birthplace of Kempsey.
“We have a wealth of memorabilia and rare archival material
which will be presented in a highly professional and entertaining
way for visitors to see and of course, to hear. With room for
the museum exhibition to expand and grow in the coming years,
the displays will eventually accommodate the full collection,
which is overwhelming in its breadth.” said Joy McKean,
Slim’s wife and partner of more than 50 years.
Slim was closely involved in the early days of the project,
and in the year he passed away, he said “Joy and I look
forward to the eventual opening of a venture that will showcase
not just my music and my life, but the role that Australian
Country Music has played in the culture of the North Coast of
NSW, and indeed, Australia. It is my hope and ambition that
this Centre will show the integration of country music and the
different facets of life in this country; also that it will
assist young artists and musicians in their studies and careers.
I believe too, that it will be of great benefit to the town
of Kempsey and the district of the Macleay Valley.” –
Slim Dusty AO MBE, 2003
The Centre is a contemporary, architect designed building, located
on a 10 hectare site on the southern edge of Kempsey on the
Macleay, and apart from the Museum exhibition, the centre, will
also feature travelling exhibitions, a themed Café and
commercial kitchen, visitors’ centre, as well as a retail
area promoting local and regional products.
Already operating as a venue hosting a multitude of events and
functions, the Centre will deliver major economic benefits to
Slim's hometown and community of Kempsey.
Now after a long road of development and fundraising, a contract
has been signed with museum specialists, Freeman Ryan Design,
to undertake the establishment of the Slim Dusty exhibition
for a public opening in October.
“The thanks truly belong to the fans, to the country music
fraternity and to all Slim’s mates out there.
To the many people who have stood by us on this journey and
have supported the Foundation every step of the way....this
is for you. The multitude of Slim Dusty fans will be thrilled
to see the many displays and interactive features related to
the music and touring that made Slim such an Australian icon”
said Kathryn Yarnold (CEO of the Slim Dusty Foundation).
Full details of the Official soon
VALE - Gavan Arden
Gavan Arden, acknowledged as “Gippsland’s Original
Country Music Star” was born in Warragul, Victoria on
the 20th September 1939. He grew up in the West Gippsland timber-milling
town of Rokeby.
His parents gave him a guitar when he was 15 and Gavan made
his first recordings about 1968 at the Hadley studios and they
were issued on the Hadley Custom Label. Later he would form
his own Valley label.
In 1971 Gavan toured with Slim Dusty.During the 70’s he
toured and recorded under the stage name of ‘Jim Brumby’
and recorded under that name for Picture Records, RCA and M7.
In Brisbane he was a regular on TV programs presented by Paul
Sharratt, John Crook, Reg Lindsay and Bobby Limb. In the mid
70’s Gavan had his own weekly segment on Maryborough (Qld)
TV station SEQ8 for almost two years.
In the early 90’s Gavan returned to his roots in Gippsland
and reverted to his own name.
In 1999 his song “Burnt Out And Dried Up Old Ringers”
won the best Independent Artist Award for Best Bush Ballad at
Tamworth.
Gavan was inducted into the”Hands Of Fame” at Tamworth
in 2012.
He would travel interstate once or twice a year and in recent
times had teamed up with Brisbane artist Johnny Greenwood when
touring, mainly in Queensland.
Apart from singles and EP’s issued in earlier years, Gavan
had recorded 9 albums, mostly of his own compositions or occasional
co-writes with other composers.
His latest album “Keeping It Country” had just been
released prior to his death.
Gavan Arden was fiercely committed to the true and traditional
sound of Australian Country Music and Bush Ballads.
He passed away suddenly following a massive stroke in April
15th and his funeral service was held in St. Joseph’s
Catholic Church in Warragul on Wednesday 22nd April 2015.
He is survived by his wife Marie (They were married in 1961)
6 children (3 boys and 3 girls) 13 grandchildren and 8 great
– grandchildren.
2015 BUNGENDORE
STAN COSTER MEMORIAL AWARDS FINALISTS & WINNERS
Finalists in each section of The Stan Coster Memorial Awards
are as follows but not necessary in order of placing.
Male Vocal.
Bruce Lavender- My Brands are Rusty Now; * Graham Rodger
– Dust and Leather; Keith Jamison – Hillbilly
Dreamer
Female Vocal.
Dianne Lindsay – Jacks Bridle; * Norma O’Hara
Murphy – Gone Drovin; Trudy Hintz – Blue
Gums Calling Me Back home.
New Talent.
Michelle Ovenden - Susannah’s Song;*
Rex Baldwin – Treasures that I See; Emma
Jene – An Angel’s Promise.
Duo. Lex K and L Minnson – Mighty Moonbi
Range. Jed and Trudy Hintz - Lonely Old House; * Dianne
Lindsay and Dale Duncan – The Dreamers.
Instrumental.
Terry Bennetts – Riders of the Kimberley; * Alisha
Smith – Rabbit Flat Polka; Peter Simpson and
Lindsay Butler – Camooweal.
Album.
John Smith – Murrumbidgie Mud; * Peter Coad –
Music Highway; Graham Rodger – Dust and Leather.
Song Writers.
Graham Rodger – Dust and Leather; * Norma O’Hara
Murphy – Gone Drovin; Peter Coad – West
of Windorah.
Comedy.
John Smith - The Mailman’s Late. * Peter Coad
– Coopers Run; Peter Smith – Smithy and
the Flying Emu.
Barry Thornton Enoucouragemnert Award went to Emma Jene.
Winners were announced at the Bungendore Country Music Muster
Februiary 2015
THE GIDGEE COAL BUSH BALLAD AWARD
FINALISTS 2014
PITTSWORTH TOWN HALL QUEENSLAND
NOVEMBER 15/16TH
FEMALE VOCAL
DIANNE LINDSAY JACK BRIDLE
TRUDY HINTZ WHERE THE WESTERN RIVERS FLOW
KYLIE CASTLE A SETTLERS WIFE
MALE VOCAL
BRUCE LAVENDER BALLADS
GRAHAM RODGER DUST AND LEATHER
REG POOLE SUPER 8
ALBUM
ASHLEY COOK ASHLEY COOK SALUTES BRIAN YOUNG
GRAHAM RODGER DUST AND LEATHER
PETER COAD MUSIC HIGHWAY
GROUP/DUO /COLLABORATION
DIANNE LINDSAY/ PETER SIMPSON BRIGALOW BILL
GED AND TRUDY HINTZ LONELY OLD HOUSE
ASHLEY COOK/BRIAN YOUNG SHIPS OF THE DESERT
INSTRUMENTAL
TERRY BENNETTS /IAN SIMPSON RIDERS OF THE KIMBERLEY
L WADDINGTON/R PRATLEY DIAMANTINA DROVER
TERRY BENNETTS SOMEWHERE ALONG THE TRACK
COMEDY/ NOVELTY
PETER COAD COOPERS RUN
LLYOD BLACK SIX WHITE BLOOMERS
PETE SMITH SMITHY AND THE FLYING EMU.
SONGWRITING
BRUCE LAVENDER I’D GO DROVING AGAIN
TERRY BENNETTS/K LETHBRIDGE FITZROY RIVER
K&M DIXON/ JOHNNY GREENWOOD OLD HORSEMEN LIKE ME.
NEW TALENT
REX BALDWIN OAKVALE
KYLIE CASTLE A FRIEND I’VE NEVER MET
REX BALDWIN AS LEICHARDT SAW IT THEN.
The
Australian Bush Balladeers Association Incorporated. ABN : 75798
969 415
