Music Tributes

Asa songwriter and performer, Willie Nelson played a vital role in post-rock & roll country music. Although he didn't become a star until the mid '70's, Nelson spent the '60's writing songs that became hits for many other singers.During the early '70's, Willie aligned himself with Waylon Jennings and the growing outlaw country movement which cintributed to his growing status as a performer.Following the success of "Blue Eyes Crying In the Rain", Nelson became a genuine star, equally recognized by both country and pop audiences.

Whitney Houston is unarguably one of the biggest female pop stars of all time.Her accomplishments as a hit maker are extraordinary - having sold over 200 million records worldwide.She was the first artist ever to have seven consecutive singles hit number one - and her cover of Dolly Parton's song, "I Will Always Love You", became the biggest hit single in rock history. She sadly passed away on 11th February, 2012 and the police said at the time that "there were no obvious signs of criminal intent".

Van Morrison is one of popular music's true innovators. His artistry is regarded as a complex fusion of R & B, jazz, blues and Celtic folk.Known as "Van The Man" to his fans, Morrison started his professional career when, as a teenager in the late '50's playing a variety of instruments including guitar, harmonica, keyboards and saxophone for various Irish show bands covering popular hits of the day.Morrison has received many music awards during his long career. He was inducted into both the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame and has also received an OBE for his contribution to music.

Tony Bennett is an American singer of traditional pop standards, show tunes ans jazz. He is also an accomplished painter whose works are on display in several institutions.His career suffered a downturn during the height of the rock music era. However, he successfully re-emerged in the late 1980's and 1990's, putting out gold record albums and expanding his audience to the MTV generation whilst keeping his musical style intact.He has sold well over 50 million records worldwide.

Tom Jones is a Welsh singer who became one of the most popular vocalists to emerge from the mid-1960's.He has sold over 100 million records and has had 36 Top 40 hits in the UK and 19 in the US. His early influences included Little Richard, Jackie Wilson and Brook Benton as well as Elvis Presley - with whom he would later become good friends.

Tina Arena is an Australian singer, songwriter, musical theatre actress, talent judge and record producer. She's won several awards including 6 Aria Awards and in both 1996 and 2000 she was the world's biggest selling Australian artist.She began her career as a cute 7 year old, singing live on Australian TV's Young Talent Time.Her performance in the Australian production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat was applauded by the show's producer, Andrew Lloyd Weber.Her popularity has spread to France where she regularly performs and now resides there with her husband Vincent Mancini and their son Gabriel.

The Spice Girls were an English pop girl group formed in 1994. Each Spice Girl had a unique, over-the-top style that served as an extension of her public persona - becoming her trademark look.It was Simon Fuller from 19 Entertainment who signed them to his company and got them a record deal with Virgin in 1995.The girls became style icons of the 1990's and set many fashion trends.The award-winning singer-songwriter, Adele, credits The Spice Girls as a major influence in regard to her own love and passion for music.

The Shadows were the first home-grown British rock-n-roll band to dominate the UK charts from the early '60's.They gained their initial fame as the backing group for Cliff Richard before "going it alone" and releasing many great instrumental hits until their final tour in 2010.John Lennon once claimed that "before Cliff and The Shadows, there was nothing worth listening to in British music".

The Eagles began as a West Coast American rock-n-roll band. Their later work would best be defined as classic rock.With 5 number one singles, fourteen Top 40 hits and four number one albums. The Eagles were among the most successful recording artists of the 1970's.Two of their albums (Greatest Hits 1971-1975) and Hotel California - are ranked among the ten best selling albums ever.They were inducted into the Rock - n-Roll Hall of Fame in January 1998 and their music is still played regularly on a variety of radio stations around the world.

Formed in 1991, The Corrs is an Irish family pop, rock and Celtic fusion band.They started their career playing music at their aunt's pub and had a breakthrough when they landed roles in the film, "The Commitments".They ware later asked by the US ambassador for Ireland, to play at the 1994 FIFA World Cup in Boston.That was the start of a remarkable career for this family singing group.

I spite of being blind since shortly after birth, Stevie Wonder developed into one of the most creative musical figures of the late 20th century.He has recoreded more than 30 US Top Ten Hits and received 22 Grammy Awards - the most ever awarded to a male solo artist.He was inducted into the Soul Music Hall of Fame in December 2012.

This husband and wife team produced some fabulous hits of the 60's. Although each had a successful solo career, their audiences loved the clever interplay between them during their club shows and TV appearances.Sadly, Eydie passed away in 2013, just 6 days before her 85th birthday.Steve paid tribute to her saying: "Eydie has been my partner on stage and in life for more than 55 years. I fell in love with her the moment I saw her and even more when I heard her sing. The world has lost one of the greatest pop vocalists of all time".

Slim Dusty was probably the most prolific recording artist in Australia, with more than seven million of his recordings sold on the domestic market of 20 million people.His career spanned almost seven decades. In the year 2000 the 73 year old Aussie music legend released his 100th album!His state funeral was attended by the Prime Minister, John Howard and many other leading Australian figures who all joined in and sang his signature song, "The Pub With No Beer".

Sinead O'Connor is an Irish singer-songwriter who rose to fame in the late 1980's. She occasionally encountered controversy due to her statements, gestures and strongly held views on organized religion, women's rights, war and child abuse. She has released 9 solo albums, many singles, songs for films, collaborations with other artists and appeared at many charity fundraising concerts.I guess it's fair to say that Sinead O'Connor has been quite a controversial character during her life so far and there are plenty of chapters in that life yet to be published.

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel produced a series of memorable hit albums and singles featuring their clean, crisp harmonies, supported by acoustic and electric guitars and Simon's fine songwriting.They were at the peak of their popularity in the '60's and their "Bridge Over Troubled Water" album kept their popularity high into the '70's.They each sought solo careers in the early 70's - but their wonderful music lives on for us all to enjoy today.

Shirley Bassey is a Welsh singer whose career began in the mid-50's. She's best known for both her powerful operatic voice and for recording a number of theme songs to the James Bond movies.In 2000, she was made a Dame for services to the performing arts and in 1977, received the Brit Award for Best British Female Solo Artist in the previous 25 years.She made many trips to Australia during the height of her fame - and often appeared at the then famous "Chequers" nightclub in Sydney. In 2016, she was named as "one of the 50 greatest Welsh people of all time".

Ross Wilson is an Australian singer, songwriter, guitarist and producer who fronted the Australian groups Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock.He also produced a number of successful albums for Skyhooks and this tribute covers his involvement with each of those groups.

Roger Miller was an American singer, songwriter,musician and actor best known for his humorous novelty songs of the 60's and 70's era.Although noted for his whimsical novelty songs, Miller did have another side to his songwriting.Some of his ballads had very deep and meaningful lyrics which introduced him to a totally different audience.He passed away from throat cancer at the age of 56 in 1992 and was posthumously inducted into the Country Music Hall of Fame in 1995.

Ray Charles was a pioneer in the genre of soul music during the 1950's by fusing rhythm and blues, gospel and blues styles into his early recordings.He went completely blind by the age of seven - apparently due to glaucoma.He developed his musical talent at the School for Deaf and Blind in St. Augustine, Florida from 1937 to 1945.At 24 he recorded his own composition "I Got A Woman" and the song became his first #1 hit and brought him to National prominence.He passed away on 10th June 2004 due to liver failure at the age of 73 - but his music lives on for all to enjoy.

Probably the most successful female singer in British chart history, Petula Clark was also an actress and composer whose career spanned 7 decades.In 1964 she started her musical collaboration with Tony Hatch when the song "Downtown" was offered to her and it became an international hit.That was the beginning of a parade of hits for the Clark/Hatch combination and those songs still live on today.

As a composer/performer, Peter Allen gained worldwide recognition.His career got off to a great start when the late Judy Garland saw him perform in Hong Kong as part of "The Allen Brothers" - a popular duet that featured regularly on the Australian "Bandstand" TV program.He married Judy's daughter, Liza Minnelli, and although the marriage didn't last,they remained friends.Peter's solo career "took off" and he was lauded across the world for his flamboyant singing style.However, he sadly passed away from an AIDS-related throat cancer in 1992.Fortunately, his memory lingers on with the many great musical hits he wrote - including our unofficial national anthem, "I Still Call Australia Home".May he rest in peace.

In a career spanning more than half a century, Perry Como was a popular American singer and TV personality.He produced numerous hit records and his combined TV and recording career was unmatched by any other artist of his time.He appealed to all generations and was widely respected for both his professional standards and the way he conducted his personal life.

Patsy Cline (1932 - 1963) was part of the early '60's Nashville sound and successfully "crossed over" to pop music.Tragically, she died at the age of 30 in a multiple fatality plane crash as her career was just beginning to peak.She was best known for her rich tone, emotionally expressive and bold contralto voice. She also fought hard and paved the way for a better deal for female performers in her genre.

Olivia Newton-John skilfully made the transition from country pop to mainstream soft rock performer in the early 1970's.She tentatively entered show business at the age of 12 when she won a Hayley Mills lookalike contest. Later she entered a TV talent quest and went to London as her prize. Once there, she formed a duet with her friend Pat Carroll, who soon had to return home to Australia - and so Olivia went solo.She became part of Cliff Richards' touring show and the rest is history.

Singer, songwriter and pianist Neil Sedaka enjoyed two distinct periods of commercial success: first as a teen pop star in the late '50's and early '60's, and then as a singer of more mature pop/rock in the '70's.In both phases, Sedaka, a classically trained pianist, composed the music for his hits - which he sang in a boyish tenor voice.But he also served as a songwriter for other artists, resulting in a string of hits year in and year out, whether recorded by him or someone else.

AS the daughter of Nat "King" Cole, you'd expect her to be a good singer - and she was really great!Her career took off in the mid 1970's as an R& B artist with hits like "This Will Be", "Inseparable" and "Our Love".Sadly, she fell victim to drug addiction and passed away as a result of pulmonary hypertension following a kidney transplant. She was 65 years of age.However, she left us with some great musical memories to enjoy. May she rest in peace.

Nat "King" Cole was an incredibly successful pop singer who was ranked with Frank Sinatra, Perry Como and Dean Martin in his heyday.His career included hit records, international touring, radio and TV shows as well as appearances in movies.His career began as a celebrated jazz pianist, leading his own small group of musicians.He was a civil rights activist who earned the enmity of racists and he led the way for many others to follow.He had many hit records but sadly passed away at just 45 years of age from lung cancer in 1965.

Led by the British guitarist, singer, songwriter, record producer and film score composer, Mark Knopfler, the group known as Dire Straits established themselves as a major force on album-oriented radio in America.Their breakthrough album, "Brothers in Arms", made the band international stars.Their staggering catalogue of success remains for us to enjoy long after the band disintegrated.

Formed in London in 1962, this group was called after their keyboardist, Manfred Mann.The group was regularly in the charts during the 1960's. They took great pride in their sound - with overdubbed woodwinds, vibes, harmonica and a second keyboard adding considerable weight - demonstrating their jazz-inspired technical prowess.They scored many hits including "Do Wah Diddy, Pretty Flamingo and Mighty Quinn".

This group was an American/Canadian vocal group who performed mainly from 1965 to 1968 - with a brief reunion in 1971. They have sold nearly 40 million records worldwide.Their signature sound was based on 4 part male/female harmonies arranged by the band's songwriter, John Phillips, who blended his writing with the new "beat" sound in an unprecedented style for those days.Their lead singer, Cass Elliot passed away in London on 29th July 1974.The group was inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.

As an indication of her popularity as a recording artist, Linda Ronstadt has earned 11 Grammy Awards, 2 Academy of Country Music Awards, an Emmy Award and numerous internationally certified gold, platinum and multi-platinum albums.She has released over 30 solo albums and 15 compilations or greatest hits albums.She has collaborated with a diverse range of other performers including Billy Eckstine, Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Neil Young, Johnny Cash, Nelson Riddle and many more.In August 2013, she revealed that she had Parkinson's Disease and "can no longer sing a note".However this special tribute reminds us of the great musical legacy she provided for us to enjoy.

Lesley Gore was an American singer, songwriter, actress and activist.At the age of 16, in 1963, she rcorded her first pop hit and soon followed it up with many more.In later life, she composed songs for others and was nominated for the title track for the movie "Fame" - which she co-wrote with her brother Michael.She sadly passed away from lung cancer in February 2015 at the age of 68.Following her death, Neil Sedaka commented that she was a "phenomenal talent" and a "great songwriter in her own right".

Although he has been most successful with country audiences, Kenny Rogers has charted more than 120 hit singles across various music genres, topped the country music and pop album charts for more than 200 individual weeks in the US alone- and has sold 130 million records worldwide , making him one of the highest-selling artists of all time,I hope you'll enjoy this special tribute to the now retired gentleman of country music.

Dubbed "The Golden Girl of Pop" in the mid 60's, Kathy Kirby was the highest paid female singer of her generation.She had 5 Top 10 Hits between 1963 and 1965 - the best known of which was "Secret Love". In Australia she also reached #1 with her version of The Shadows hit "Dance On".Sadly, she suffered poor physical and mental health for most of her life - but her memory lives on with some great musical tracks featured in this special tribute.

Judy Garland was once described by Fred Astaire as "the greatest entertainer who ever lived".She attained international stardom throughout a career that spanned more than 40 years as an actress in musical and dramatic roles in film and on stage as well as on records.At her funeral in June 1969, an estimated 20,000 people lined up for hours at the Manhattan funeral chapel to pay their respects.Thankfully, her screen and record performances live on - long after her passing. May she rest in peace.

Often referred to by his initials, "JOK", or by his nickname, "The Wild One", Johnny O'Keefe was the first Australian rock 'n roll performer to tour the USA, and the first Australian artist to make the local Top 40 charts. He had 29 Top 40 hits in Australia between 1959 and 1974.He had his own TV shows on both the ABC and Channel 7 and was a major drawcard for touring performers at the old Sydney Stadium.He sadly passed away from a heart attack on 6th October, 1978, aged just 43.

Johnny Mathis was a star athlete who was offered a place in the US Olympic team to Melbourne in 1956, but chose instead to become a singer.He became a highly popular album artist with several dozen of his albums achieving gold or platinum status. He has sold over 350 million records worldwide.I hope you'll enjoy this special tribute to the man known as "The Velvet Voice".

In a country of over 20 million people, John Farnham is the one Australian artist who staged - and filled - arena-sized concerts whenever he toured.With a career spanning over 40 years, he is the only Australian artist to have a number one record in five consecutive decades.I hope you'll enjoy this special tribute to the man.

John Denver was an American singer, songwriter, activist and humanitarian. His greatest success was as a solo singer, starting in the 1970's. He recorded approx. 300 songs - about 200 of which he composed.He normally performed with an acoustic guitar and sang about his joy in nature, his enthusiasm for music and his relationship trials.He was wholesome and clean-cut, and his appeal extended to fans of all ages and backgrounds. His popularity led to careers both as an actor and a humanitarian.His love of flying led to his death at the controls of an experimental plane on 12th October 1997.To this day his music remains popular around the world and I hope you enjoy this tribute to the man and his music.

Joe Cocker was a legendary English rock and blues singer - famous for his raspy voice an impassioned stage presence.He came from the pub rock scene in his home town of Sheffield and rose to prominence in the late 60's.Sadly, he passed away from lung cancer in December 2014.Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr were among those who paid tribute to the man they considered "without doubt, the greatest rock/soul singer ever to come out of Britain".

James Taylor is an American singer/songwriter/guitarist who is a 5 time Grammy Award winner.After starting his music career in the USA, he moved to London where Peter Asher, who was then head of The Beatles Apple Record label, organized some demo recordings.Paul McCartney thought he was great and Taylor was ultimately signed to the Apple label.He went on to marry fellow singer, Carly Simon in 1972 and they remained a couple until their divorce in 1983. His current wife, Caroline, is director of PR and marketing for the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

James Last was a German composer and big band leader who made "happy music" his trademark.He's sold an estimated 200 million albums worldwide.His trademark sound employed big band arrangements of well known tunes with a jaunty upbeat dance rhythm.In February 2015, after almost 50 years of touring, he announced that due to ill health, he would complete a farewell tour - which ended in June 2015. Within 3 months of completing that tour, he passed away - leaving us with many happy musical memories.

Jackie Trent was a leading UK singer-songwriter during the '60's to the 80's -much of her success came during her partnership with husband Tony Hatch. They moved to Australia in 1982 and composed the theme song for the TV series, "Neighbours".For many years they were among the most popular club performers in Australia.Unfortunately, they divorced in 2002 and Jackie returned to the UK to star in the musical "High Society" before settling in Minorca, Spain with her second husband, Colin Gregory.Jackie sadly passed away in Spain during 2015, aged 74, but she left many musical memories for us to enjoy.

One of the most successful instrumental performers in pop history, trumpeter Herb Alpert was also one of the industry's shrewdest businessmen.The A&M record label he co-founded with business partner, Jerry Moss, ranks among the most prosperous artist-owned companies ever established.On hearing a mariachi band at a Mexican bullfight, Alpert found a way to express musically what he felt while watching the wild responses of the crowd.He adapted the flavor of the occasion to music and created the multiple trumpet sound for which he then became famous.

Usually credited as just Nilsson, he was an American singer- songwriter who achieved the peak of his success in the early 70's.His work is characterized by pioneering overdub experiments, returns to "The Great American Songbook" and fusions of Caribbean sounds.Nilsson is one of the very few pop-rock recording artists of his era to achieve great commercial success without ever performing major public concerts or undertaking tours.In 2015 he was voted #62 in Rolling Stone's list of "The 100 Greatest Songwriters of All Time".

Glen Campbell was an American rock and country music singer best known for hits in the 60's and 70's.During his 50 year career he released more than70 albums, sold 45 million records including 12 Gold, 4 Platinum and 1 Double Platinum album.In June 2011, he announced that he had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's Disease and, soon after, he went on a final "Goodbye Tour".Sadly, he passed away on August 8th, 2017, but he left us with a fabulous legacy of songs.This tribute to him remembers him at his best.

Gilbert O'Sullivan is an Irish singer/songwriter who has charted with 16 Top 40 songs including six #1 songs during the main part of his career from the late '60's to the late 80's.He's famously quoted as saying: "I write pop songs. End of story. That's all I want to do. I have no interest in just touring and living in the past."

Known as "The quiet Beatle", George Harrison's early contribution was as the lead guitarist for the Fab Four.Later on, he emerged as an excellent songwriter - both with The Beatles - and later as a solo artist.

Gene McDaniels was an American singer who had his greatest successes in the early '60's. He grew up in Omaha, Nebraska where he sang gospel music in church as a boy. He went on to develop a love of jazz and learned to play the saxophone and trumpet. It was when he began singing in jazz clubs that he came to the attention of Liberty Records.His composition, "Feel Like Makin' Love" reached #1 when sung by Roberta Flack and the song went on to win a Grammy Award.

Frank Ifield is an English born easy listening country music singer. He achieved considerable success in the early '60's when he had four #1 hits in the UK charts between 1962 and 1963.During that time he performed at venues with a new band that he had just "given a break to" - and he featured them as a support act on his one night touring show. That band was The Beatles, who prior to that had only worked in Liverpool.

The Four Seasons are an American rock and pop band who became internationally successful in the mid-60's.They were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1990 and are one of the best selling groups of all time , having sold 175 million records.