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Talents of Australian Country Music
Courtesy of Country Music Historian Jack Paten (Published by Floreena Forbes )
JAMES BLUNDELL
Born and raised in Stanthorpe, Queensland, his early life was working as a stockman as was his father before him. In 1986 an apparent rodeo accident dealt a hand and James was unable to ride a horse for several months. It was January 1987 – when this young stockman from Queensland won Starmaker Quest in Tamworth which was only the beginning for this rising star.
His first single ‘Gidgee Bug Pub Song’ backed with ‘Song for Louise’ was soon released to eager fans. In 1988 he signed with EMI and his first LP which was self titled, was released the following year. His 1992 release ‘The Road’ had gone platinum (100,000 units) within a short time, not surprisingly due to his previous success. The following year, James appeared on the bigscreen in a 15 minutes movie trailer titled ‘Dream-Rider’ where he played a motor bike rider.
Duringthe 9th Australian Independent Country Music Awards in Mildura,Victoria – James picked up more trophies – including best male vocalist and Heritage Track Award for ‘Nature’s Gentleman’. To date – James has released 10 LPs his latest being ‘Portrait of a Man’which was released in January 2009.
Other Credits:
1988– Best New Talent
1989– Male Vocalist of the Year
1990– Male Vocalist of the Year
1991– Male Vocalist of the Year
1991– APAR Song of the Year for ‘The Blue Heeler’
1993– Top Selling Album
1993– Country Song of the Year for ‘Way Out West’ (with James Reyne)
2007– Hands of Fame
2009– Inducted into the Galaxy of Stars – Tamworth
The 17 year old certainly has secured a reputation as one the world’s finest young guitarists. Joe’s unique acoustic guitar style has caught the attention of Les Paul, SteveVai, Tommy Emmanuel among others.
In 2008 JoeRobinson won $250,000 in the television series ‘Australia Got Talent’ whichlead to a recording session in Nashville with CMA Producer of the Year FrankRogers, and there are a few who doubt that this young guitarist is destined forgreatness. In the past couple yearsJoe’s talent has been recognized globally, with meetings with CEO’s of Sony/BMGboth here in Australia and USA to being invited by America Country Music Entertainer Brad Paisley to tour with himself and Keith Urban mid 2009.
His style ofplaying has been described as mindboggling, combining Bass, Rhythm and Leadguitar parts simultaneously. Joe’s eclectic influences shine through in hisgenre crossing instrumentals and his energetic and engaging live performanceshave left audiences stunned after each show.
He currently endorses:-
Maton(Australia),
Fender (USA),
GHS Strings(USA)
HK Audio(Germany).
What others havesaid:
“Joe will undoubtedly be Australia’s best guitarist, probably soon as he’s 21”
Keith Morgan has his own style of Comedy and Country. He started playing guitar at nine years of age and song writing soon followed.
His first professional engagement was on his brother’s show in 1959 (The Chad Morgan Show), where he took the stage name‘Kit Evans’ and billed as being from New Zealand. Keith was with the show for two years, then moving onto join the Ten Gallon Hatters during the late 1960’s.
Early 1970’s Keith walked away from hisentertaining although this was until 1978 and his songwriting also continued with ‘Walking Out With Someone Else Tonight’ which took out a Barcoo Bush Ballad Award that same year.
Morgan made several TV appearance including ‘Shirl’s Neighbourhood’ and ‘Six O’Clock Rock’. He has written more then 200 songs in a style of his own.
In 1983, he released an LP throughCountry Records titled “Both Sides of Boof” sporting comical and straightcountry songs. Previously releasing an album with Hadley Records Tamworth,titled ‘The Garbo Isn’t really In My Class’ a song title which his brother (Chad)recorded some twenty years later.
Keith from time to time still perfroms the Club Circuit around his hometown in Victoria.
WALLY MCQUAKER
Wally was born in Rockhampton, Queensland. He started playing the mouth-organ and learnt to play guitar on old Sampson. After his marriage to Alice, they moved to a central Queensland Station where Alice would become a jillaroo and Wally a stockman.
They returned to Rockhampton to team up with Doug & Roy Morrice to form theSundown Songsters. It was from these early performances he worked with and toured with some of Australia’s high profiled entertainers. In 1958, he toured with Chad Morgan shearing the stage with Trevor Day, Peter Mollerson, Les Partell, Boof Morgan and of course The Sheik. On these shows Alice (his wife)also performed her comedy act with him.
In1961 Wally toured with Buddy Williams, again later returning to Rockhampton.During the early 1960’s he was a regular on GMV Channel 6 as a comedian and singer. He would later, and ended up doing a weekly comedy spot on a children’sTV show ‘GMV Juniors’ and with face painted – he became Joey the Clown. He would shortly took over production of the show and featured Kevin Shegog, Chad Morgan, Slim Dusty, Joy McKean, Reg Lindsay to name a few.
Around1973, Wally and Alice settled near Coffs Harbour. He started song writing and recording while performing with his three talented daughters. He would later form his own band ‘Country Wildwoods’ with his daughter Kristyn. Wally wouldhead off to Melbourne every year during the festive season, working theChristmas breakup parties of factories, orphanages and hospitals taking Kristynwith him to drum behind him while he sang and performed his clown act.
Wallywas the first artist to record on the ‘Country Records’ label and the first tobe recorded in the new studio “The Dream Factory” in Coffs Harbour. One song that really stands out was ’66 to Alpha’ a true story he wrote about his brother-in-law who was the driver of a locomotive and was killed in a horrifictrain accident.
Wallystill performs from time to time. He appeared on Chad Morgan’s 50thAnniversary showcase in 2002. He was inducted into Hand of Fame in 2005.
GORDON LARKIN
‘Mr. Country’
Gordon Larkin was born on January 5th1938 and was raised in the Macleay Valley, New South Wales, an area known nowas The Cradle of Country Music.
He has been singing and playing guitar since his early teens,
winning a talent quest on Slim Dusty show in 1954. He had a regular
spot on Radio 2KM, Kempsey during the early years. Gordon has performed
on various touring shows and shared the stage with artist such as Athol
McCoy, Buddy Williams, Gordon Parsons, Olive Bice, and Jean Stafford.
In 1990 he won the Queensland ‘Campionof Champions Yodeler’. Gordon
also took out Best Veteran Troubador during the ‘Busker’s Blowout’ in
Toowoomba, assisting with the judging was none other than ‘TheSheik”
Chad Morgan. It was that same year Gordon was invited to join Chad
Morgan on tour and today he still tours with The Sheik, taking
their‘Comedy/Country Show across Australia.
REG POOLE OAM
‘The Gentle Giant of Australian Country Music’
Reg was born in Rushworth, Victoria.
In 1972 Reg privately released an album, selling 1,000 copies and the following year, he signed a recording contract with W&G Records and in January 1974, Reg won his first Golden Guitar for‘Australian Country Music Hall of Fame’ which has now become an Australian classic.
He joined Selection Records in 1977, releasing numerous recordings although none are more famous then his rodeo and trucking songs. His second Golden Guitar was for ‘Warrumbugle Mare’ in 1981 followed by his third in 1985 with ‘When The Big Mobs Come To Bourke’
Reg tours Australia wide and has shared the stage with many entertainers. In Tamworth he is part of the Gunbarrel Highwaymen – with Terry Gordon and Owen Blundell a side slitting show that must be seen if you are ever in Tamworth.The trio released an album titled ‘Loaded & Live’ which was released in1999.
Reg Poole is a proud Australian which can be heard through the songs he writes and sings. When the Australian Government decided to have a referendum of becoming a republic and the possibility o fchanging our National Flag – Reg wrote a ballad dedicated to our heritage – theAustralian Flag. The title, simply, Don’t Change Our Flag. Reg sings the song at every chance he gets and lets people know that they are his view, which is shared by many who love their country.
In1998 he won Album of the Year at Buggendore Bush Ballad Awards and the following year was named Victorian Entertainer of the Year. Reg Poole is certainly one of our country’s greatest balladeers. Another great story tellerin the form of a song is Trevor Day who wrote ‘Ode To A Bull’ which Regrecorded on his album ‘For The Love of My Country’.
He was inducted into the Hands of Fame in 1979. In 2006 he was elevated to the Roll of Renown and also presented withthe ‘OAM’ (Order of Australia Medal) for his contribution to Australian CountryMusic.
Tania Kernaghan
Tania,eldest daughter of Ray Kernaghan was born in Albury, NSW – July 18, 1968.
Her first every public appearance was atthe age of 4 in her home town, at the Boomerang Hotel. She years of touring experience with her father’s show by the time she left school. So in the footsteps of her father, and brother, Lee, Tania set out to be one of Australia’s leading female performers and won the hearts of many loyal fans.
In 1993 Tania released her first single‘I’ll Be Gone’ (co-written with her sister Fiona), although it wasn’t until1996, she signed recording contract with ABC Country Record Label who apparently had been impressed with her previous success. She released her debu talbum ‘December Moon’ which produced 6 hit singles. In 1997 Tania took out Album of the Year, Female Vocalist and Vocal Collaboration with her brother Lee. It seemed that Tania was on a winner. Her next two albums (Dancing On Water and Big Sky Country) followed suit with numerous awards.
Tania accepted the honour in 1999 of being Vice Patron to the Riding for Disabled Association. (she shares the title with Princess Ann). RDA adopted her award winning song “When I Ride” as the irnational theme song.
In 2005, under her own label ‘KCR’ she released her fourth album, ‘Higher Ground’ which was a contemporary country record that transcends traditional conventions yet stays true to Tania's roots and her uniquelyAustralian perspective.
Fans would be pleased to know that Tania will be releasing her fifth album ‘Livin’The Dream’ in time for the 2009 Tamworth Country Music Festival. Already thefirst single lifted from the album has been aired on radio with positive reviews.
In1999 Tania was inducted into the Hands of Fame.
KAREN LYNN
Bluegrass /Singer / Songwriter
Karen Lynn has made some remarkable milestones since her first release in 1998. She has successfully toured the UK where she has steadily made her mark, and with many accolades to her name. Evidentlyit was her third album ‘Blue Mountain Rain’ that made her, the first Australian female artist to complete a full album of Bluegrass.
Sydney, 2007 Karen was awarded the FrankIfield International Spur Award. Her album ‘Changes’ had received four major award nominations – namely “Best Album of the Year”, “Female Vocal”, “Bluegrass& Traditional” and “Songwriting”.
In 2000 Karen recorded her first duet album with fellow musician Pat Drummond and regularly tours with him. This year(2008) marks her seventh album ’Long Journey Home’ and her second duet with Pat. Unlike their first collaborate album which was recorded in the much familiar country style, ‘Long Journey Home’ is a collection of true stories with a dash social comments that Pat is renowned for.
As a versatile artist with a wonderful voice, Karen has now received 12 Major Awards, almost 40 Major Finalist nominations, three international tours, over 10 Australian Country Music RadioChart Hits followed by a number of overseas Chart Hits.
In 2008 at Tamworth Karen was inductedinto the Australian Country Music Hand of Fame.
Karen's achievements include: Top 5 Finalist "New Talent" and Top 10 Nominations for "VocalCollaboration" (with Pat Drummond) & "APRA Song of the Year"in the 1999 & 2001 Australian Country Music "Golden Guitar"Awards and Top 4 Grand Finalist in the "Album of the Year" Categoryand Top 4 Grandfinalist in both the 1999 & 2000 "Female RisingStar" Category in the Mildura Independent Country Music Awards. One track from her album also picked up a Top 5 Finalist in the "Stan CosterHeritage" Category of the 1999 "TIARA (Independent Recording)Awards". The year 2000 however proving to be more successful with 4 Finalist nominations in the "Duo", "Songwriting","Heritage" & "Female Vocal" Categories of the 2001 Tiara Awards.
Born in Tamworth, now resides in Sydney,Felicity is ranked one of the best Country Music Artist of the new breed.
At 16 she released a debut album on theHadley Records label and was fast being recognized within the industry withbeing placed in the finals of New Talent 1993 Golden Guitar Awards. Her second album ‘Follow Me’escalating her claim to be one of the hottest new stars in Australian CountryMusic.
In 1997 Felicity signed with EMI Musicand her first album on the renowned label ‘Nothing to Hide’ proved to be awinner with fans. Recently with Mushroom Music, Felicity has taken her careerto whole new level. She has toured America and co-written with some ofNashville’s finest including Gene Pistilli and Jim Lauderdale.
Felicity has made various TV appearanceincluding Good Morning Australia, Midday, Hey Hey It’s Saturday, guest-co-compareon Sale of the Century and a regular feature presenter on channel seven’s‘Sydney Weekender’ with Mike Whitney.
Achievements:-
2007 – CMAA Video Clip of the Year ‘BigBlack Cloud’
2006 – Country Songwriter of the Year
2006 – MusicOz – Best Country Artist ofthe Year
2005 – TIARA Awards – Female Vocalist ofthe Year
2005 – ACMLA People’s Choice Award –Female Vocalist of the Year
2004 – Australian Independent CountryMusic Female Vocalist of the Year
2004 – Face and Ambassador of the Heartof Country Music NSW Tourist Campaign
2002 – Gold Guitar for Collaborationwith Darren Coggan, Beccy Cole & Adam Harvey
2000 – ACE Award Winner – Female CountryPerformer of the Year
1999 – ACE Award Winner – Female CountryPerformer of the Year
1998 – Inducted into the Women’s Hall ofFame, for Services to Country Music
1998 – MO Award – Female CountryPerformer of the Year
1996 – MO Award – Female CountryPerformer of the Year
1995 – Performed at Sydney Domain forthe Beatification of Mary MacKillop for the Papal
tour.
In 2003 she received the Centenary Medalawarded from the Prime Minister and Federal Government for her contribution toAustralian Society through Country Music. Felicity was inducted into the Handsof Fame in 2001. For more information onthis Australian sensation or to purchase her albums check out her website. www.felicityurquhart.com
ADAM JAMES
Adam was born in the Northern New South Wales coastal town of Macksville, and now resides in the Moreton Bay area,Queensland. Around the age 10 he learnt to play guitar and as for singing lessons he sure had a great vocal coach – none other than Venetta Fields who ofcourse is best known for her work with “Whispering Jack”, Johnny Farnham.
Adam who is no stranger to the EntertainmentIndustry adventured into some acting in shows such as Medivac (Network 10)including a theatre production in Brisbane called “Dreamers”. He realized after completing his Creative Industry Degree in 2003, his heart was in Country Music. He’s performed at major Country Music Festivals – Mildura, Gympie Musterand various NAIDOC week celebrations. It was in August Adam was invited to British Columbia, Canada for the 2008 North American Indigenous Games.
Tamworth Country Music Festival this year (2008) Adam became a Grand Finalist in the Star Marker Talent Quest and in October he released his self-funded debut album ‘Messages & Memories’ sporting8 original songs, which already have been receiving positive feedback. Hissongs from the album have been getting a lot of airplay since its release. He is currently co-writing with likes of Mike Carr, Adam Harvey and Rod McCormack for his next album.
In Australia, along with other indigenous Country Music Legends namely the Master of Mirth himself Chad Morgan OAM, Jimmy Little OAM and Troy Cassa-Daley who have all established themselveson The Australian Country Music scene, Adam surely is in good company.
More information about Adam can beviewed on his website.
His album ‘Messages & Memories, ifyou haven’t yet got a copy, get yourself one. You’ll finding yourself listeningto a warm voice truly Australian who we’ll be hearing more of in the nearfuture. – ww.adamjames.com.au
BRENDON WALMSLEY
Star Maker 1999
After winning Star Maker in 1999, Brendon’sdebut single ‘Rose and Rodeo’ won him a Golden Guitar for the Best New Talent in 2000. It came as no surprise with a natural gift. His debut album ‘A LittleTime’ was also a winner when he won his first Heritage Song of the Year GoldenGuitar in 2001 for ‘Last of the Big Gun Drovers’.
Brendon certainly was doing something right. His second album “Never Say Never” earned him six nominations and another Golden Guitar in 2002 for Never Never.
In 2004 Brendon was inducted into the Hands of Fame. The following year saw Brendon with his mum (Judy) taking out the TSA Contemporary Song of the Year Award – collaboration on the GrahameWatts poem ‘Patches’. In 2005 Brendon joined the Hum Ridge team, Toowoomba taking on the role coordinating the Music and Production Ministries.
He often performs with his brothers Nathan and Jarad bringing fans some great Country Walmsley classics. His latest album ‘Bottle Tree Lane’ (released in 2004) is certainly worthwhile grabbing. The album includes that old time favourite ‘Family Bible’ and his rendition of ‘Bob Dylan’s classic ‘Forever Young’. The title song ‘Bottle Tree Lane’ was voted Best Australian Country Music Ballad atthe ACMLA People’s Choice Awards. In my opinion it’s his best by far and the acoustics on this album is superb.
If you haven’t already heard of Brendon Walmsley, check his website for updates, albums, and where you can catch one of his live performances. www.brendonwalmsley.com.au
DARREN COGGAN
Star Maker 1996
In the World of Entertainment – Darren Coggan is a truly versatile artist. He is an accomplished singer, songwriter,actor and television presenter. His debut album ‘Home Town’
It was 1999 Darren was cast as ‘Richie Cunningham’in the music ‘Happy Days’ which had toured Australia extensively. In 2001 he won his first Golden Guitar for Vocal Collaboration of the Year and was inducted into the Country Music Hands of Fame. Later that same year he hosted Foxtel’s TV show ‘Out & About’ and made several quest appearances on Channel 7’s drama ‘All Saints’.
He has performed in various stage musicals including ‘Shout’ a musical of the Wild One presented by Jacobsen Entertainment in which he played several roles.
Credits of Achievements
1995 – Trans Tasman Entertainer of theYear
1996 – Toyota Star Maker
1996 – ARIA Award ‘Best Australian Country Release of the Year’ for ‘Home Fires’
1998 – Awarded Young Citizan of the Year by Australia Day Committee of Wagga Wagga
2001 – Golden Guitar for VocalCollaboration of the Year
2003 – Australian Independent Male Vocalist of the Year “If I Had My Time Again”
This year (2008) saw the launch of his latest and third album – ‘War Stories’ which pays homage to those who served
their Country.
CRAIG STEWART
Craig Stewart is no stranger to Country Music he has been performing his songs in pubs over the past fourteen years. During the Tamworth Festival of 2001, Craig was a runner-up in the K-mart/Jazza Smith Talent Search and that same year he won the Cavalier Talent Quest.
In 2004 Craig graduated from the CMAA Country Music College and has come along way since then within the Country Music Scene. His debut album ‘The Spirit of Australia’ was released in 2005 sporting 12 original tracks. His love for Country Music can be heard in the songs he writes and sings. Craig hopes to release his 3rd album in time for Tamworth Festival 2009.
He has been nominated for various Awards including:- Golden Saddle Award (Galston CM Festival) and Rising Star Award (Mildura CM Festival). In 2008 he was nominated in the TSA for ‘New Songwriter Award’ with ‘Streets &Headstones’, although he never won – it is plain to see that Craig is a natural when it comes to writing songs particularly about Australian Heritage.
I caught up with Craig a couple times during the Country Music Festival in Tamworth over the past few years – a great bloke and talent and I’m sure you will hear more of him in the future. His latest offering ‘Bell Birds & Blackboys’ is a must for any Country Music fan as with his first release ‘The Spirit of Australia’.
Both albums are currently available at all Craig Stewart shows or by visiting his website which will also keep you informed of where you can see this great Australia talent performing, maybe in a town near you. www.craigstewart.com.au
Talents of Australian Country Music
