87-404: " Old Man Emu " is a song written and recorded by the Australian country singer John Williamson . In 1970, Williamson performed the song on TV talent show, New Faces , winning first place. Williamson signed with Fable Records after the win. "Old Man Emu" was released in May 1970 as Williamson's first single and the lead single from his album, John Williamson . The song peaked at number 4 on
174-428: A folk music group. After schooling Williamson returned home to become a farmer and, in 1965, the family moved to Croppa Creek, near Moree , where Williamson began performing at a local restaurant. In 1969 John Williamson wrote a novelty song, " Old Man Emu ", and early the following year he performed the track on TV talent quest, New Faces , winning first place. He later reflected on his songwriting process, and
261-657: A water tank . Williamson performed at the opening of the New Parliament House . In September 1989, he issued Warragul (meaning dingo in the Wiradjuri language ), which became his first number-one album the following month. That same year Variety Club named him 'Entertainer of the Year'. At the Country Music Awards of Australia for 1990, John Williamson won 'Top Selling Album' and 'Album of
348-449: A Career was released. In 2014, Williamson released his fiftieth album (including compilations) called Honest People , as well as writing his autobiography , issued by Penguin . Both were released on 25 July 2014. As well as this, he made his debut as an exhibitionist painter. In 2014, it was announced by John via A Current Affair that he has been diagnosed with prostate cancer . In April 2016, he released an EP called Looking for
435-456: A Republic , stating "I believe that those who cling to the Monarchy [...] are no different [...] from those who objected to the then proposed Federation [...]. In other words, there is no doubt in my mind that a Republic is inevitable [...]." His middle brother Robin died of cancer in 1999. The song "Salisbury Street" on Williamson's 2002 album "Gunyah" was dedicated to Robin. Salisbury Street
522-630: A Story , a new ANZAC tribute and six other sets of previously issued lyrics. John released his twentieth studio album Butcherbird in August 2018. In 2020, Williamson celebrated 50 years since the release of "Old Man Emu", by releasing a 25xCD single box set, featuring 50 tracks spanning his career. Williamson said "Putting together this collection gave me a chance to take stock of what I've achieved during my career... While I'm not looking to retire just yet, once I've completed my 2020 Winding Back Tour I'll be scaling down my live appearances. I've always loved
609-530: A country music band, Crow, which performed on the pub and club circuit across Australia. In 1980 Crow were renamed as Sydney Radio, to play rock music with a reggae influence. The members used face paint, with Williamson disguised as the clown, Ludwig Leichhardt. Williamson penned rock and reggae numbers for the band some of which were recorded but never released. Since 1970 Williamson has had a friendship with radio presenter, John Laws , who calls Williamson his 'little brother'. In 1977, Williamson recorded and released
696-487: A cover version of Stan Coster 's "Wobbly Boot Hotel" on Waratah St in 1991, he re-recorded it in 2004 as a duet with Coster's daughter Tracy on "Coster Country", her tribute album to him. 2005 was a productive year for John in terms of recording and touring; he re-recorded "Wrinkles" as a duet with John Stephan, issued a twenty-track compilation of Queensland-themed songs, called "From Bulldust to Bitumen", available only to RACQ members, and in August, Chandelier of Stars
783-514: A musical. Based on his music and lyrics, the book by Simon Heath and directed by Bernie Zelvis , Williamson named it Quambatook – The Musical . On 7 February 2008, the musical was premiered at the EVAN Theater in Penrith to positive reviews, making it a major highlight in the history of Australian musical theatre. The album Hillbilly Road was released in August 2008. The lyrics for
870-525: A new track, " True Blue ", which was included on a compilation album, True Blue: The Best of John Williamson . Later that year, he issued Fair Dinkum J.W. , featuring traditional Australian ballads, "With My Swag upon My Shoulder", "Botany Bay" and "Brisbane Ladies"; as well as originals, "Country Football", "Kill the Night", "Wrinkles" and "(You've Gotta Be) Fair Dinkum", a duet with Karen Johns. In 1983 Williamson released his first solo live album, Singing in
957-593: A pop music "bible", it became an influential publication, introduced the first national pop record charts and featured many notable contributors including fashion designer Prue Acton , journalist Lily Brett , rock writer / band manager Vince Lovegrove , music commentator Ian "Molly" Meldrum , rock writer / music historian Ed Nimmervoll and radio DJ Stan Rofe . It spawned the original Australian edition of Rolling Stone magazine in late 1972. In 1964, Monash University student newspaper Chaos' co-editors, John Blakeley, Damien Broderick and Tony Schauble, renamed
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#17328014214971044-600: A press conference for the album in Tamworth on 21 January hosted by the then Governor-General Quentin Bryce , in his acceptance speech, John expressed his gratitude for the longevity of his career up to that point, in the process thanking his fans, friends and family, including his first wife, Mary-Kay. On 28 January 2011 Williamson released a recording of a concert with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at
1131-974: A progressive political newsletter, from 1999 through 2013, after which he returned to Australia. In 2012, Brett published Lola Bensky , her sixth novel, a semi-autobiographical work of fiction based on her experiences as a writer for Go-Set . The book was long-listed for the Miles Franklin Literary Award , and won the 2014 Prix Medicis étranger in France. From March 1966, Go-Set published radio station 3UZ 's Top 40 singles for Melbourne and 2SM 's King 40 for Sydney. A national Top 40 chart appeared on 5 October 1966 alongside top 15s from 2SM, 3UZ, 4BC in Brisbane , 5AD in Adelaide and 6KY in Perth . In February 1967, Ed Nimmervoll compiled
1218-682: A promotional arrangement with BOAC airlines, Brett and Beard were flown to London and the USA. They spent four months in the United Kingdom from January 1967 touring with Australian singer Normie Rowe, and The Troggs, The Who , The Small Faces , The Easybeats and others. In America they covered the New York City scene and attended the Monterey Pop Festival from 16 to 19 June 1967. The first full colour centre spread
1305-580: A relationship with a new partner, Meg Doyle, who organises some of his activities. The couple divide their time living together between Springbrook and their Sydney apartment and were married in March 2013. His daughter, Ami, is also a musician, who has toured with Williamson. In early 2008, she toured Australian Defence Force bases in Iraq and Afghanistan to play to troops: she appeared on two episodes, "Show of Force", on Australian Story (May 2008) describing
1392-623: A similar vein to Slim Dusty and Buddy Williams before him. Williamson has released over fifty albums, ten videos , five DVDs, and two lyric books and has sold more than 4,000,000 albums in Australia. His best known hit is " True Blue ". On Australia Day (26 January) in 1992 Williamson was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) with the citation: "for service to Australian country music and in stimulating awareness of conservation issues". He has received twenty-six Golden Guitar trophies at
1479-463: A single, "It's a Grab It While It's Goin' Kind of Life", which is a musical tribute to Laws. Up until Laws' first retirement on 25 June 2007, Williamson wrote and performed a series of jingles for Laws' morning show on 2UE , and his final jingle was "Hey good on ya Lawsie, you pulled the plug at last". Laws made a successful comeback to radio broadcasting in February 2011, this time at 2SM , part of
1566-440: A single, "The Breaker", featuring narrated vocals by Charles 'Bud' Tingwell , which was inspired by the movie, Breaker Morant (1980) (which had Tingwell as a supporting actor). "The Breaker" enabled Williamson to cast off the "Old Man Emu" novelty tag and "[h]is long apprenticeship flowed into an apparently endless set of songs charming Australians with stories and images about themselves and their country". In 1982, he recorded
1653-465: A three-disc set of Williamson's hits from 1970 – 2005 was released. In September, Williamson was devastated after hearing of the death of fellow wildlife conservationist and friend, Steve Irwin . In reaction to the news, he wrote a tribute tune, "Wildlife Warriors: It's Time". He was evidently emotional while performing both " Home Among the Gum Trees " and "True Blue" at Irwin's memorial service inside
1740-472: A vocal imitation from Miller's " Dang Me " and replacing Rolf's wobble board with a Jaw's Harp . From the age of seven he learned to play the ukulele from his father, before proceeding when he was twelve to guitar and taught himself to play harmonica. For the last four years of secondary schooling Williamson attended Scotch College in Melbourne. In the early 1960s, while still at college, he formed
1827-553: Is a bush lullaby for Aboriginal children. Also on Chandelier of Stars is "A Country Balladeer" which is a duet with Chad Morgan , and "Flower on the Water" is a tribute to the victims of the Bali bombings. The first four lines are inspired by words on a photo of a deceased victim: "To hear your voice, to see you smile / To sit and talk to you awhile / To be together the same old way / That would be our greatest wish today". Williamson found
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#17328014214971914-579: Is a description of the night sky before sunrise. "Bells in a Bushman's Ear" is a tribute to Australia's country music forefathers, and "The Camel Boy" is about the life of indigenous artist, Albert Namatjira , who is Warren H Williams ' great uncle. "Keeper of the Stones", which first appeared on Williamson's live album and DVD of 2004, Mates on the Road , was dedicated to indigenous Australians of The Stolen Generation . "Desert Child", another duet with Williams
2001-454: Is also an author of books on the same subject. By January 1974, Go-Set was sold to Sungravure Ltd (part of the Fairfax company), with Jenny Irvine as editor. Reprints from UK and US papers replaced staff writing during 1973 and 1974. Sungravure was taken over by IPC Magazines , after which Go-Set' s circulation declined with the final issue being on 24 August 1974. Meldrum remained to
2088-685: Is an annual songwriting contest for original country songs, awarded in January at the Tamworth Country Music Festival . They commenced in 1986. John Williamson has won eight awards. John Williamson has written or co-written the following: Go-Set Go-Set was the first Australian pop music newspaper, published weekly from 2 February 1966 to 24 August 1974, and was founded in Melbourne by Phillip Frazer , Peter Raphael and Tony Schauble. Widely described as
2175-519: The Go-Set National Top ;60. It was awarded a gold certification and was listed at No. 14 on Go-Set ' s Top Records for the Year of 1970. His self-titled debut album followed in mid-year and, although it featured "Old Man Emu", it had little commercial success: only selling two-thousand copies. Since "Old Man Emu" was his only hit he had to perform it two or three times per gig. Williamson's follow-up single, "Under
2262-494: The 2002 Bali bombings . At the Country Music Awards of Australia for 2004 Williamson and Sara Storer won 'Vocal Collaboration of the Year' and 'Single of the Year' for "Raining on the Plains", and the track won 'Song of the Year' which was shared with Storer and her co-writers, Garth Porter and Doug Storer. The track is on Storer's 2002 album, Beautiful Circle . With regard to new arrangements of John's songs, having recorded
2349-523: The ARIA Hall of Fame on 27 October 2010. He has won the 'Best Country Album' category three times, including the inaugural award in 1987, from six nominations. These annual awards have been presented since 1973 and have been organised by Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) from 1993, to "encourage, promote and recognise excellence in Australian country music recording". From that time
2436-575: The Country Music Awards of Australia in January that year, he won 'Song of the Year' for "Queen in the Sport of Kings". He then issued a new compilation, Humble Beginnings , featuring tracks from his first three studio albums. He released another studio album that year, Road Thru the Heart . At the Country Music Awards of Australia in January 1986, he won 'Album of the Year' for Road Thru
2523-553: The Country Music Awards of Australia , he has won three ARIA Music Awards for Best Country Album and, in 2010, was inducted into the related Hall of Fame . John Robert Williamson was born on 1 November 1945 at Kerang Bush Nursing Hospital to Keith Williamson and Shirley Ellen (née Manuel). He grew up in Quambatook , in the Mallee district of north-western Victoria. His parents farmed wheat crops on various small land lots in
2610-552: The Kent Music Report and was certified gold in Australia John Williamson (singer) John Robert Williamson AM (born 1 November 1945) is an Australian country music and folk music singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, television host and conservationist. Williamson usually writes and performs songs that relate to the history and culture of Australia, particularly the outback, in
2697-716: The Sydney Opera House . At the Australian Country Music Awards in Tamworth that same month John presented Jimmy Little with the Lifetime Achievement Award. In January 2012, Williamson released The Big Red . The first two singles lifted from the work are "Hang My Hat in Queensland" and the title track. Early in 2013 "Prairie Hotel Parachilna" was released. In 2013, a new two-disc set of John's hits, Hell of
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2784-414: The pen-name of "Mummy Cool" (1971–1972). Maree Menzel wrote quirky pages covering fashion and accessories, and often modelled for the illustrations as well, photographed by Ray Strong. Ian "Molly" Meldrum wrote a weekly column for Go-Set from August 1966 until its demise in 1974. His writing style represented his own stream of consciousness and came across in the same "bumbling" manner which
2871-514: The "Yes" campaign for the 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum : "Voice From The Heart" and "Uluru Forever". In the early 1970s John was living in Leichhardt and met Mary-Kay Price. Her parents had farmed on Tulloona Plain between Moree and Goondiwindi , and her father was a World War II soldier-settler. In 1973, Williamson married Mary-Kay on her parents' farm. The couple have two daughters, Ami and Georgie. Ami recalled "[w]hen Dad
2958-573: The Best Vol 2 , was released in October, which peaked at number 32 and was certified platinum. Its lead single, "Australia Calling", was also released while another new track was the studio recording of "I'll Be Gone", and was used to raise awareness for homeless youth. At the beginning of 1993, Williamson issued Love is a Good Woman , a compilation of his love songs, with new tracks "Good Woman" and "Misty Blue". In September that year, after watching
3045-672: The Bridge" backed with "The Unexplored Shadows of Mine" was issued in November with certain pressings having its A and B-sides swapped around. By February 1971 the album's third single, "Beautiful Sydney", appeared. A string of non-album singles followed including, in March 1972, "Misery Farm" with Lumpy Pumpkin. In 1973 Williamson hosted a country music TV series, Travlin' Out West , which ran for two years, broadcast by NBN-3 , Newcastle. He performed with two regular acts, Ricky & Tammy, and Emma Hannah. The program provided two albums for
3132-508: The CMAA. He gave up the position of his own volition, unhappy with the "growing influence of American music". On Australia Day 1992 John Williamson was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) with the citation: "for service to Australian country music and in stimulating awareness of conservation issues". In the 2006 book, 1001 Australians You Should Know , music journalists , Toby Creswell and Samantha Chenoweth describe him as "[o]ne of
3219-537: The Country Music Awards of Australia in January 1987, he won 'Album of the Year' for Mallee Boy and 'Male Vocalist of the Year' for " True Blue ". Popular tracks include the title song, "Galleries of Pink Galahs" (see Galah ), " Raining on the Rock " (see Uluru ) and "Cootamundra Wattle" (see Acacia baileyana ). The album had a re-recorded version of "True Blue" which was released as a single in September. Williamson
3306-477: The Heart and 'Male Vocalist of the Year' for "You and My Guitar". In July 1986, Williamson released another compilation, All the Best! which contained eighteen of his most-requested tracks both from studio and live works. As a bonus, Williamson collaborated with both of his daughters, Ami and Georgie, and with Australian folk group Bullamakanka on " Goodbye Blinky Bill " – highlighting the comic koala character of
3393-622: The Kent Music Report. At the ARIA Music Awards of 1989 , Boomerang Café won his second award for Best Country Album. At the Country Music Awards of Australia in January 1989, he won 'Top Selling Album' and 'Album of the Year' for Boomerang Café . Despite the title song's lyrics, Williamson has told concert audiences that he did not actually meet his future wife, Mary-Kay, in The Boomerang Café but actually by
3480-512: The Road ", issued both as a single and on Harvey's duets album Both Sides Now . Williamson then made his Carols By Candlelight debut at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl . On 26 January ( Australia Day ) 2010 Williamson released a new Australian anthem called "Island of Oceans" as a duet with Shannon Noll . Williamson released a new double-CD compilation album Absolute Greatest: 40 Years True Blue commemorating this milestone. At
3567-509: The Rock " as a duet with Warren H Williams . The following year, at the Australian Country Music Awards, the pair won 'Collaboration of the Year'. Williamson soon took part in his short-lived television series on the Seven Network called The Bush Telegraph . Following this for a moderate period, Williamson continued touring Australia and was also releasing a series of compilations. In July 1999 his fourteenth studio album, The Way It Is
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3654-554: The Suburbs and another live album, The Smell of Gum Leaves , in September 1984. It featured another comic track, "I'm Fair Dinkum". Williamson then launched his merchandise business, The Fair Dinkum Road Company, in Sydney. The album included his cover version of Spectrum 's 1971 single, " I'll Be Gone ", which he played using only guitar and harmonica. At the start of 1985 he founded an independent record label, Gumleaf Recordings. At
3741-596: The Super Radio Network, and Williamson's jingles for his programme resumed. In early 1981 John Williamson's rock group, Sydney Radio, disbanded and he began playing solo in pubs, which attracted more new fans. He recorded a tribute song for ANZACs , "Diggers of the ANZAC (This Is Gallipoli)", which was well received and issued as a single. Williamson met Pixie Jenkins , a fiddle player, and the two toured together for several years. In April 1981 Williamson issued
3828-502: The TV announcement that Sydney had won the bid to host the 2000 Summer Olympics , Williamson wrote "Sydney 2000" and was invited to perform it on the steps of the Sydney Opera House . A year later, it was recorded for his next album, Mulga to Mangoes , which peaked at No. 14. Associated singles were "Seven Year Itch", "River Crying Out" and "Tropical Fever". At the Country Music Awards of Australia in January 1995, he won 'Video Track of
3915-613: The Top ;10 on the Kent Music Report Albums Chart. It remained in the top 50 for a year-and-a-half, and was awarded a triple platinum certificate. It was "filled with storytelling that spanned from his own beginnings on that farm in the Victorian Mallee to every corner of the nation". At the ARIA Music Awards of 1987 , Mallee Boy was named the inaugural winner of Best Country Album. At
4002-424: The Year' for Warragul , and 'Heritage Award' for " Drover's Boy ". At the ARIA Music Awards of 1990 , Warragul earned his third Best Country Album award. In October 1990 Williamson released JW's Family Album which reached No. 21. In 1990 a new version of "Old Man Emu" appeared as a single, with a new lyric added: "He can run the pants off a dingo too". In September 1992 his next album, Waratah St ,
4089-441: The Year' for "Tropical Fever" – directed by Mark Jago. During the year he celebrated twenty-five years in the Australian music industry with a new compilation, True Blue – The Very Best of John Williamson , which reached the top 30. It included two new tracks, "Bush Town (The Lawnmower Song)" and "No-one Loves Brisbane Like Jesus". At that time, he published his book, True Blue: Stories and Songs of Australia , which contains
4176-611: The achievements of songwriters and music composers, and to recognise their songwriting skills, sales and airplay performance, by its members annually. John Williamson has won three APRA Music Awards , in the allied categories 'Most Performed Australasian Country Work' and 'Most Performed Country Work'. The ARIA Music Awards are presented annually from 1987 by the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). John Williamson has won four awards from twelve nominations, including his induction into
4263-581: The album were inspired by his home in Springbrook . Subsequent singles that followed were "Cydi", "Drink a Little Love", "Australia Is Another Word for Free" as a trio with Williams and Amos Morris , and "Better Than a Picture". "The Joy Is in the Journey" was a special bonus addition to finish the album, previously appearing on the Quambatook Musical soundtrack . The Hillbilly Road album
4350-400: The arena of his Australia Zoo Crocoseum. The service was filmed live-to-air and later released on DVD. Wildlife Warriors was additionally released in November 2006 on a compilation album of the same name, along with twelve of Williamson's favourite conservation awareness tracks and his two live performances from Irwin's memorial. At the beginning of 2008 Williamson decided to put together
4437-465: The author and started a friendship. The following November, Williamson released the new song "We Love This Country" on a compilation of the same name with his favourite holiday songs to promote Australian tourism with caravans – it became a jingle for Jayco commercials. He promoted the aforementioned projects of 2005 together with Pixie Jenkins and Warren H Williams as part of their True Blue Reunion Tour. In August 2006, The Platinum Collection ,
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#17328014214974524-611: The company) and founded The Digger in September 1972. Frazer also launched the Australian edition of Rolling Stone magazine first as a supplement in the fourth issue of Revolution , then as a fully-fledged magazine in early 1972. Frazer left Rolling Stone Australia in 1974 but continued with The Digger until December 1975, after which he moved to United States. Go-Set reached its peak in circulation, with 72,000 copies per week, in June to December 1970. After Frazer left as editor in 1972 to concentrate on The Digger , Piotre Olszewski
4611-508: The connection I receive when performing, so you'll still see me popping up at festivals and special events. Winding Back mainly means I'm looking forward to spending more time in the garden and less time away from home fiddling about with those hard to open motel soaps." JW 50 – Winding Back 1970–2020 was released on 19 June 2020 and peaked at number 50 on the ARIA Charts. In September 2023, Williamson released two singles in support of
4698-478: The discos and dance halls. These were its original target audience - the thousands of teenagers, especially girls, caught up in the excitement of the swinging sixties , following their favourite local Rock group around the suburban dancehalls of Melbourne. Go-Set started its annual pop poll in October 1966 with readers voting for Normie Rowe as 'Best Male Vocal', Lynne Randell as 'Best Girl Vocal' and The Easybeats as 'Best Group'. The following year, Normie Rowe
4785-488: The following year he was inducted to the Country Music Association of Australia's Roll of Renown. Williamson's thirteenth studio album Pipe Dream was released in August 1997 and peaked at No. 6. At the Country Music Awards of Australia for 1998 he won 'Top Selling Album' for Pipe Dream . " Sir Don ", his tribute to cricketer Donald Bradman , is on the album. Williamson performed " Raining on
4872-410: The importance of his guitar, "no matter where I go I'll have one with me, in case I come up with a song, I've got to have the guitar straight away. I always write the words and the music together". In early 1970 he signed a recording contract with Fable Records owner and New Faces ' s judge, Ron Tudor . In May "Old Man Emu" was released as a single on Tudor's label, which peaked at No. 3 on
4959-459: The interests of the Australian country music industry particularly in regard to the Awards". It was launched in January 1992 with Dusty as inaugural chairman and Williamson as vice-chairman and later that year CMAA took over the organisation of the Country Music Awards of Australia – established in 1973 – from radio station, 2TM based in Tamworth. Williamson's compilation, Australia Calling – All
5046-722: The last issue and became an integral part of Australian Broadcasting Corporation TV pop music series Countdown , which began broadcasting nationally in November 1974. He initially worked behind the scenes as a "Talent Co-ordinator" but, from 1975, he became an on-screen host and developed a news and gossip segment titled Humdrum . Countdown re-united Meldrum with Grant Rule from his Kommotion days. After Countdown ended in 1987, Meldrum continued his music commentary for various TV shows, including Hey Hey Its Saturday . Frazer has edited and managed political magazines in America and, with Jim Hightower , published The Hightower Lowdown ,
5133-460: The lyrics of his songs and explanations of their composition. Williamson was surprised at the book's launch by Mike Munro as part of the TV documentary series, This is Your Life . He appeared on the series again in 2000 when Slim Dusty was the subject of an episode. At the Country Music Awards of Australia in January 1996, Williamson won 'Top Selling Album' for Mulga to Mangoes . He released Family Album No.2 in September 1996. In January
5220-488: The most popular songwriters in Australia ... [h]e has been a voice for the people of the bush and he has been a voice of dissent, openly criticising the woodchip industry". He is also a Protect Our Coral Sea Ambassador. In mid-2015, Williamson was nominated for the 2015 Sounds of Australia competition by veteran Australian TV presenter and journalist Steve Liebmann . These annual awards were established by Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) in 1982 to honour
5307-544: The name Leslie Pixie. Ian "Molly" Meldrum wrote his first story for Go-Set in July 1966, and joined as a news, gossip and feature writer in August. Frazer urged Meldrum to join week day, TV show Kommotion on Channel 0 as a mimer so that Go-Set could get more inside stories. A key element in the early success of the newspaper was the centre page spread called "The Scene-The Seen", a weekly pictorial survey photographed by Beard in Melbourne and Grant Mudford in Sydney around
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#17328014214975394-731: The newspaper from their home in the Melbourne suburb of Malvern . The first edition of Go-Set , dated 2 February 1966, was published with Schauble cited as editor because Frazer, a medical student, asked to be listed in the low-key role of designer and Panther, who had not registered for the military draft , was described as a feature writer. The first issue showcased Tom Jones (see right) and Herman's Hermits interviewed by Panther and photographed by Colin Beard at Palais Theatre , St Kilda . Initial sales were low, about 3000 to 5000 but Issue 3, which covered The Rolling Stones tour in Melbourne and Sydney, doubled their sales. Initially Go-Set
5481-690: The opening ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics . Williamson performed " Sir Don " at Bradman's Memorial Service in Adelaide in 2001. The original scraps of paper he used to compose the track are displayed in the Bradman Museum , Bowral . He also represented Australia when performing at the Opening Ceremony of Winterlude in Ottawa, Ontario , Canada. In April 2002, Williamson released his fifteenth studio album, Gunyah , which in
5568-700: The paper Lot's Wife . Phillip Frazer was a staffer and later became co-editor with future parliamentarian Peter Steedman . Late in 1965, Schauble, Frazer, Broderick, and another student writer, Doug Panther, discussed ideas to make money during the holidays including the idea to create a teen-oriented pop music newspaper. Local rock group The Mood's manager , Peter Raphael, joined Frazer and Schauble and together they founded Go-Set Publications. Raphael brought in photographer Colin Beard and advertising manager Terry Cleary. Waverley Press, which owned Waverley Offset Printers, had printed Lot's Wife , and agreed to print Go-Set on credit. Schauble, Frazer and Panther produced
5655-552: The recipient's trophy has been a Golden Guitar . John Williamson has won twenty-seven Country Music Awards of Australia, including induction into their Roll of Renown in 1997. The Australian Entertainment Mo Awards (commonly known informally as the Mo Awards ), were annual Australian entertainment industry awards. They recognise achievements in live entertainment in Australia from 1975 to 2016. Williamson won eight awards in that time. The Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA)
5742-511: The region and both were amateur performing artists singing in local Gilbert & Sullivan productions. Williamson is the oldest of five sons whose names in order are William, Robin, Peter and Jeff. Williamson's performance style originates from his 'farmland, not city bitumen' lifestyle, and his upbringing is referred to by the nickname, 'The Mallee Boy'. His early musical influences were Roger Miller and Rolf Harris , both of whom provided inspirational elements for his first hit, namely using
5829-607: The regulars, Travlin' Out West in Concert (1973) and From Travlin' Out West (1974) issued by Reg Grundy Productions . In 1976 he issued his second album, The Comic Strip Cowboy , but it failed to chart. In early 1978, Williamson released his first compilation album under the Country Greats series. This was followed later in the year by his third album, Road to Town , with contributions by other musicians including Tommy Emmanuel on guitar. Also that year Williamson formed
5916-575: The same name . When issued as a single, the purchase price included an A$ 1.00 donation to the Koala Preservation Society in Port Macquarie . At the Country Music Awards of Australia in January 1986, he won 'Album of the Year' for Road Thru the Heart and 'Male Vocalist of the Year' for "You and My Guitar". In November 1986 Williamson's Gumleaf Recordings distributed his breakthrough album, Mallee Boy , which peaked in
6003-414: The tour. Williamson also appeared on the same episodes he had advised his daughter "to sing stuff that's going to be good for the boys". Ami explained her motivation for going "I've got, you know, a history of entertainers in my family ... [who] have performed for the military, my dad has, so I feel like I've taken the baton, which is cool". Williamson is a supporter and activist for Australia becoming
6090-558: The traditional Aboriginal language means 'home'. The opening track "Sing You the Outback" revealed how important the Australian outback has been in the past and how invaluable it will be into the future. The next two tracks, "Frangipani Bay" and "Cape York Peninsula", were written during a road trip to Australia's most northern point. The lyrics in "The Devil's Boots" relate to the bushranger, Ned Kelly . "Buried in Her Bedclothes"
6177-1005: Was a Beard photograph of Jimi Hendrix taken at The Monterey Pop Festival. In Los Angeles they did personality stories and photographic fashion spreads with Sonny and Cher , The Mamas & the Papas and covered a recording session with The Byrds . In Brett's absence, Meldrum became the principal local feature writer while Vera Kaas-Jager covered the local photography for Beard. Over its nine-year history there were many significant additional contributors including David Elfick , Alex Pezzoni, Vince Lovegrove , Ed Nimmervoll , Stan Rofe , Stephen MacLean , Wendy Saddington , Michele O'Driscoll (aka Mitch), Cleo Calvo (now singer, Clelia Adams), Eril Bilson, Philip Morris (photographer), Ian McCausland (graphics), Jon Hawkes (editor), Geoff Pendlebury (graphics), Geoff Watson (management) and his off-sider Margaret Rose Dunphy on bookkeeping and classifieds, Helen Hooper, Jean Bedford , and Pat Wilson who wrote under
6264-561: Was advertising manager assisted by Terry Cleary. Doug Panther continued as feature writer for several months before leaving for Western Australia with Commonwealth Police and the Australian Army searching for him as a 'draft dodger'. Panther was replaced by Lily Brett who likes to recall that she got the job because she had a car. Other personnel were Honey Lea, originally a typist, who later became fashion editor when Prue Acton dropped out, and Sue Flett who wrote an advice column under
6351-707: Was asked by the Australian Made Campaign whether they could use "True Blue" for their TV and radio ads. It became a career highlight and was adopted as a theme by the Australia national cricket team . To support Mallee Boy Williamson performed his concerts in a campfire setting and since that time he commences many of his shows with its title track. At the Country Music Awards of Australia in January 1988, he won 'Top Selling Album' for Mallee Boy . In April 1988 Williamson issued his seventh studio album, Boomerang Café , which peaked at No. 10 on
6438-467: Was away, he was really away". Over his career Williamson has written some love songs for Mary-Kay including "Little Girl from the Dryland". On 23 April 2007, after more than 30 years of marriage, Williamson and Mary-Kay divorced. Williamson admitted that he preferred Springbrook in south-east Queensland to unwind and get inspiration for new material. Following his marriage break-up, Williamson formed
6525-451: Was crowned as the inaugural ' King of Pop ' on TV series The Go!! Show , also on Channel 0. Go-Set had become the indispensable chronicle of the local scene, described by Jim Keays , lead singer of The Masters Apprentices , as the Australian music bible. From 5 October 1966, it featured Australian singles charts and international charts, local state gig listings and record reviews. Go-Set developed an international focus when, in
6612-431: Was editor from May to July before Nimmervoll took over with Meldrum as co-editor. Nimmervoll remained until December 1973 when Sungravure Ltd bought Go-Set and relocated its headquarters to Sydney. In December 1973, Nimmervoll left Go-Set and founded Juke Magazine in 1975. Subsequently, he established Take 40 Australia and, since 2000, he has edited HowlSpace , a website detailing Australian rock music history. He
6699-589: Was elected President of the CMAA after Dusty retired. He then released the sequel to the 1995 compilation True Blue Two , which reached No. 8. It featured his hit songs up to the Gunyah album and exclusively including five new tracks. On 12 October, Williamson was asked by the Prime Minister, John Howard , to perform "Waltzing Matilda" at the Memorial Service for the first Anniversary of
6786-958: Was in March 1971. Nimmervoll, an architecture student, started with Go-Set as the compiler of the national Top 40 charts, beginning in February 1967. He then wrote feature stories and record reviews, and in December 1969 began editing Go-Set' s counter-culture supplement, Core , which was influenced by the US magazine Rolling Stone . Founders, Schauble and Beard had left by February 1969 and Frazer became editor and publisher; Jon Hawkes joined as co-editor in April. Frazer launched two monthly counter-culture magazines, Revolution , which lasted from 1 May 1970 – 1 August 1971, and High Times , co-founded with Macy McFarland and Pat Woolley, which published August 1971 – 1 January 1972. Frazer left Go-Set in February 1972 (after Waverley Press took control of
6873-632: Was intended for Melbourne distribution only. A book distributor, Bill Robinson, managed circulation throughout Victoria , and several weeks later the newspaper was introduced to Sydney and within its first year, all the remaining states. From 28 February 1966, the Go-Set office was three rooms at Charnwood Crescent, St Kilda until December 1970 when it relocated to Drummond Street, Carlton . Key staff included Tony Schauble as editor then manager, Phillip Frazer, who had switched to an arts degree at Monash, as co-editor, and Colin Beard as photographer. Peter Raphael
6960-494: Was promoted everywhere around Australia until early the next year when Williams decided to move on and pursue other musical projects, leaving Williamson to perform the rest of the tour solo. At the Country Music Awards of Australia for 2009 he won 'Bush Ballad of the Year' for "Australia Is Another Word for Free", performed by Williamson, Williams and Morris. By late 2009 Williamson got together with fellow country star Adam Harvey and recorded their cover to Roger Miller's " King of
7047-468: Was recorded with country music veteran, Jimmy Little , for Corroboree that year. Other anthem tracks include "A Number on My Back" for the national rugby union team, Wallabies , and "The Baggy Green" with vocals by national cricket captain Steve Waugh . Also on the album are "Waltzing Matilda 2000" and a studio recording of " Advance Australia Fair " for the first time. He was invited to perform at
7134-548: Was released and peaked at No. 10, it went gold after eight weeks. At the end of 1999, he published his first calendar, by using photography from Steve Parish . At the Country Music Awards of Australia for 2000 John Williamson won 'Top Selling Album' for The Way It Is , 'Heritage Song of the Year' for "Campfire on the Road" and 'Bush Ballad of the Year' for "Three Sons". He released his next compilation album, Anthems – A Celebration of Australia in August 2000, which peaked at No. 16. A new single, "This Ancient Land",
7221-594: Was released it reached No. 14 on the ARIA Albums Chart, and had received a gold certificate on pre-sale orders. At the Country Music Awards of Australia in January 1992, he won 'Top Selling Album' for JW's Family Album . Late in 1991 he combined with other country musicians, Slim Dusty , Joy McKean , Phil Matthews and Max Ellis to organise the founding of the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA), which "would fight for
7308-546: Was released, which reached No. 11 on the ARIA Albums Chart. At the Country Music Awards of Australia for 2006 he won 'Album of the Year' and 'Top Selling Album' for Chandelier of Stars , and the track "Bells in a Bushman's Ear" won 'Bush Ballad of the Year'. In discussing John's wife of the time, the opening track, "Little Girl from the Dryland", describes Mary-Kay and her childhood in Tulloona Bore, south of Boggabilla , from her point of view. "Chandelier of Stars"
7395-461: Was the location of their second home in Quambatook . These days Williamson lives on the Gold Coast in the hinterland suburb of Springbrook where he will occasionally host live concerts at a venue he built known as Willoshed. "Call Me Blue" from the nineteenth album, Honest People , was written in reaction to the verbal abuse that Williamson received after resigning as president of
7482-478: Was to later be a hallmark of his public persona. His nickname "Molly" was given to him and first published in Go-Set in 1968 by fellow columnist and radio DJ Stan Rofe . Both Meldrum's and Rofe's columns contained many camp in jokes . Meldrum became editor of a monthly Go-Set offshoot, Gas , which was aimed at younger teen girls and was first published in October 1968 with a feature on The Monkees ; its last issue
7569-485: Was written after Williamson and Mary-Kay, his spouse of the time, met an elderly woman on an Indian Pacific rail trip. Her husband had died six months earlier and she had refused to get out of bed for three months. Her family suggested the train trip as a remedy – she shared her memories with the Williamsons and said that the train 'had done the job'. Williamson referred to 2003 as his 'most True Blue year ever'. He
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