This month's
Australian Country Music Hall of Fame
Country In The Courtyard
proudly sponsored by
will be held Monday May 19
with special guest star
Sally-Anne Whitten
plus walkup artists
The entertainment kicks off at 6.30pm with entry by Gold Coin Donation. Food and refreshments available... sandwiches $3, tea and coffee $2
Raising funds for Australia's NEW Country Music Hall of Fame building. |
Vale – Smoky Dawson
Smoky Dawson – the last surviving original pioneer of Australian country music – has died. He was 94.
Smoky died of complications from surgery at 5.15pm Wednesday, February 13, 2008, in Sydney.
Herbert Henry (Smoky) Dawson was born in Melbourne in 1913. His career began in 1934 when he formed a western group and became a household name when he starred on Radio 3UZ, in a first live broadcast of its kind.
In 1941, Smoky recorded with Columbia and performed throughout Australia with great success.
In 1951, the Dawsons (Smoky married Dot in 1944) moved to the USA where Smoky obtained a contract with Acuff Rose and performed at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville, returning to a tremendous welcome home by well wishers at Sydney Airport.
The Smoky Dawson Radio Show went on air in 1952 and stayed on air for 10 years.
A long and distinguished recording and performing career followed, recognised by his elevation to the Country Music Roll of Renown in 1978, an MBE (for services to country music) in 1983. He was made a Member of the Order of Australia in 1999 and inducted into the ARIA (Australian Recording Industry Association) Hall of Fame in 2005.
Smoky continued to perform and record as long as he was physically able.
"The country music world is deeply saddened at the loss of our dear Smoky," said Bob Kirchner, President of the Australian Country Music Foundation of which Smoky was the Patron.
"He was the eternal showman, the perennial entertainer, always there with a 'smile and a song' connecting with what must have been millions of fans during an amazing, almost century long, career."
Smoky is survived by his wife Dot who turned 101 last year.
Photo (by John Arnold): Smoky and Dot at their 2006 Australian Country Music Hall of Fame Tribute Dinner.
