Geoff Mack and Jean Stafford elevated to the Country Music Roll of Renown
Australian country music legends Geoff Mack and Jean Stafford were elevated to the Country Music Roll of Renown in Tamworth yesterday afternoon.
Renowned as one of Australia’s most successful country comedy and variety entertainers, Geoff Mack’s thousands of appearances over some six decades have endeared him to generations of Australians.
In 1959, Geoff wrote I’ve Been Everywhere which was recorded in 1962 by Lucky Starr and quickly became one of Australia’s biggest selling songs of all time. It has been recorded by numerous artists in dozens of languages around the world including America.
Affectionately known as “Tangle Tongue”, Geoff’s performing career, together with his spectacular songwriting ability, have confirmed him as one of our nation’s most loved and respected entertainers.
Coming to prominence during the 1970s and ‘80s, Jean stafford learnt her craft singing at hotels, country halls and dances. Recording initially with Dusty Rankin in 1965, she released her debut solo album in 1974, the song What Kind Of A Girl Do You Think I Am? winning the first of her three Golden Guitars.
From Northern Tasmania to Tamworth and Nashville, it has been a triumphant journey for the silver voiced girl who made her first public appearance at the age of 12.
Geoff and Jean are the 36th and 37th inductees to Australia’s highest country music honour.
They join Tex Morton, Buddy Williams, Smoky Dawson, Slim Dusty, Shirley Thoms, Tim McNamara, Gordon Parsons, The McKean Sisters, Reg Lindsay, Rick & Thel Carey, Johnny Ashcroft, Chad Morgan, John Minson, The Hawking Bros, Stan Coster, Barry Thornton, Nev Nicholls, Shorty Ranger, Jimmy Little, Ted Egan, Dusty Rankin, John Williamson, Rocky Page, Brian Young, Rex Dallas, Arthur Blanch, The Schneider Sisters, Frank Ifield, The Webb Bros, Kenny Kitching, The Singing Kettles, Athol McCoy, Reg Poole, Lindsay Butler and Kevin King on the Roll of Renown located in front of the Tamworth Regional Entertainment & Conference Centre in Country Music Capital.
Their plaques will be unveiled this Tuesday morning (January 21) at 10.20am.
The Roll of Renown honour is presented annually to those artists who have made a lasting and significant contribution to Australian country music.
Photo (top): Geoff Mack with his wife Tabbi after yesterday's Roll of Renown presentation.
Photo (right, fromn left): Eric Scott responding on behalf of Jean following yesterday's announcement with last year's Roll of Renown inductees Lindsay Butler and Kevin King and special concert guest Adam Brand.
