-By Kim Parnell-
Usually, when someone appears on the cover of What’s On Fraser Coast Magazine, I’m lucky enough to have a proper chat. This time, however, proved a little trickier. When I began writing, my cover star—country music legend John Williamson—was off touring the nation on the Variety Bash, with barely a blip of phone service. I get it. After attending the final night of our own Dunga Derby by Rally for a Cause, I know that in some of our smaller towns, mobile reception is a tad sketchy. You practically need to climb the nearest hill, balance on tiptoe, and wave your phone around like a magic wand just to get a single bar.
So, for this piece, we’ll rely on press releases, a little history, and a whole lot of admiration to tell the story.
For more than five decades, the singer-songwriter has been the unmistakable voice of Australia. With his heartfelt lyrics, iconic melodies, and deep connection to the land, John has captured the soul of the nation like no other. From the cheeky charm of Old Man Emu to the stirring anthem True Blue, his music has become the soundtrack of the outback, the bush, and the Aussie spirit.
A passionate storyteller, environmental advocate, and cultural icon, John continues to inspire generations with songs that celebrate the beauty, resilience, and character of Australia.
This year marks a huge milestone for the artist as he celebrates his 55th year in the music industry and, in November, his 80th birthday. What better way to mark the occasion than with a national tour? The 55 Years – My Travellin’ Days Done tour kicked off at the Tamworth Country Music Festival earlier this year and will arrive at the Brolga Theatre and Convention Centre in Maryborough on September 14.
From humble beginnings as the son of a wheat farmer in the small Victorian Mallee town of Quambatook, it’s an extraordinary achievement.
“It’s hard to believe it’s 55 years since I released ‘Old Man Emu’. So, it seems fitting to make a fuss about it after COVID messed up my 50th year celebrations and touring. So, here I go again, one more time around Australia. I’m excited to have released ‘How Many Songs’ and a new kids’ picture book this year. That means I’ll have some new songs to add to the show, plus the old favourites I can’t leave out. It’s hard to stop when I keep people smiling.” – John Williamson
Born on November 1, 1945, into a musical family, John grew up as the eldest of five boys. His parents often performed in local productions, including Gilbert and Sullivan. Music was a constant in their home.
In 1965, the family moved to Croppa Creek near Moree, NSW, where John began performing at a local restaurant. The first song he ever wrote was Old Man Emu. The catchy tune was such a hit with diners that he was often asked to sing it two or three times a night.
Five years later, in 1970, he took Old Man Emu to the TV talent show New Faces — and won. Part of his prize was a recording contract with Fable Records, who released the song as a single. It shot to Number 1 nationally, achieved gold status, and remains a crowd favourite to this day.
By 1981, John had signed with Festival Records. His song The Breaker marked a turning point, showing audiences were eager to hear Indigenous stories told with a genuine Aussie voice. Then came True Blue — his first truly defining song, and now one of the nation’s most instantly recognisable anthems.
In 1985, John’s songwriting brilliance was recognised when he took home his first Golden Guitar — APRA Song of the Year for Queen in the Sport of Kings. It was just the beginning of a long list of awards.
The following year, the Federal Government approached him to use True Blue as the theme for its Australian Made campaign. He re-recorded the track for his next album, Mallee Boy.
In 1992, John joined EMI Music Australia, releasing Australia Calling – All the Best, Vol. 2. Always using his music for good, he directed royalties from the single I’ll Be Gone to the Salvation Army to help homeless kids. That same year, he was awarded an AM (Order of Australia) for his services to Australian country music and conservation. Alongside Slim Dusty, he also became a founding member of the Country Music Association of Australia.
In 1995, his book True Blue was released. At the launch, the Nine Network surprised him with a This is Your Life tribute, celebrating his remarkable career.
In 1997, John was inducted into the Roll of Renown (Country Music Hall of Fame) at the Australian Country Music Awards in Tamworth — one of the industry’s highest honours.
The following year saw the release of For Aussie Kids, an album and video recorded live in Nyngan during the Variety Club ‘Bash’. His duet Raining on the Rock with Warren H. Williams won Best Single at the Deadly Sounds Indigenous Awards.
In 2022, a life-sized bronze statue of John was unveiled in the heart of Tamworth, NSW, as a lasting tribute to his extraordinary contribution to Australian country music.
Over more than half a century, John has crisscrossed the nation, performing to hundreds of thousands of Australians. Along the way, he has written and recorded more than 500 songs, earned six ARIA Awards, twenty-eight Golden Guitars, an Order of Australia, and been inducted into both the ARIA Hall of Fame and the Australian Roll of Renown. His achievements also include selling more than five million albums and clocking over a hundred million music streams.
His voice has carried him to some of Australia’s and the world’s most significant events — from Steve Irwin’s and Sir Donald Bradman’s memorials to the first and tenth Bali Bombing memorial services in Bali. His stirring rendition of Waltzing Matilda has inspired crowds and fired up the Wallabies at Rugby World Cups and Bledisloe Cups.
In a twist that defies industry trends, John’s largest and fastest-growing streaming audience is younger men. Perhaps it’s because, in uncertain times, his songs remind Australians to be proud of their land, their people, and their identity. His passion for the country’s landscapes, wildlife, and colourful characters continues to fuel his songwriting. Never afraid to speak out, his conservation anthems have left a mark on the nation’s history — and its conscience.
At his concerts, John takes audiences on a journey across Australia, balancing cheeky larrikin humour with moments of heartfelt emotion. From Rip Rip Woodchip and Galleries of Pink Galahs to True Blue, his music resonates deeply with audiences of all ages.
John is not only a music legend but also a gifted author, charming young readers with his children’s picture books. His latest, Koala Koala, was released in April by Penguin Books, adding another touch of Aussie magic to story time.
Now, as he embarks on the 55 Years – My Travellin’ Days Done tour, there’s a sense that we may be witnessing the final lap of an extraordinary touring career. He still plans to pop up at festivals or special events — the stage is in his blood, after all — but this could be the last chance to see him on the road.
His influence on Australian music and the imprint he has left on the nation’s cultural identity will continue to resonate for generations to come.
