MULLUMBIMBY COUNTRY MUSIC CLUB

October 31, 1998.

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Country Legends Salute
Col Hadwell 8/9/98

They hailed from the cities and townships
The coast and the wide sweeping plains
And one gift they all had in common
The music flowed thick in their veins.

It flowed like a flood of compassion
That stretched to the stations a’far
And ev’ry square inch of the outback
Was touched by a song and guitar.

Well how do you thank entertainers?
For fighting the floods and the droughts
For lifting the hearts of a Nation
When fortunes were fast running out.

For singing of beautiful Queensland
And tragedies taking their toll
In ballads so loaded with passion
You felt it deep down in your soul.

And how do they know that their music
Won’t pass like a breeze in the skies,
Just ask from the coast to the outback
The music they made never dies.

KENNY KITCHING

Kenneth James Kitching was born in Auburn Sydney 1932. Born into a guitar playing family he built a steel guitar at age 16. His first professional engagement was at the Auburn RSL with his uncle Mick in 1949. Before long he was into the studios with artists like Frank Ifield and Jimmy Little. During the 60’s he worked with Rex Dallas and Bill Kelly, The Le Garde Twins, TV Shows plus four years at the Texas Tavern with Nev Nicholls. In 1977 he was made a Life Member of the Steel Guitar Club of Australia and was inducted into "The Hands of Fame." Also a master of the Dobro he has backed almost 95% of recordings for Australian Country Music artist, including a 19 years association with Slim Dusty. In 1971 alone, Ken recorded 250 tracks, he was the first steel guitarist to play at the Sydney Opera House and was resident steel-man on TV’s ‘Travelling out West’. He also released his own recordings played on Australia’s Tour of Americans Red Sovine and Merle Haggard. Ken was chosen to represent Australia at the International Steel Guitar Convention in St Louis Missouri in 1977.

SHORTY RANGER

Born Edwin Haberfield at Kempsey in 1925. Shorty and his school mate Slim Dusty worked the coastal dance halls and radio stations in the early 40’s performing as the “Rythym Ramblers”. In 1951 Shorty was Runner-up to Reg Lindsay on the Tim McNamara Talent Quest. Shorty has recorded for Hadley Records and his own Willow label. A prolific writer he has penned around 400 songs including the classic ‘Winter Winds’ at the age of 17 years. Buddy Williams recorded 50 of his songs and with well over 100 other songs being recorded by various artists, including Rick & Thel, Reg Lindsay, Nev Nicholls, Gordon Parsons, Reg Poole, Dusty Rankin and Slim Dusty. Today Shorty still records and entertains tourists at his home “Winter Winds” near Kempsey. He was rewarded for his contributions to country music by being elevated to “The Roll of Renown” in 1993 as well as being inducted into the “Hands of Fame” in 1977.

KEVIN KING

Born in 1931 in Sydney. Yet another youngster who was influenced by Tex Morton and began learning guitar at age 15 and then five years later he entered the Tim McNamara Talent Quest and won a heat. After many talent quests and radio shows he began touring with Gordon Parsons. He later toured with Reg Lindsay, Ted Quigg, Tim McNamara and Peter Mollerson, plus on tour to New Guinea with Slim Dusty. Kevin also formed the ‘All Star Western Show’ with Chad Morgan, Nev Nicholls and Rick & Thel Carey, that became one of the most successful shows to ever tour Australia. He recorded a number of records for EMI and Festival with his copy of “Ruba-Dub-Dub” selling over 20,000 on 78’s. He was inducted to the “Hands of Fame” in 1977.

ELLIE LAVELLE

Born Ellie Jean Mary Therese Lavelle in Kyogle in 1934. She started her career in 1960 and recorded for Sunset Records and EMI.

Ellie along with Mick Finn and Johnny Greenwood established the Modern Country Music Association which later became The Australian Country Music Association.

She also organised talent for the ABC TV Show ‘Barnstorm’ which she co-hosted with Johnny Paine and ran a successful entertainment and booking agency.

She is now retired but her recordings still sell today with her best seller being "How Far Is Heaven".

In 1980 she was induced into Tamworth’s "Hands of Fame".

LANKY MORGAN - LEN BELL

One of the great old-time characters who has worked hill-billy, variety, vaudeville and radio. Lanky Morgan was born at the Summit, Queensland 12th September, 1926. After hearing the music of Jimmie Rodgers as a boy, decided "that was his kind of music." He got his first guitar at 9 years of age and taught himself from listening to records. At 17 he entered radio, vaudeville and variety. In 1947 and back in NSW, Lanky entered his band in the Wollongong amateur hour and finished third. That year he was approached to help a young girl by the name of Jacqualine Hall and soon after had her appearing in shows at about the age of ten, and the rest is history. While in radio in the Sydney area worked with Reg Lindsay, Tim McNamara, Gordon Parsons, Buddy Bishop and Billy Blinkhorn.
During the fifties he toured New Zealand, Malaysia, Vietnam and Singapore.
His first song he wrote was "Darky Boy" and later wrote two songs to assist Zeta Burns and Ian Hands with the June Holm Memorial Fund. Recently he toured and recorded a CD with Zeta and Ian. An outfit plus one of his guitars are on display at the Country Music Hall of Fame at Yandina.
Len passed away on Thursday 18th December 2003 and was laid to rest on Wednesday 24th of December 2003.

LAURIE JONES (Absent)

The youngest of the Jones Brothers, Laurie was born in Ayr, Queensland in 1932. The boys often joined their parents and friend named Don Sinclair in concerts during the war. Laurie with his brother Geoff moved to Melbourne in 1953 where they were influenced by the Hawking brothers. The Wissell sisters and Les Partell, wanting to break into the professional ranks they moved to Sydney in 1955. They did a nine day appearance with Smokey Dawson at the Royal Sydney Show, appeared on the Showboat ‘Kalang’, Reg Lindsay Shows and many other venues. Their friend Frank Ifield introduced the brothers to Rodeo records and two discs were released on this label. Geoff developed throat problems and the duo folded in 1955. Although Laurie has wound down his singing, he still shows an interest in country music and played a part in the formation of the Mullumbimby Country Music Club. Laurie and Geoff were inducted in the "Hands of Fame" in Tamworth in 1997.

ERIC WATSON

Eric, songwriter, singer, author and Selection Records proprietor was born in 1926, and grew up on a dairy farm near Casino, where he still lives today. After radio arrived in 1935 Eric soon new all Tex Morton and other artists songs by heart, and at the age of 12, began to write his own songs. With a move to Sydney in 1952 and with the help of Pat Ware, he had his songs recorded by Glen Davis and Jimmy Little, then back to the bush for a while. 1962 saw Eric back in Sydney and writing again. Slim Dusty recorded his song "When Snowy Sings of Home." Soon after Buddy Williams, Rick & Thel, Eddie Tapp, Reg Poole and many other artists used his songs.
In 1975 he published Volume 1 of the "History of Australian Country Music". This was followed by Volume 2 in 1983. Eric launched Selection Records in 1978 with a debut album of Rodeo Songs by Reg Poole. To date around one hundred albums have been released on this label by artists of the calibre of Barry Thornton, Terry Gordon, Glen Jones, Evelyn Bury, Eddie Tapp and many others.
A tireless worker for country music, Eric was elected to the Board of the C.M.A.A. In 1996. He is a trustee of the Country Music Heritage Hall in Tamworth and was awarded a golden guitar for his services to the industry in 1977.

JOHNNY GREENWOOD

Johnny was born in Brisbane 1939. He started singing and playing in 1955 and was one of the first country artists to appear on television. His first record was "Loving Arms" on W & G label - more records followed and encouraged by their popularity spent many months performing overseas in Great Britain, Europe, North Africa and New Zealand.
Johnny’s biggest recording success came signing to RCA records that included "The Goondiwindi Grey", "Tibrogargan" and "The Singing Transport Man" - he also recorded for "Astor & Colonial" labels having sold well over 100,000 records to date. At one point made the top 20 Parade, outselling Elvis Presley, David Bowie and The Sweet.
One of the highlights of his career was being the support act for the Marty Robbins Tour in 1967.
Other highlights has been appearing on TV Shows with the likes of Country Homestead, Conway Country, The Late Show, John Crook Show, Country Roads, That’s Australia and Must Be Country.
Inducted into the "Hands of Fame" in 1980 and is still performing today - all this mainly as part time performer.

ZETA BURNS

In 1928 Zeta was born in Ayr, Queensland not knowing that she would become later known as "Queensland’s Yodeling Cowgirl." In 1946 after running second in a talent quest, she joined the Gene LeRoi Concert Party in Toowoomba. Two years later Zeta and Gordon Parsons joined Lester Follies and went on the road. This was to be a career working and touring with many well known artists. Zeta has recorded with a number of artists including June Holms, Barry Thornton and Ian Hands. Zeta has received many awards for service to the music industry.

In 1996 "The Carnival of Flowers" in Toowoomba presented her with a plaque commemorating her 50 years in country music. 1998 saw Zeta back in the studio recording a CD with Joan Ridgway, Ian Hands, Tom Annas and Len Bell. Thus giving her 52 years as a country music artist.

Kevin Swanton (left) shaking Ron Peters (right) hand.

Kevin King (left) and Kenny Kitching (right).

Kevin Swanton (left) shanking Zeta Burns (right) hand.

Les Partell (left) and Trevor Day (right).

MICK FINN

Mick was born in McLean and grew up in the Kyogle district, as a youngster he heard Jimmy Rogers on a gramophone and decided it was his kind of music! At age 7, he leant to play the guitar (homemade) after singing in the area as a teenager, he then moved to Tamworth where in 1946 wrote the song "Bernborough." In 1949 Mick moved to Brisbane and continued his country music activities - he was founding member of the M.C.M.A. now known as A.C.M.A. and editor of Queensland’s country music times. He was vice-president of the A.C.M.A. For a few years and in 1973 was awarded life membership. After a few recordings he concentrated on writing and his exceptional musical ability. Mick has provided backing of drums, base and harmonica on many recordings. His best songs include "Bernborough," "An Old Hill-Billy from Wayback," "Room Full of Old Gold Records," "This Old Train" and "Aboriginal Boy." Mick was very proud that Buddy Williams recorded three of his songs! A fine entertainer and song writer, he retired in 1991 and was inducted into the "Hands of Fame" in 1996.

RON PETERS

Born in 1923 in Kalbar, Queensland and lives there to this day. Ron got his first guitar at 16 and performed a lot of concerts around the Fassifern area, followed by his own radio show on 4BH and 4IP - cut his first record in the late 40’s on Regal Zonophone under the name of “Ron Peters - the outback yodeler” with his first song being "My Fassifern Valley Home".
Towards the late 40’s, Ron took off on his first tour with Jack Gills Wild Western Show. After leaving Gills Rodeo, Ron appeared on Bob Dyer’s Duderanch and also had regular spots at The Theatre Royal Brisbane. While touring with "Lester Follies" he wrote his best selling hit "Out on the Warrego" which also became the opening song on 4VL for over 20 years! He continued touring and recording during the 60’s and 70’s and retired in 1980.
In 1997 he came out of retirement and travelled to Tamworth to place his hands in the "Hands of Fame". Whilst in Tamworth Ron was presented with the Norm Scott Pioneer Award for his contribution to Country Music in Australia.

NOELENE TOMS

Noelene was born in Pagewood in 1951, after moving to the South Coast she played with the Silver Links for six years. She also worked solo in many Clubs under the name of "Angel Toms." Two singles and an LP were released in the mid 1970’s. Noelene had the pleasure of touring NSW as a support act to American Country Music Singer Don Gibson, and a Queensland tour with Reg Lindsay. Since moving to the North Coast she has been appearing at many venues with her band "Country Blend." Due to Noelene’s band performing at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club, the Mullumbimby Country Music Club was formed. Noelene is still a member of the Club today.

IAN HANDS

Ian was born 1929 in Charleville, Queensland. Ian is no stranger to hard work, having worked in mustering, station work, droving and tank sinking. He also became popular for his reciting, singing and yodeling. After moving to Brisbane he became involved in the early days of the modern country music association and held most executive positions. In 1972 he started the country music magazine called "Country Music Round Up". Early in 1980 Ian began a June Holm Memorial Fund to raise money for a headstone on her unmarked grave. With the help of Zeta Burns this was unveiled on September 5, 1981. In 1984, as proprietor of Queensland Country Style Recording and publishing company Ian released two compelling paperbacks "Ambassadors of Country Music" and "Our Blood Stained Past." A tireless promoter of traditional country music Ian still sings a fine song and records occasionally.

DON GRESHAM

Don was born in Murwillumbah in 1931. After leaving school, Don worked in the rural industry and after seeing Buddy Williams performing, his father bought him a Tex Morton guitar which he learnt to play by correspondence. In 1965 Don put down his first EP on the Sunset label, and by 1973 had released three more EP’s. Don formed his own record label "Koala records" in 1974 and has recorded 300 songs to date. Hadley records have a number recorded to be released soon. Don and his wife Noela presented the first country programme on 2NCR-FM, which ran for six years. In 1991 and 1997, Don visited Canada and appeared on Earl and Martha Heywoods’ Canada Barn Dance Club. He also had the pleasure to meet Wilf Carter on stage during Wilf’s last tour at the age of 95. It will be fifty years this November since Don made his first public appearance at a school concert. He is a prolific song writer and still entertains today. Don was inducted into the "Hands of Fame" in 1985 and is alo a member of the Mullumbimby Country Music Club.

TREVOR DAY

Born in 1931 at Lorne near Kendall (Northern NSW). While working in the timber industry as a teenager, Trevor was influenced by Tex Morton and after moving to Sydney, he bought his first guitar at age 20. Soon after, he became close friends with Les Partell and Pat Ware who helped encourage him into the country music scene. He appeared on the Ted Quigg and Tim McNamara shows, plus the showboat "Kalang".
Trevor toured with Reg Lindsay, Chad Morgan, Rick and Thel Shows. Trevor’s first recording was his own song "The Boy Soldier" on Columbia label in 1957. Trevor’s singing and song writing talents are regarded as among the finest Australia has ever produced.
Trevor was inducted into the "Hands of Fame" in 1978, he was also awarded South Australian Living Legend Award for his contribution to country music. The only two other artists to gain this award have been Slim Newton and Les Partell.

LES PARTELL

Les was born in Sydney in 1930. At an early age he moved to Melbourne. While working there as an entertainer he became friends with Bill Earle and formed the famous "Trail-Blazers". The first fully professional country show in Australia. Less’ first recorded songs were "Songs of the Dandenongs" and "Springtime in Victoria". During his career he recorded on many labels and scored a gold record with "Song and Dance Man" for the Bullet label. He toured the country with many shows including top artists like Chad Morgan and Rick & Thel etc. He appeared on many live radio shows including the well known Bonnington Burkhouse Show, Ted Quigg and Harmony Trail, with many of the pioneer artists who are our guests tonight. Today Les is still performing regularly and recently received the prestigious "Living Legends" Award and the "Hands of Fame" in 1979. Akubra Honoured Less by naming a hat "The Mate" after his Akubra Hat song. When asked why he never adopted a stage name, he answered, "My name is Les Partell and I’m proud of it."

EDDIE TAPP (Absent)

Born in Tasmania, Eddie began his career in his late teens around the Burnie district. He gathered a large following with a string of popular recordings of his own songs. These earlier recordings were on the Columbia and Hadley labels. Eddie did his first major tour with the Athol McCoy show in 1961, which took in Queensland and Tasmania (Eric Watson was the advance agent for this tour). In 1962 he joined the Rick and Thel show and toured with them for eight years. These shows included artists like Dusty Rankin, Chad Morgan, Fred Meredith, Johnny Heap, Brian Young and many others. The sound and lighting systems for these shows were well ahead of the times, as Eddie was also a specialist at both electrical and lighting. After the Rick and Thel tours, he faded out of show business for about eight years, then in 1979 he returned to the scene and recorded his first album for Selection Records.
Although he does not have a large output, Eddie is regarded as one of the finest song writers in Australia country music.

Kevin Swanton, President of the Mullumbimby Country Music Club.

Ken Cartner, Secretary of the Mullumbimby Country Music Club.

WALLY McQUAKER

Wally, a comedian and singer, was born in Rockhampton in Queensland. The first instrument he learnt to play was the mouth organ, followed by the guitar. After marrying, he moved to central Queensland and worked as a stockman, shedhand and drover. While out west his wife Alice, gave him a Levin guitar. Word got around about his talents and he was soon in great demand. Returning to Rockhampton, he joined up with Doug and Roy Morrice to form the Sundown Songsters. Later, Wally worked and toured with many big names, including a tour in 1958 with Chad Morgan, Peter Mollerson, Trevor Day, Les Partell, Boof Morgan and Alice who did a comedy act. He also toured with Buddy Williams in 1961. His friend Neville Pellit asked him to join the Harmony Trail Show on 3SR and Surprise Package on GMV Channel 6, as a resident singer and comedian. That led to a comedy spot on GMV Juniors as ‘Joey’ the clown. He took over production of the show and featured many country artists over the next few years. Wal moved to Coffs Harbour in 1973. It was here that ‘Joey the Clown’ appeared on NBN television, as well as becoming a rodeo clown. Since living in Coffs Harbour he has spent time song writing and recording as well as doing shows with his three daughters. Wal still performs a little today and does a number of small tours each year.

© 7th July, 2001 by Ian Hands.

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