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Vale Chad Morgan

Story Published Thursday 16 January 2025
Morgan pictured at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2010. Credit - James Brickwood

Vale Chad Morgan

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that this article contains the name and image of a person now passed.

We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of legendary country singer and comedian, Chad Morgan, at the age of 91.

Morgan, who became a member in the early stages of his stellar 70-year career in 1954, brought joy and laughter to generations of fans across Australia through his larrikin stage persona and signature smile.

As one of the nation's best known country music pioneers, he released his first single, “The Sheik of Scrubby Creek”, in 1952 before going on to write a slew of other trademark country comedy hit songs including “I'm My Own Grandpa”, “The Shotgun Wedding” and “There's Life In The Old Dog Yet”.

While many of his songs were comedic and self-deprecating, he also wrote deeply personal songs like “The Ballad of Bill and Eva”, which told the story of his grandparents and Aboriginal heritage.

Dubbed the "clown prince of comedy" by Slim Dusty, Morgan released a total of 18 studio albums, receiving platinum and gold album sales, and created a number of greatest hits collections including Sheilas, Drongos, Dills and Other Geezers.

He was inducted into the Tamworth Hands of Fame in 1979, the Roll of Renown in 1987 and received a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2004. In 2010, he was recognised with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Country Music Association of Australia Awards.

In February 2024, Morgan announced his retirement after his final performance of the Farewell to Australia tour on 21 April 2024 at the age of 91. A permanent exhibition in his honor entitled “The Chad Room” is located in Childers, QLD.

Dean Ormston, CEO of APRA AMCOS, says: “Uniquely Australian and unmistakably Chad, he was one of the country’s first songsters, capturing the spirit of the outback and the humour of everyday life through his timeless songs. I first saw Chad as a kid growing up in Cootamundra. Everyone in the bush knew who Chad was!

“With a career spanning over 70 years, Chad's music touched countless hearts and earned him well-deserved accolades from fans and fellow musicians alike. A man of adventure and rich storytelling, he inspired generations with his talent, humour and unyielding passion for his craft.

“He will be deeply missed, but his stories and songs will live on as a cherished part of Australia’s cultural heritage.”

The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office (NATSIMO), adds: “The National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Music Office would like to formally acknowledge Chad Morgan as the first Aboriginal member of APRA AMCOS, and we thank him immensely for his contribution to Australian music culture.

“Many footsteps can follow through the pathways forged by the people who have gone before us, so thank you Chad, we're forever grateful.”



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