Vale Col Joye AM, a rock 'n' roll pioneer

Vale Col Joye AM, a rock 'n' roll and music industry pioneer, who passed away at age 89.

We were saddened by the passing of beloved performer, songwriter, and music entrepreneur Col Joye, at age 89. Col was an integral figure in Australia’s burgeoning rock ‘n’ roll scene and the first Australian to achieve a #1 record on the Sydney charts.

Born Colin Jacobsen, he joined APRA in 1958. Not long after, he became Australia’s first pop chart-topper, achieving national success in 1959 with the hit “Bye Bye Baby.” Alongside his brothers Kevin and Keith, they formed the Joy Boys—a band that soundtracked the hits of a generation and paved the way for other aspiring rock and pop acts.

They went on to achieve three more #1 singles: “Oh Yeah Uh Huh,” “(Rockin’, Rollin’) Clementine,” and “Yes Sir, That’s My Baby.”

A regular on Brian Henderson’s Bandstand for 14 years, Col became a household name, touring with legends such as Johnny Cash, The Everly Brothers, and Chubby Checker.

Col’s influence extended beyond performance—he and his brother Kevin built a powerhouse in artist management and music publishing, founding Glebe, NSW-based ATA Studios and the publisher Joye Publishing.

In 1981 he was appointed as a Member of the Order of Australia for his entertainment and philanthropic work and was inducted into the ARIA Music Hall of Fame in 1988. 

Recently retired APRA, AMCOS and AMPAL Board Director and former AMPAL General Manager, Peter Hebbes AM, worked closely with Col Joye and Joye Music, and shared this remembrance of his friend.

Col Joye was one of the most respected and loved members of the Australian music scene. His passing is the end of an era, but his history will linger on forever.

His professional recording and performing career is well established and widely known. However, his generosity in supporting and encouraging songwriters, is less known to the general public but well known within the Industry. He loved lyrics and tunes and was forever mentoring young and new writers in their craft. He always made his studio available to writers FOC, often engineering the sessions himself. In the early 60’s, he started Joye Publishing, and his first signing was Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees!! Col went on to sign many well-known Australian writers such as Kevin Johnson and Mike McClellan and was constantly pitching songs to recording artists all over the world, even in the last 12 months of his illness.

His record label was just as busy, recording mainly family and friends, such as Little Patti and Sandy Scott. He had amazing ears and pitch and was constantly correcting or changing music for stage shows and recordings. Not only did he love the music industry, he also loved his politics and was one of the behind-the-scenes organisers of the famous Gough Whitlam, “Its Time” Campaign, written by Pat Aulton and recorded and produced in his studios. 

Together with his brother Kevin, they formed one of the most successful touring promotion companies, bringing artists out to Australia such as Bruce Springsteen, Barbra Streisand and Michael Jackson – just to name a few. 

Col was a great supporter of the Australasian Music Industry and always promoted and believed in the Societies - APRA AMCOS, AMPAL, CMAA and ARIA. He was also a great supporter of the Golden Stave Foundation and Support Act.

Barry Gibb, who, along with his brothers, was discovered on the Gold Coast by Col, posted a tribute in recent days. 

He will long be remembered as the pioneer of rock and roll in Australia. It was he who opened up the world to us. He was full of happiness from the very start, kind and generous to everyone around him.

We extend our condolences to Col Joye's family, friends, peers, and many fans. He will be greatly missed.