Don Spencer facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Don Spencer OAM
Spencer in 2011
Born	Donald Richard Spencer (1937-03-22) 22 March 1937 (age 88) Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia
Spouse(s)	Julie Horsfall
Children	2, including Danielle
Musical career
Genres	Pop music children's music
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter musician former TV presenter writer actor
Instruments	Vocals guitar
Years active	1962–present
Labels	ABC Records

Donald Richard Spencer, born on March 22, 1937, is a famous Australian singer, songwriter, and musician. Many people know him as a friendly children's television presenter. He was a host on the popular TV show Play School for many years. He worked on both the Australian version (from 1968 to 1999) and the United Kingdom version (from 1972 to 1988). He is one of only two presenters who worked on both shows.

In 1963, his song "Fireball" became a hit in the UK. It was the theme song for a science fiction TV show called Fireball XL5. Don Spencer also started the Australian Children's Music Foundation in 2002. This foundation helps kids learn and enjoy music. In 2007, he received a special award called the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). This award was for his great work in children's music and television. Don Spencer is married to Julie Horsfall. They have two children, Dean and Danielle. Danielle is also an actress and singer. Don Spencer has been performing for over 60 years.

Don Spencer's Early Life and Adventures

Don Spencer was born in a town called Tamworth in New South Wales, Australia. His parents were John Henry and Lillian May Spencer. He went to Tamworth High School. When he was a teenager, he loved playing field hockey. He even played in Australian championships.

At 17, Don left Australia to travel to Africa. In his twenties, he trained with the Kenyan hockey team. He even tried out for the Olympics! While in Nairobi, he met a British singer named Roger Whittaker. This meeting inspired Don to buy a guitar and start his journey in music.

Don Spencer's Music Career Beginnings

In the early 1960s, Don Spencer moved to London. He became a solo singer and guitarist. He performed alongside many famous bands. These included The Rolling Stones, the Four Seasons, The Hollies, and Marianne Faithfull.

His first song, "Fireball," was released in 1963. It was the closing theme song for the TV show Fireball XL5. This song became very popular and reached number 32 on the UK music charts. He also released other songs like "Busy Doing Nothing" and "Worried Mind." He even covered a song by The Beatles called "In My Life."

Don Spencer on TV and Radio

Don Spencer had a very successful career in broadcasting. In the United Kingdom, he hosted his own pop music show for teenagers called Gangway! for seven years. He also co-hosted a radio show called Pop-In. Later, he appeared in TV comedy shows.

When Don Spencer returned to Australia, he continued his TV career. He appeared on shows like Bandstand. He also had small roles in TV series such as Sons and Daughters and Return to Eden. In 1974, he was in the film Barry McKenzie Holds His Own. In 1977, he wrote a song called "What's a Pommie?". Other Australian artists also covered this song.

Don Spencer: A Children's TV Star

Don Spencer (far right) with other Play School presenters in 2016

Don Spencer is most famous for his work as a children's entertainer. He joined the Australian TV show Play School in 1968. He also joined the UK version of Play School in 1972. He worked on both shows for 17 years. He was the only male presenter to appear on both versions.

One of his well-known sayings on the show was "old magazines." He used this phrase when showing how to make things from recycled items. During his time on Play School, he released many albums. These albums helped educate children, especially about Australian animals. Many of his albums sold very well, earning gold and platinum awards. He continued to be a presenter on the Australian Play School until 1999.

Don Spencer's Impact on Children's Music

In 1995, two of Don Spencer's songs, "Have a Beaut Day" and "Stand Up," were nominated for an award. These songs were recognized as popular children's music.

In 2002, Don Spencer started the Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF). He was the first CEO of this foundation. The ACMF helps children learn music and express themselves. In 2007, he received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). This award was for his dedication to children's music and TV. It also recognized his work in starting the ACMF. In 2008, he received another award for his support in the community.

In 2010, the ACMF supported a group of musicians called Peacebeliever. They recorded a song called "Give Peace a Chance" to raise money for charity. Don Spencer sang with other famous artists on this song. In 2013, Don Spencer announced the ACMF's annual National Kids Songwriting Competition. This competition is for school-aged children from 4 to 18 years old. Don Spencer said that music helps kids be creative and learn in a fun way. He believes music helps children express themselves and improve their reading and writing skills.

Don Spencer continues to make music and perform. His recent work includes a musical version of Rudyard Kipling's poem "If."

Don Spencer's Family Life

Don Spencer with his daughter Danielle in 2011

Don Spencer is married to Julie Horsfall. She is a caterer from Yorkshire. They have two children, Dean and Danielle. Dean is a musician. Danielle, born in 1969, is an actress and singer. Don Spencer lives in Darlinghurst, New South Wales.

Don Spencer's Music Albums

Don Spencer's TV and Film Appearances

• Bandstand – a TV music show
• Barry McKenzie Holds His Own (1974) – a film
• King's Men – a TV series (1976)
• Sons and Daughters – a TV series (1982)
• Return to Eden – a TV series (1986)
• A Country Practice – a TV series (1991)
• Play School – Australian TV series (1968–1999)
• Play School – UK TV series (1972–1988)

Awards and Recognition

Don Spencer has received several awards for his contributions to music and children's entertainment.

Tamworth Songwriters Awards

The Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) holds a yearly contest for country songs. Don Spencer won an award in 1995.

APRA Music Awards

ARIA Music Awards

AIR Awards

The Australian Independent Record Awards (AIR Awards) celebrate independent music.