Don Spencer facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Don Spencer
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Spencer in 2011
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Donald Richard Spencer
1936/1937 (age 88–89) Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia
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| Spouse(s) | Julie Horsfall |
| Children | 2, including Danielle |
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| Years active | 1962–present |
| Labels | ABC Records |
Donald Richard Spencer is an Australian singer, songwriter, and musician. He was also a popular children's television presenter. Many people know him best from his long time as a host on Play School. 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 to work on both shows!
In 1963, his first 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. 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 TV, and for starting his music foundation. Don Spencer is married to Julie Horsfall, and they have two children, Dean and Danielle. Danielle is an actress and singer. In 2022, Don Spencer celebrated 60 years of performing!
Contents
Early Life and Adventures
Don Spencer was born in Tamworth, Australia. When he was a teenager, he loved playing hockey and even competed in national championships. At 17, he left Australia and traveled to Africa. In his twenties, he trained with the Kenyan hockey team, hoping to play in the Olympics.
While in Nairobi, he met a British singer-songwriter named Roger Whittaker. This meeting inspired Don to buy a guitar and start his own musical journey.
Starting His Music Career
In the early 1960s, Don Spencer moved to London. He became a solo singer and guitarist. He even opened for famous bands like 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. The song became quite popular, reaching number 32 on the UK music charts. He also released other songs like "Busy Doing Nothing" and covered The Beatles' song "In My Life."
From Pop Star to TV Presenter
Don Spencer had a 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 comedies.
When he returned to Australia, Don appeared on TV shows like Bandstand. He also had small roles in TV series such as Sons and Daughters and Return to Eden. In 1977, he wrote a song called "What's a Pommie?" which was also sung by other Australian artists.
Don Spencer: The Children's Entertainer
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Don Spencer is most famous for being a children's entertainer. He joined the Australian TV show Play School in 1968. Then, in 1972, he also joined the UK version of Play School. 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," which he used when showing how to make things from recycled items. During his time on Play School, he released many albums, mostly about Australian animals. These albums helped educate children and won awards for selling many copies. He continued to be a presenter on the Australian Play School until 1999.
Making Music for Kids
Don Spencer's songs for children have been very popular. In 1995, two of his songs, "Have a Beaut Day" and "Stand Up," were nominated for an award for Most Performed Children's Work. He wrote these songs with Allan Caswell.
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 and grow through music. In 2007, he received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his work with children's music and the foundation.
In 2013, Don Spencer announced the ACMF's songwriting competition for kids. He said, "We want kids to unleash their creativity and engage with learning in a fun way... Music can give kids really positive self expression and is a great tool for improving literacy levels."
Don Spencer continues to make music. In 2023, he released a musical version of the famous poem "If" by Rudyard Kipling.
Family Life
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Don Spencer is married to Julie Horsfall. They have two children: Dean and Danielle. Dean is a musician, and Danielle is an actress and singer. Danielle was married to actor Russell Crowe.
Don Spencer lives in Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.
TV and Film Appearances
- Bandstand – TV show
- Barry McKenzie Holds His Own (1974) – Film
- King's Men – TV show (1976)
- Sons and Daughters – TV show (1982)
- Return to Eden – TV show (1986)
- A Country Practice – TV show (1991)
- Play School – Australian TV show (1968–1999)
- Play School – UK TV show (1972–1988)
Awards and Recognition
Don Spencer has received several awards for his contributions to music and children's entertainment.
- In 1995, his song "Pete the Lorikeet" won the Children's Song of the Year at the Tamworth Songwriters Awards.
- In 2007, he was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to children's music and television.
Images for kids
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Spencer in 2011
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Don Spencer (far right) with other Play School presenters in 2016
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Spencer with his daughter Danielle in 2011
