Geoff Harvey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Geoff Harvey
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Harvey in 2018
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| Born |
Geoffrey John Harvey
6 August 1935 |
| Died | 30 March 2019 (aged 83) |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1961–2018 |
| Known for | The Mike Walsh Show Midday The Don Lane Show Carols by Candlelight |
| Spouse(s) | Penny Spence Katrina Harvey
(m. 1987–2019) |
| Children | 2 |
Geoff Harvey (born August 6, 1935 – died March 30, 2019) was a talented musician from England who became famous in Australia. He was a pianist, conductor, and musical director, and a well-known face on Australian television. Geoff worked for the Nine Network for 38 years! Many people knew him from popular TV shows like The Mike Walsh Show and Midday. He even wrote the catchy theme songs for some of the network's programs.
Contents
Early Life and Music Beginnings
Geoff Harvey was born in London, England, on August 6, 1935. He grew up during World War II, experiencing the bombings known as the Blitz. Music was a big part of his family. His dad played the fiddle, and his mom played the piano.
Geoff started playing piano and organ when he was just six years old. By age eight, he was playing at his local Catholic church. When he was 14, he even played at the famous Westminster Cathedral. His first job was playing the saxophone in a band at age 15. After finishing school, he played jazz music in clubs all over Europe.
Working at the Nine Network
In the early 1960s, Geoff came to Australia to work for EMI Records, a big music company. He was only supposed to stay for a year, but he loved it and decided to remain. He soon found work in the exciting new world of television.
Geoff joined the Nine Network in 1961. He worked on many popular shows, including Tonight with Dave Allen and Bandstand. His most famous role was as the musical director for The Mike Walsh Show and its follow-up, Midday. He was a strong believer in having live music on TV.
During his time at Nine, Geoff also wrote the theme songs for several well-known shows. These included A Current Affair, Today, Sunday, and The Sullivans.
From 1984 to 2002, Geoff was also the musical director for Carols by Candlelight in Melbourne. This is a very popular Christmas event where people sing carols by candlelight.
Life After Television
After Midday ended, Geoff left the Nine Network in 1999 after 38 years. He later appeared on a Sydney radio station for a short time.
Geoff also became a joint patron of the Mo Awards in 1998. These awards celebrate Australian entertainment. He helped lead the awards for several years.
In 2002, Geoff went back to studying music. He earned special music degrees in 2004 and 2008. In 2008, he gave his huge collection of 5,000 original music arrangements to the National Library of Australia. In 2011, he started teaching music from his home studio.
Even in 2017, Geoff was still performing live! He played piano in a comedy show called Senior Moments.
Awards and Recognition
Geoff Harvey received the Medal of the Order of Australia in 2006. This award recognized his service to the community as a musician and entertainer. It also honored his support for many charities. He was a patron for a charity called ConnecTeD, which helps children with certain medical conditions.
Personal Life
Geoff was known for being a bit of a prankster and for making funny bets. He grew his famous beard because he lost a bet on a football match in 1965!
Geoff had two children, Eugenie and Charlotte, with his first wife, Penny Spence. He later lived in Berrima, New South Wales, with his second wife, Katrina. Katrina also worked at the Nine Network.
Geoff Harvey passed away in March 2019 on the Gold Coast, Australia, at the age of 83.
Discography
Studio Albums
| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions |
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| AUS |
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| Playing Favourites (And The Midday Show Band) |
79 | |
| Maestro and the Music Man |
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58 |
