Geoff Mack facts for kids

Albert Geoffrey McElhinney (born December 20, 1922 – died July 21, 2017) was an Australian country music star. He was better known as Geoff Mack. Geoff was a talented singer, songwriter, and even an aircraft mechanic! He wrote the famous song "I've Been Everywhere". This song became a huge hit in Australia for Lucky Starr in 1962. It also became very popular in North America when Hank Snow sang his own version. Over 130 different versions of the song have been recorded!

In 2008, Geoff Mack was honored by being added to the Australian Roll of Renown. This is a special award for people who have made a big difference in Australian country music.

Biography

Geoff Mack was born on December 20, 1922. His birthplace was Surrey Hills, a suburb of Melbourne, Australia. His parents were William Arthur Henry McElhinney and Ethel Mary Park.

Early Career and War Service

Geoff's music career really started during World War II. He joined the RAAF in 1942. He was trained to be an aircraft mechanic. While serving in Borneo in 1944, people noticed he was great at playing the guitar and singing. So, he was asked to entertain the soldiers. He performed for the troops, sometimes with special guest stars.

After the war ended, Geoff went to Japan. He performed for the Occupation Forces there. He even worked for Radio WLKS. He was known as the voice of the British Commonwealth Occupation Forces. By August 1950, he returned to Australia. He had performed for many different audiences, including British, American, French, German, and Japanese people. He often sang his version of "Waltzing Matilda".

The Song "I've Been Everywhere"

Geoff's song, "I've Been Everywhere", was written in 1959. It became a big hit in Australia in 1962. This happened when Lucky Starr released his own version of it. Later, the song became number one on music charts in the United States, Germany, and Japan. It's a very popular song! More than 130 different artists have recorded their own versions. One famous version was on Johnny Cash's 1996 album, Unchained.

Honours and Awards

Geoff Mack received many awards for his amazing contributions to music.

Songwriters Hall of Fame

In 1963, Geoff Mack was honored in the Songwriters Hall of Fame in Nashville. This is a very special place for songwriters.

Medal of the Order of Australia

In 2005, Geoff was given the Medal of the Order of Australia. This award recognized his great service to country music. It also honored his support for community groups and senior citizens.

Australian Roll of Renown

The Australian Roll of Renown celebrates musicians from Australia and New Zealand. These artists have made a big and lasting impact on country music. This award started in 1976. The new inductee is announced every January at the Country Music Awards of Australia in Tamworth.

CMAA Awards

The Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) has given out these annual awards since 1973. They "encourage, promote and recognise excellence in Australian country music recording." Winners receive a special trophy called a Golden Guitar.

Mo Awards

The Australian Entertainment Mo Awards were annual awards for the entertainment industry in Australia. They recognized achievements in live entertainment from 1975 to 2016. Geoff Mack won two of these awards.

Tamworth Songwriters Awards

The Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) holds an annual contest for original country songs. The awards are given out in January at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. These awards started in 1986.