Graham Brazier facts for kids

Graham Philip Brazier (born May 6, 1952 – died September 4, 2015) was a talented musician and songwriter from New Zealand. He became well-known as a member of the band Hello Sailor. After his time with Hello Sailor, he started another band called The Legionnaires. When Graham was a kid, he lived above his mother's bookshop in Dominion Road in Auckland. He loved collecting special first edition books.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Graham Brazier grew up surrounded by books and writers. He often saw famous authors like R.A.K. Mason and Kevin Ireland at his mother's bookshop. This early exposure to creative minds likely influenced him.

He left Mt Roskill Grammar school when he was 15 years old. His first job was at a company called Whitcombe & Tombs. Graham started writing his own songs when he was 19.

Graham Brazier's Music Career

Graham Brazier had an interesting career in music. He once mentioned that he was offered a chance to join the famous band The Doors after their singer, Jim Morrison, passed away. However, a former manager of The Doors said this story might not be entirely true.

Two of Graham Brazier's songs are considered among the official top 100 New Zealand songs. One is "Blue Lady", which he performed with his first band, Hello Sailor. The other is "Billy Bold", a song from his solo music career.

Graham Brazier sadly passed away in Auckland on September 4, 2015, after having a heart attack in August of that year.

After his death, a solo album called Left Turn at Midnite was released in May 2017. His close friend and producer, Alan Jansson, helped finish the album.

Solo Albums by Graham Brazier

Graham Brazier released several albums as a solo artist:

• Inside Out (Polygram), released in 1981
• Brazier (CBS), released in 1987. This album spent one week on the New Zealand album chart, reaching No. 49 in February 1988.
• East of Eden (Wildside), released in March 2004
• Left Turn at Midnite (Ripe Coconut), released in May 2017

Music Awards and Recognition

Graham Brazier, as part of Hello Sailor, received a special honor at the Aotearoa Music Awards. These awards celebrate the best in New Zealand music every year since 1965.