Jack Davey facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Jack Davey
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Portrait of Jack Davey by Noel Rubie 1946
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| Born |
John Andrew Davey
8 February 1907 |
| Died | 14 October 1959 (aged 52) |
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1931–1959 |
John Andrew Davey (born February 8, 1907 – died October 14, 1959), known as Jack Davey, was a famous singer and radio star from New Zealand. He became a pioneer in Australian radio, working as a performer, producer, writer, and host from the early 1930s until the late 1950s. Later in his career, he also appeared on television as a presenter.
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Jack Davey's Early Life
Jack Davey was born in Auckland, New Zealand, on February 8, 1907. He went to King's College for his education. His father, Arthur Henry Davey, was a captain for a shipping company.
After finishing school, Jack worked in a large store. He later tried different jobs, like painting signs and selling used cars. His father wanted him to become a sailor. Jack went to sea, but he found the work very hard. He soon decided that a life at sea was not for him. Instead, he chose to follow his dream of working in entertainment.
Starting a Radio Career
Jack Davey arrived in Sydney, Australia, in 1931. He decided to stay there and started his own company, Jack Davey Productions Lmt. He quickly found a place to live and began his career.
He first worked as a singer on the ABC radio station 2BL. But his big break came when he was hired by the commercial radio station 2GB in Sydney. Jack was very confident in his abilities. He quickly became known for his talent and charm on the radio.
Jack's Marriages
Jack Davey was married twice. His first marriage was to Dulcie May Mary Webb on July 17, 1936, in Sydney. They divorced in 1942. His second marriage was to Dorothy Daisy Lush on May 24, 1947.
Becoming a Radio Star
Jack Davey soon had his own morning show. He also hosted a daytime quiz show and an evening variety program. He even did voiceover work for newsreels. He stopped singing and started using his famous greeting, "Hi Ho, Everybody!" Jack became Australia's most popular and highest-paid radio performer. He wrote, produced, and hosted many shows.
Jack was known for spending money quickly. But he was always sure he could earn more to keep up his expensive lifestyle. His first quiz show, "That's What You Think," started in 1934. By 1935, he was so popular that he moved to prime-time evening shows. For 25 years, he was also the voice of Fox-Movietone newsreels.
Jack Davey had a friendly rivalry with another American-born radio host, Bob Dyer. They were both very popular quiz show hosts.
Helping During World War Two
By 1941, Jack was hosting three weekly shows. These included "The Youth Show" and "Star Parade." Most of his shows were recorded live in Sydney. These recordings were then sent to other radio stations. However, listeners in Melbourne wanted to see his shows live too. So, his production team leased a theatre in Melbourne. They performed there on Sunday nights to full audiences.
Despite his success, Jack decided to leave his production team. He joined the American Red Cross as an entertainer. He had the rank of captain. He traveled across Australia and the Pacific islands. There, he performed shows for the troops.
Back to Radio After the War
When the war ended, Jack Davey returned to radio. He rejoined his old production team. In 1946, their shows moved to a different Sydney radio station, 2UE. Jack stayed there until his contract ended. Then, in 1950, he returned to the Macquarie Network.
He continued his radio work, creating many weekly quiz shows and talent contests. He also kept doing his regular Fox-Movietone newsreel work. Jack even started new businesses, like nightclubs and car auctions. In 1955, a sixteen-year-old named John Howard was a contestant on one of Jack's shows. John Howard later became the Prime Minister of Australia.
Love for Cars and Rallies
Jack Davey loved cars throughout his life. When the first Redex Reliability Trial was announced, he was one of the first to enter. This was a long car rally around Australia. In 1953, he drove a Ford Customline with his co-driver Lou Moss. However, his health was already getting worse. Doctors were called after he collapsed later that year.
Even with health problems, Jack increased his radio work. He also took part in the second Redex Trial in 1954. This proved too much for him. Soon after returning to Sydney, he collapsed again and went to the hospital. Doctors told him to work less. But even in the hospital, he kept writing his newspaper column and doing radio shows. His doctors stopped him from entering the 1955 Redex trial. However, he later took part in the Ampol round-Australia reliability trial in 1956. He drove a Ford Customline again. He also participated in the 1957 and 1958 Ampol trials, driving Chryslers.
Later Years and Health Challenges
Jack ignored his doctors' advice to slow down. He seemed to work even harder. In 1955, he started a new show called "Go for Greys." At the same time, he was working on "The Ampol Show" and "Give it a Go."
His health continued to decline. Doctors again advised him to reduce his workload and rest. But Jack did not agree. In 1957, he added television to his busy schedule. He had three regular shows on Sydney station ATN-7. These included The Dulux Show and Give it a Go. He worked on his radio shows all week. Then, he spent his Saturdays producing his TV programs. His workload grew even more in 1958. 2GB brought him back to morning radio to compete with television's popularity. But Jack's time was running out.
In mid-1959, X-rays showed a small cancer in his right lung. But Jack continued his work. He even traveled to the United States to learn about new television ideas. Several weeks later, more tests showed the cancer had grown. Jack was moved to the hospital.
Jack Davey died at St Vincent's Hospital on October 14, 1959. A large crowd of people, estimated between 100,000 and 150,000, attended his service.
