John Williamson (singer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids John Williamson
John Williamson, August 2012, State Theatre, Sydney
Background information
Birth name	John Robert Williamson
Also known as	Ludwig Leichhardt
Born	(1945-11-01) 1 November 1945 (age 79) Kerang, Victoria, Australia
Genres	Country and rock
Occupation(s)	Singer-songwriter multi-instrumentalist television presenter conservationist
Instruments	Vocals acoustic guitar ukulele harmonica footbox jaw harp
Years active	1970–present
Labels	Fable Reg Grundy Mercury Polygram Festival Records EMI Gumleaf Reader's Digest
Associated acts	Chad Morgan Stan Coster Slim Dusty Jimmy Little Ricky & Tammy Emma Hannah Sydney Radio Pixie Jenkins Warren H Williams Sara Storer Amos Morris Adam Harvey Tommy Emmanuel

John Robert Williamson (born 1 November 1945) is a famous Australian country and folk music singer. He is also a songwriter, plays many instruments, has hosted TV shows, and works to protect nature. John Williamson often writes songs about Australia's history and culture, especially about the outback. He is known for his songs that tell stories about the Australian way of life.

Williamson has released over fifty albums and sold more than 5 million records in Australia. His most famous song is "True Blue". In 1992, he was recognized for his contributions to Australian country music and for raising awareness about protecting the environment. He has won many awards, including 28 Golden Guitar trophies and three ARIA Music Awards. In 2010, he was added to the ARIA Hall of Fame.

Early Life and Beginnings

Growing Up in the Mallee

John Robert Williamson was born on November 1, 1945, in Kerang, Victoria. He grew up in a small town called Quambatook in the Mallee region. His parents were wheat farmers and also enjoyed singing in local shows. John was the oldest of five brothers.

Discovering Music

John's music style comes from his life on the farm, not the city. People sometimes call him 'The Mallee Boy'. He started playing the ukulele at age seven, taught by his father. When he was twelve, he learned to play the guitar and harmonica by himself. While in high school in Melbourne, he formed a folk music group. After school, John returned to farming. In 1965, his family moved to Croppa Creek, where he started performing at a local restaurant.

Music Career Highlights

Starting in the 1970s

In 1969, John Williamson wrote a fun song called "Old Man Emu". He performed it on a TV talent show called New Faces in 1970 and won first place. He signed a record deal, and "Old Man Emu" became a big hit, reaching No. 3 on the music charts. It was a gold record and one of the top songs of 1970.

John also hosted a country music TV show called Travlin' Out West for two years. He released more albums, including The Comic Strip Cowboy and Road to Town. He also formed a country band called Crow, which later changed to Sydney Radio and played rock music.

Success in the 1980s

In 1981, John Williamson started performing solo. He released a tribute song for ANZAC soldiers called "Diggers of the ANZAC". He also released "The Breaker," inspired by the movie Breaker Morant. This song helped him move beyond being known only for "Old Man Emu."

In 1982, he recorded "True Blue," which became one of his most famous songs. He also released Fair Dinkum J.W., an album with traditional Australian songs and new ones. In 1985, he started his own record label, Gumleaf Recordings. His album Road Thru the Heart won 'Album of the Year' in 1986.

His album Mallee Boy, released in 1986, was a huge success. It reached the Top 10 and stayed on the charts for a long time. This album told stories about his life on the farm and across Australia. It won the first-ever 'Best Country Album' award at the ARIA Music Awards of 1987. "True Blue" was used in TV ads for the Australian Made Campaign and became a theme song for the Australia national cricket team.

In 1988, he released Boomerang Café, which also won 'Best Country Album' at the ARIA Awards. His album Warragul became his first number-one album in 1989.

The 1990s and Beyond

John Williamson continued to release popular albums like JW's Family Album and Waratah St in the early 1990s. He helped create the Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA) in 1991 to support Australian country music.

In 1993, he released Love is a Good Woman, a collection of his love songs. After Sydney won the bid to host the 2000 Summer Olympics, he wrote "Sydney 2000" and performed it at the Sydney Opera House. His album Mulga to Mangoes was released in 1994.

In 1995, he celebrated 25 years in music with a new collection called True Blue – The Very Best of John Williamson. He also published a book with his song lyrics and stories. In 1997, he was added to the Country Music Association of Australia's Roll of Renown. His album Pipe Dream was released in 1997, featuring "Sir Don", a tribute to cricketer Donald Bradman.

2000s and Recent Years

In 2000, John Williamson released Anthems – A Celebration of Australia, which included patriotic songs. He performed at the opening ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Summer Olympics. He also performed "Sir Don" at Bradman's memorial service in 2001.

His 2002 album, Gunyah, featured songs about the Australian outback and places like Cape York Peninsula. In 2003, he became President of the CMAA. He released True Blue Two, another collection of his hit songs. He performed "Waltzing Matilda" at the memorial service for the 2002 Bali bombings victims.

In 2005, he released Chandelier of Stars, which won 'Album of the Year' at the Country Music Awards. This album included songs like "Little Girl from the Dryland" and "Bells in a Bushman's Ear." He also released "We Love This Country" to promote Australian tourism.

In 2006, he wrote "Wildlife Warriors: It's Time" as a tribute to his friend, wildlife conservationist Steve Irwin, after his passing. John performed at Irwin's memorial service.

In 2008, a musical based on his music, called Quambatook – The Musical, premiered. His album Hillbilly Road was also released that year.

In 2010, John Williamson released a new Australian anthem, "Island of Oceans," with Shannon Noll. He also released a double-CD album, Absolute Greatest: 40 Years True Blue, celebrating 40 years in music.

In 2012, he released The Big Red. In 2014, he released his fiftieth album, Honest People, and his autobiography. In 2018, his album Butcherbird was released.

In 2020, John celebrated 50 years since "Old Man Emu" by releasing a special box set of his music. He announced he would be performing less often to spend more time at home. In September 2023, he released two songs, "Voice From The Heart" and "Uluru Forever," to support the "Yes" campaign for the 2023 Australian Indigenous Voice referendum. His 21st studio album, How Many Songs, was released on April 4, 2025.

Personal Life

Family and Home

In the early 1970s, John met Mary-Kay Price, and they married in 1973. They have two daughters, Ami and Georgie. John wrote some love songs for Mary-Kay, including "Little Girl from the Dryland." After many years, John and Mary-Kay separated in 2007.

Later, John started a relationship with Meg Doyle, and they married in March 2013. They live between Springbrook in Queensland and Sydney. John's daughter, Ami, is also a musician and has toured with him. She has performed for Australian troops overseas.

John's middle brother, Robin, passed away in 1999. John dedicated the song "Salisbury Street" on his 2002 album Gunyah to Robin. Salisbury Street was where their family lived in Quambatook.

Today, John Williamson lives in the Gold Coast hinterland suburb of Springbrook. He sometimes hosts concerts at a venue he built there called Willoshed.

Supporting Australia

John Williamson is a strong supporter of Australia becoming a Republic, meaning it would have an Australian head of state instead of the British monarch. He believes it is an important step for the country's future.

Discography

Studio Albums

• John Williamson (1970)
• Comic Strip Cowboy (1976)
• Road to Town (1978)
• Fair Dinkum J.W. (1982)
• Road Thru the Heart (1985)
• Mallee Boy (1986)
• Boomerang Café (1988)
• Warragul (1989)
• JW's Family Album (1990)
• Waratah St (1991)
• Mulga to Mangoes (1994)
• Family Album No.2 (1996)
• Pipe Dream (1997)
• The Way It Is (1999)
• Gunyah (2002)
• Chandelier of Stars (2005)
• Hillbilly Road (2008)
• The Big Red (2012)
• Honest People (2014)
• Butcherbird (2018)
• How Many Songs (2025)

Awards and Recognition

Honours and Special Mentions

On Australia Day in 1992, John Williamson was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM). This award recognized his service to Australian country music and his efforts to raise awareness about conservation. He is seen as a voice for people in the Australian bush and has spoken out about environmental issues. He is also an ambassador for the Protect Our Coral Sea campaign.

In 2015, he was nominated for the Sounds of Australia competition.

APRA Awards

The APRA Awards celebrate the achievements of songwriters and composers. John Williamson has won three APRA Music Awards for his country songs.

ARIA Awards

The ARIA Music Awards are Australia's main music awards. John Williamson has won four awards from twelve nominations. In 2010, he was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. He has won 'Best Country Album' three times.

CMAA Awards (Golden Guitars)

The Country Music Awards of Australia, also known as the Golden Guitars, recognize excellence in Australian country music. John Williamson has won twenty-eight Golden Guitar awards. In 1997, he was inducted into their Roll of Renown.

Mo Awards

The Mo Awards recognized achievements in live entertainment in Australia. John Williamson won eight of these awards.

Tamworth Songwriters Awards

The Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) holds an annual contest for original country songs. John Williamson has won eight awards from the TSA.

See also

• Category:John Williamson (singer) albums
• Category:John Williamson (singer) songs
• John Farnham