Mike Jackson (Australian entertainer) facts for kids

Mike Jackson OAM is a famous Australian children's entertainer. He is also a recording artist, songwriter, and radio show host. Many people know him for his version of Bananas in Pyjamas. He also appeared on ABC Television.

Mike Jackson's Story

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Mike Jackson was born in Fishtoft, England, in 1946. In 1970, he moved to Australia with his wife, Lynn. They settled in Sydney. There, he rediscovered his love for folk music. He had grown up with folk music from his grandfather.

Mike taught himself to play the harmonica in high school. He also learned to play many other instruments. People noticed he could make music with almost anything!

Starting a Music Career

In 1972, Mike and Lynn moved to Canberra. Mike started playing music regularly at folk clubs. He performed his first professional show in Melbourne that same year.

In 1973, Mike began hosting a radio show called The Lark in the Morning. It was on Canberra public radio station 2XX FM. This show is still on the air today! He also started a music group called Pageant.

By 1974, Mike was a well-known recording artist and radio host. He performed his first solo show at a National Folk Festival. His group, Pageant, also released their first album.

Forming New Bands

In 1975, Mike started a new band called The Higgins Municipal Bush Band. This band often performed at concerts and festivals.

Pageant performed for the last time in 1976. Mike then decided to become a full-time musician and entertainer. He had many bookings and a grant to tour schools.

Mike and Michelle Jackson

In 1979, Mike met Michelle Freeman at a music festival. They soon got married.

In 1980, Mike wrote his first song for kids, "The Bondi Tram." This was for his first children's album. Mike and Michelle Jackson recorded their first children's album, Bunyips, Bunnies and Brumbies. This album became a Gold record, meaning it sold many copies!

They toured Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the US for seven years. ..... They also created songbooks and recorded ten albums. .....

In 1986, Mike and Michelle decided to go their separate ways.

Awards and Recognition

In 2013, Mike Jackson received the National Folk Festival Lifetime Achievement Award. This award honors artists who have greatly helped folk music in Australia. The festival director said Mike has helped many young people love folk music. He has also performed for more children than The Wiggles!

In 2015, Mike was given the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). This award recognized his service to the performing arts. It honored him as a musician, composer, and entertainer.

Music Groups with Mike Jackson

Colonial Experience

In 1973, Mike joined a band called Colonial Experience. This band played traditional Bush Dance music. They often performed at dances and weddings. They even tested the sound in the Concert Hall of the Sydney Opera House before it opened!

Pageant

Mike started the group Pageant in Canberra in 1973. This 6-person group sang without instruments (a cappella). They first performed at the Wagga Wagga Folk Festival. Pageant sang songs inspired by English folk bands. They recorded one album in 1975 before they stopped performing in 1976.

The Higgins Municipal Bush Band

Mike's next band was The Higgins Municipal Bush Band. They performed on national television just twenty minutes after meeting! They quickly made up a name and played as if they were a long-time band. The band performed almost every week for several years.

Duos Featuring Mike Jackson

Mike Jackson has also performed in many duos, which are musical groups with two people. Some of these include:

• Mike and Michelle Jackson
• Mike Jackson with Peter Hayes
• Mike Jackson with Thom Jackson (his son)

Instruments Mike Jackson Plays

Mike Jackson plays many instruments, including:

• Anglo concertina
• Autoharp
• Bandoneon
• Bodhran
• Bones
• Hammered dulcimer
• Harmonica
• Hurdy-gurdy
• Jaw harp
• Kazoo
• Melodeon
• Mountain dulcimer
• Ocarina
• Spoons
• Ukulele

Other Performance Skills

Besides playing music, Mike Jackson also has other talents. He is skilled in:

• String games
• Juggling
• Storytelling
• Poetry

Mike Jackson's Albums

Mike Jackson has recorded many albums throughout his career. Here are some of his popular ones:

• Bunyips, Bunnies and Brumbies (Gold Disk)
• Ain't it Great to be Crazy (Gold Disk)
• Dances for Little Kids Vol.1 (Gold Disk)
• Concert for Little Kids
• Mulga Bill's Bicycle
• The Animals Noah Forgot
• Toy Box Bop
• Waltzing Matilda
• The Man from Snowy River
• I'm a Nut!!
• Dr Knickerbocker
• Uke'n Play Ukulele (and many other "Uke'n Play" ukulele books/CDs)
• Mike Jackson's Best Ever Kids' Songs (Book plus two CDs)
• Come on and Move Your Body
• Oopsy Daisy

Mike Jackson on Screen

Movies

• Crackers (1998) – Mike contributed music to this film.

Television Shows

Mike has appeared on several TV shows:

ABC TV

• Mr. Squiggle
• Alexander Bunyip's Billabong

Channel 9

• Moby Dick (1998) – He was listed as Michael Jackson for this show.
• Red Faces (a segment on "Hey Hey Its Saturday")

Videos

• ABC for Kids Video Recordings: Mike Jackson's Concert for Little Kids

Awards and Nominations

Mike Jackson's work has been recognized with awards and nominations.

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards are big music awards in Australia.