Shirley Thoms facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Shirley Thoms
A bronze statue bust of Shirley Thoms in Bicentennial Park, Tamworth, New South Wales
Background information
Birth name	Shirley Joyce Thoms
Also known as	Australia's Yodelling Sweetheart
Born	12 January 1925 Toowoomba, Queensland
Died	1 July 1999 (aged 74) Summerland Point, Lake Macquarie, New South Wales
Genres	Country
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter
Associated acts	Toured with Sole Brothers' Circus

Shirley Thoms (12 January 1925 – 1 July 1999) was a famous Australian country music singer. She was one of the first big stars in Australia's country music scene. She was especially known for her amazing yodelling, which earned her the nickname Australia's Yodelling Sweetheart.

The Story of a Country Music Star

How Her Career Began

Shirley Thoms was born in Toowoomba, Queensland, in 1925. She grew up in a big family with six brothers and sisters.

From a young age, Shirley loved to sing and yodel. She was inspired by popular singers like Tex Morton and Harry Torrani. She even won a talent show by singing one of Torrani's songs, Mockingbird Yodel.

In 1941, when she was only 16, Shirley did something amazing. She became the first female solo singer to record country music in Australia! This was a huge achievement. One of her first recorded songs was called "Faithful Old Dog".

Australia's Yodelling Sweetheart

During World War II, Shirley traveled around Australia and New Zealand. She sang for the soldiers to lift their spirits and wrote her own songs. People loved her unique voice, and she soon earned the nickname Australia's Yodelling Sweetheart.

Later, she joined the Sole Brothers' Circus and met her first husband, John Sole. They had a son named Peter, and Shirley decided to take a break from her music career to focus on her family. Sadly, her husband passed away during their marriage.

A Return to the Stage

After many years away, Shirley made a comeback in 1970. She performed at a special show in Tamworth, New South Wales, a city famous for country music. Her fans were thrilled to see her again, and she released two new albums.

Some of her most famous songs include "The Faithful Old Dog", "Where The Golden Wattle Blooms", and "Yodelling in the Moonlight".

Shirley passed away in 1999 at the age of 74.

Remembering a Legend

Shirley Thoms made a big impact on Australian country music. To honor her, there is a bronze statue of her head and shoulders, called a bust, in Bicentennial Park in Tamworth. Her statue is alongside other country music legends like Tex Morton and Buddy Williams.

Awards and Recognition

The Australian Roll of Renown

The Australian Roll of Renown is a very special award in Australian country music. It is like a hall of fame for musicians who have made a lasting and important contribution to the industry.

In 1980, Shirley Thoms was added to the Roll of Renown. She was only the fifth person to receive this honor, and she was the very first woman! This showed how important she was to the history of country music in Australia.