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The Hooley Dooleys facts for kids

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The Hooley Dooleys
Hooley Dooleys NSW firefighters 2007.jpg
Members of the Hooley Dooleys with firefighters of Fire and Rescue NSW, 2007
Background information
Origin Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Genres Children's
Years active 1996–2009
Labels ABC, ABC Music, EMI, Warner Bros. Records, Warner Bros.
Past members
  • David Butts
  • Bruce Thorburn
  • Antoine Demarest

The Hooley Dooleys were a popular Australian music group for children. They started in 1996 and made songs and shows for kids aged two to seven.

You might have seen them on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) channel. Later, they also appeared on other TV channels and performed live shows. The first members of the group were David Butts, Antoine Demarest, and Bruce Thorburn.

The Hooley Dooleys' Journey

The Hooley Dooleys quickly became well-known. In 1999, their fourth album, Pop!, won an important award called the Best Children's Album. They were nominated for this award seven other times!

Over the years, some things changed for the group. Bruce Thorburn left in 2004. In 2006, The Hooley Dooleys stopped working with the ABC. They then teamed up with Warner Bros. for their music.

In 2007, the group wanted to make their characters even more special. They had:

  • Tickle the Doodat, who taught about being kind to everyone.
  • Russell the Muscley Kangaroo, who encouraged health and fitness.
  • Penelope Perfect, who inspired creativity.
  • Captain Catastrophe, who taught about safety.

By 2008, David Butts was the only original member left. The group grew to include seven performers. New characters like Lou Lou, Katie, Adam, and Ginner joined Tickle, Russell, and Captain. The Hooley Dooleys toured around New South Wales in 2009, but they stopped performing later that year.

Meet the Performers

The Hooley Dooleys had talented people who brought their music and characters to life.

Original Members

  • David Butts (Blue): He played saxophone, keyboards, and guitar. He also sang, wrote songs, and helped produce the music. He was with the group from 1996 to 2009.
  • Antoine Demarest (Red): He played trombone, keyboards, and guitar. He also sang, wrote songs, and helped produce. He was part of the group from 1996 to 2006.
  • Bruce Thorburn (Yellow): He played violin, keyboards, and guitar. He also sang, wrote songs, and helped produce. He was with the group from 1996 to 2003.

Other Fun Characters

  • Russell the Muscly Kangaroo (1996-2009)
  • Tickle the Doodat (1997-2009)
  • Poss the Possum (2002-2005)
  • Captain Catastrophe (2004-2009)
  • Penelope Perfect (2004-2006)
  • Lou Lou (2007-2008)
  • Katie (2007-2008)
  • Adam (2007-2008)
  • Ginner (2007-2008)

Awards and Recognition

The Hooley Dooleys were recognized for their great children's music.

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards are Australia's biggest music awards. The Hooley Dooleys were often nominated for the Best Children's Album award.

Year Nominated works Award Result Lost to
1997 Splash Best Children's Album Nominated Play SchoolIn The Car
1998 Ready Set... Go! Nominated The WigglesToot, Toot!
1999 Pop! Won N/A
2001 Keep on Dancing Nominated Hi-5It's a Party
2002 Roll Up! Roll Up! Nominated Hi-5Boom Boom Beat
2004 Wonderful Nominated Hi-5Holiday
2005 Super Dooper Nominated The WigglesLive: Hot Potatoes
2006 Smile Nominated The WigglesRacing to the Rainbow

APRA Music Awards

The APRA Music Awards celebrate songwriters and composers. The Hooley Dooleys were nominated for their children's songs.

Year Nominated works Award Result Lost to
1996 The Hooley Dooleys Most Performed Children's Work Nominated The Wiggles - Wake Up Jeff!
1999 Ooga Chuga (In The Jungle) Nominated The Wiggles - Captain Feathersword Fell Asleep On His Pirate Ship

Albums

Here are some of the albums released by The Hooley Dooleys:

  • The Hooley Dooleys (1996)
  • Splash (1997)
  • Ready, Set... Go! (1998)
  • Pop! (1999)
  • Keep on Dancing (2000)
  • Roll Up! Roll Up! (2001)
  • Oopsadazee (2002)
  • Wonderful (2003)
  • Super Dooper (2004)
  • Smile (2005)

Videography

The Hooley Dooleys also released many videos for kids to enjoy:

  • The Hooley Dooleys (1997)
  • Ready, Set... Go (1998)
  • Pop! (1999)
  • Keep on Dancing (2000)
  • Roll Up! Roll Up! (2001)
  • The Hooley Dooleys to the Rescue (2002)
  • Oopsadazee (2002)
  • Wonderful (2003)
  • 2 in 1 Pack: The Hooley Dooleys & Ready, Set... Go (2003)
  • All Together Now (2004)
  • Super Dooper (2004)
  • At the Farm (2005)
  • 2 in 1 Pack: Roll Up! Roll Up! & Pop (2005)
  • 2 in 1 Pack: Oopsadazee & Keep On Dancing (2006)
  • How 2 Exercise (2006)
  • How 2 Go to School (2006)
  • How 2 Give at Christmas (2006)
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