Vic Simms facts for kids

Simms performing in 2007

William Victor Simms (born January 29, 1946 – died February 8, 2025), known as Vic Simms, was an amazing Australian singer. He was a Bidjigal man from La Perouse, New South Wales. Vic Simms performed with many famous singers like Johnny O'Keefe, Shirley Bassey, and Robie Porter.

Biography

Early Life and Music

Vic Simms was born on January 29, 1946, at the La Perouse Mission in Sydney. He was one of ten children in his family.

He started his singing career very young, at just 12 years old. This was at the Manly Jazzorama Music Festival in 1957. In 1961, when he was 15, he released his first song called "Yo-Yo Heart." He released it under the name "Vicki Simms" with Festival Records.

The Loner Album

Later in his life, Vic Simms spent time in Bathurst Gaol. While he was there, he learned to play the guitar. He also started writing his own songs.

In 1973, people from the Robin Hood Foundation heard his music. They sent a tape of his songs to RCA, a record company. RCA then arranged for him to record an album. This album was recorded very quickly, in just one hour. It was made using a mobile studio inside the prison dining room. The album was called The Loner. Many people have called it a very important Australian album of protest music.

After The Loner was released, Vic Simms was asked to perform. He played in other prisons, shopping malls, and even at the Sydney Opera House. He was shown as an example of a good prisoner. However, he later decided not to continue these shows.

Later Career and Recognition

After leaving prison, Vic Simms continued his music career. He toured Australian prisons, sharing his music. In 1990, he traveled to Canada with fellow musicians Roger Knox and Bobby McLeod. They performed in prisons and on reservations there.

In 1996, he released another album called From the Heart. This album featured cover songs.

Vic Simms received a special award in 2001. He was given the Outstanding Contribution to Aboriginal Music award at the Deadly Awards.

In 2009, Vic Simms began teaching at the University of New South Wales. In the same year, his album The Loner was recognized. It was added to the National Film and Sound Archive's Sounds of Australia registry. This means it's considered a very important part of Australia's sound history. In 2013, the album was re-released by Sandman records.

A new album called "Selections From the Loner" came out on June 6, 2014. This album featured songs from his original The Loner album. These songs were re-recorded by different artists, including Luke Peacock, Paul Kelly, and Vic Simms himself.

In 2024, the University of New South Wales gave him an honorary degree. This is a special award for his achievements. Vic Simms passed away on February 8, 2025, at the age of 79.

Discography

Albums

Extended Plays

Awards

Deadly Awards

The Deadly Awards were a special event in Australia. They celebrated the achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Awards were given for music, sport, entertainment, and community work. The Deadlys ran from 1996 to 2013.