Country music star Lee Conway has died at the age of 85.
The Wanted Men singer – who was born in Poland – passed away at home in Queensland, Australia in March. His friend, comedian Col Elliott, confirmed the news on social media in a moving tribute.
“Lee and I first met in the early 70s, we entertained the inmates at Pentridge,” he wrote on Facebook, in a nod to a joke the pair had shared. “In interviews we used it as our standard gag… ps we were visiting. From that time on we have been mates. Lee was an incredible talent as a singer and songwriter… such a distinctive voice.
“We wrote together and spent much time recording and touring. RIP my friend. My thoughts are with you Shanina. Sending love… Col and Kaz xxx.”
(Image: Facebook)
Lee moved to Australia as a toddler and rose to fame in the 70s. He was widely known as Australia’s version of US singer-songwriter Johnny Cash.
His well known songs included Wanted Men and All I Want To Do In Life. The singer released albums including The Stories We Could Tell, which won a raft of awards, and he also penned many award-winning television and radio jingles.
“He redefined what Australian musicians can do, and reshaped the country genre as we know it with his creative passion and storied journey through music,” it said on his website. “He has been regarded as one of Australia’s most loved and respected country music artists and carved a special place in the hearts of all music fans.”
The star also enjoyed success across the pond, where his music went down a storm with country fans. And he was known in the UK, where he was invited to perform for Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip.
(Image: Facebook)
He sang at the Royal Command Gala Performance before the monarch in the 80s. And according to reports, the late Duke apparently joked with him afterwards: “Do you gargle with gravel?”
Fans have also been paying tribute after the sad news emerged, with one posting on Facebook: “Sad to learn Australian Country great Lee Conway has passed! Left a wonderful legacy of songs RIP.”
“Very sad, great man and wonderful artist,” said another. Others said the late star was “so talented”.
Have you joined Threads? Follow Daily Star to keep up to date on the latest news here.
For more of the latest showbiz news from Daily Star, make sure you sign up to one of our newsletters here.
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
