Judith Durham, Australia’s folk music icon who achieved global fame as the lead singer of The Seekers, has died age 79.
The singer passed away in Alfred Hospital in Melbourne on Friday night after major complications brought on by a long battle with lung disease
Judith shot to fame when her son Georgy Girl became an international hit and went on the rack up huge success throughout the 60s, including I’ll Never Find Another You, and A World of Our Own.
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She made her first recording at 19 and joined The Seekers in 1963. The group of four became the first Australian band to achieve major chart and sales success in the U.K. and the United States, eventually selling 50 million records.
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
Universal Music Australia announced her death Friday, saying she had a brief stay in a hospital and ultimately died from a chronic lung disease.
Her bandmates Keith Potger, Bruce Woodley and Athol Guy said in tribute: “Our lives are changed forever losing our treasured lifelong friend and shining star.
“Her struggle was intense and heroic – never complaining of her destiny and fully accepting its conclusion. Her magnificent musical legacy Keith, Bruce and I are so blessed to share.”
(Image: PA)
Tributes continue to pour in for the beloved singer, with Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese describing Durham as a national treasure and an Australian icon.
He tweeted: “Judith Durham gave voice to a new strand of our identity and helped blaze a trail for a new generation of Aussie artists.
“Her kindness will be missed by many, the anthems she gave to our nation will never be forgotten.”
(Image: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)
In her home state Victoria, Premier Dan Andrews said Durham had conquered the music world both in Australia and overseas.
He said: “With her unique voice and stage presence leading The Seekers, the band became one of Australia’s biggest chart toppers.”
Judith’s sister, Beverley Sheehan, added, “Judith’s joy for life, her constant optimism, creativity and generosity of spirit were always an inspiration to me”.
Arts minister Tony Burke added: “Once, the best known Australian voice was Judith Durham’s.
“With The Seekers and solo Judith earned her place as an icon of our music”, he added.
Burke recounted one 1967 gig that was attended by a tenth of Melbourne’s entire population at the time.
“What a contribution. What a loss.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
