Melbourne, Australia – Australian country music icon Judith Durham, who became world famous as the lead singer of The Seekers, has died. She is 79 years old.
Durham died Friday night at Alfred Hospital in Melbourne after a long-term lung condition, Universal Music Australia and Musiccoast said in a statement on Saturday.
He made his first record aged 19 and shot to fame after joining The Seekers in 1963. The four-piece band became the first Australian band to achieve major chart and sales success in the UK. United and the United States, eventually selling over 50 million records. .
International hits include “Carnival Is Over”, “I’ll Never Find Another”, “A World of Our Own” and “Georgie Girl”.
Durham began a solo career in 1968, but recorded again with The Seekers in the 1990s.
“It’s a sad day for Judith’s family, fellow Seekers, MusicCoast staff, the music industry and fans everywhere and all of us who have been a part of Judith’s life for so long,” said Graham, a board member of The Seekers. Simpsons.
His bandmates in The Seekers – Keith Budger, Bruce Woodley and Athol Guy – said their lives had been changed forever by the loss of “our precious lifelong friend and shining star”.
“His struggle was intense and heroic, never complaining about his fate and fully accepting the result. His wonderful musical legacy, Keith, Bruce and I are so lucky to share it,” they said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese described Durham as “a national treasure and an Australian icon” and paid tribute to the beloved singer.
“Judith Durham gave voice to a new strand of our identity and helped pave the way for a new generation of Australian artists,” Albanese wrote on Twitter. “His kindness will be missed by many and the hymns he gave to our nation will never be forgotten.”
In his home state of Victoria, Premier Don Andrews said Durham had conquered the music world in Australia and abroad.
“With their unique vocals and stage presence in front of The Seekers, the band have become Australia’s biggest chart topper,” he said.
