Country music star Chad Morgan has died at the age of 91.
The singer died at Gin Gin Hospital, near Bundaberg, Queensland, on the evening of New Year’s Day, according to the alphabet.
Chad, affectionately known by his well-known nickname ‘The Sheik of Scrubby Creek’, was one of the best-known pioneers of Australian country music.
His son Chad Junior confirmed his father’s passing and tributes quickly poured in for the nationally beloved music icon.
Country singer Evelyn Bury, who was a good friend of Chad, described the singer as a “beautiful larrikin” in a heartfelt tribute.
“There will never be another Chad,” he added.
Country music star Chad Morgan (pictured in 2010) has died at the age of 91. He died at Gin Gin Hospital, near Bundaberg, Queensland, on the evening of New Year’s Day.
Chad was one of the best-known pioneers of Australian country music. He is pictured receiving a lifetime achievement award at the 38th CMAA Country Music Awards Australia in 2004.
Chad was born in 1933 and raised by his grandparents in the South Burnett town of Wondai.
He worked cutting wood and sugar before being discovered through Australia’s Amateur Hour radio show and launching his music career.
“I entered the Air Force in 1952 and my buddies heard me sing and dared me to go to Amateur Hour and from there everything snowballed,” Chad previously told ABC.
He began recording with Regal Zonophone and in 1958 released his debut album The Sheik of Scrubby Creek, the title of which refers to his well-known nickname.
Chad had a hugely successful country music career spanning over 70 years and has played across Australia in almost every venue from pubs to the Sydney Opera House.
He was also a regular on Reg Lindsay’s Country and Western Hour and was loved for his trademark sense of humour.
He is best known for his country comedy songs, including I’m My Own Grandpa, The Shotgun Wedding, Double Decker Blowflies and There’s Life In The Old Dog Yet.
In addition to his successful career, Chad’s distinctive teeth are also believed to have inspired Barry Humphries’ iconic character, Les Patterson.
Last year, there was a push to induct Chad (pictured in 2017) into the Australian ARIA Hall of Fame led by Anna Rose, who wrote a biography about his life and career.
In addition to his successful career, Chad’s distinctive teeth also inspired Barry Humphries’ iconic character Les Patterson (pictured).
Chad has platinum and gold album sales and was inducted into the Tamworth Hands of Fame in 1979.
In 2004, he received a Medal of the Order of Australia and was also recognized with a lifetime achievement award at the 2010 Australian Country Music Association Awards.
Last year, there was a push to induct Chad into the Australian ARIA Hall of Fame led by Anna Rose, who wrote a biography about his life and career.
“I think it’s an absolute tragedy that he made it to 90 years old and wasn’t inducted into the hall of fame. So many others have,” Anna said. the eldest.
‘And I wonder how many of them have a 70-year career that has been exceptional. And it is known not only throughout Australia but throughout the world.
In his personal life, Chad married fellow singer Pam Mitchell and they had three children: Allan, Chad Jr and Janelle.
After their separation, Chad remarried Joan Morgan when he was 50 and they were together for over 30 years until her death in 2017.