The iconic Chad Morgan OAM passed away yesterday, January 1 2025, at age 91, at Gin Gin Hospital.
The country music singer’s career spanned across a remarkable 72 years. His achievements in the entertainment industry over the decades are extraordinary, with no other artist having the longevity on stage as him.
Tamworth Country Festival Manager Barry Harley says the Tamworth Country Music community is sad to hear the news of Mr Morgan’s passing.
“Chad Morgan was a larrikin, fondly known for his country comedy music and entertainment. He was a frequent visitor to Tamworth and was inducted into the Hands of Fame in 1979 and the Roll of Renown in 1987.
“In 2017, he was the first to witness the unveiling of his bronze bust in Bicentennial Park.
“He will be deeply missed.”
Chad Morgan’s contribution to the annual festival was extensive, with the artist performing and visiting for many years. He was a funny, spirited artist that fans adored.
He told the State Library of Queensland in their Digital History that his career began with a dare.
Writer Anna Rose, author of Chad Morgan – Seventy Years in the Making says Mr Morgan was a consummate showman, comedy legend and true Aussie icon that has left an indelible mark on the country music industry.
“From the moment he was named runner-up on Australia’s Amateur Hour in 1952, he ticked off one bucket-list item after another, the first being to record on the famous red-and-green label, Regal Zonophone.
“He toured Australia with good mates, Slim Dusty and Joy McKean, and with his own troupe, the All-Star Western Show, featuring Kevin King, Nev Nicholls, Rick & Thel Carey, Chad’s first wife Pam Mitchell, and Canadian fiddler Peter Mollison.
“He’s played just about every small hall and theatre and every major festival in the land, which is where he was most happy – entertaining his audience,” Anna said.
Country music star Troy Cassar-Daley remembered Morgan as “so funny and whip smart”.
“He always surprised me when he hit the stage at how many generations loved him,” he wrote on Instagram. “Rest easy old mate, the show is over and the curtains are closed now.”
Morgan’s best known songs included The Sheik of Scrubby Creek, I’m My Own Grandpa, The Shotgun Wedding, Double Decker Blowflies and There’s Life In The Old Dog Yet. He continued to perform live until Aril of last year, when he announced his retirement.
In 2004 Mr Morgan received a Medal of Order of Australia for his contribution to the entertainment industry. In 2010 he was the inaugural recipient of the CMAA Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by John Williamson – one of his true-blue mates – who said upon his passing that we have lost a legend.
“Chad was one of the few singers who showed me that you can be and sound like an Aussie, singing about his life in the bush. We have lost a real legend.”
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