There are many good musicians that write and sing Australian country songs, however the people below have stuck to uniquely Australian subjects and have not used American words or accents.
Slim Dusty – An especially prolific musician who produced more than 100 albums and well known songs over many decades. Even a shortlist of favourites is a very long list. ‘Ringer from the Top End’ is especially recommended. Slim has gone but will never be forgotten. 1927-20
03.
John Williamson – To date has produced many great songs, written concerning all parts of Australia, but probably best known for ‘True Blue’. ‘Mallee Boy’ is especially recommended.
Ted Egan – Ted has done a sterling job of many things, in particular actively preserving Australian outback heritage – through his writing (both songs and books), performing, and the encouragement he so gives generously to others. Ted very kindly opened my Tamworth exhibition in 2002, and was on a trip with Governor-General Michael Jeffery when he opened my exhibition in the Australian Stockman’s Hall of Fame in 2006.
Ted was appointed Administrator of the Northern Territory in October 2003. The Territory are very lucky to have him as he is truly one of a kind. I have many favourites songs, including ‘Old Ned’, but the kid’s favourite song is ‘Urapunga frog’.
Penny Davies, Roger Ilott – Restless Music — Great Queensland folk songs, in particular are ‘Hey rain!’, ‘Send her down, Hughie!’ and ‘Where the cane fires burn’. Sadly Bill Scott, who wrote many of the songs Penny and Roger sing, passed away in late 2005, at the age of 82.
You can’t go past The Bushwackers for authentic Australian folk music. Real characters and great performers, bringing traditional songs such as Flash Jack from Gundagai to new generations, with great enthusiasm.
Good Bush Music For Kids:
Dougie the Dungbeetle and friends
Two albums – ‘Top Dung’ (especially ‘Kick Start’) and ‘100% Dung’ (especially ‘Buck that bull Barry’). Self published by uniquely talented musicians from the central western Queensland town of Barcaldine. They make all those popular children’s groups look about as interesting as mass produced plastic.
In 2007 driving force Jo Martin-Cameron received a well deserved Australia Day Cultural Award.