Smoky Dawson
Smoky Dawson | |
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Terrey Hills, August 1962 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Herbert Henry Brown |
Also known as | Herbert Henry Dawson |
Born | Collingwood, Victoria, Australia | 19 March 1913
Died | 13 February 2008 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia | (aged 94)
Genres | western, folk, Country |
Occupation(s) |
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Instrument(s) |
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Years active | 1932–2005 (professionally[1]) |
Labels | Fidelity records , Columbia |
Smoky Dawson
Dawson had an extraordinarily long and prolific career, releasing his first single in 1941 and his last album in 2005, aged 92. Through his high-rating syndicated radio serials (at their height broadcast on 100 stations), The Adventures of Smoky Dawson, as well as television appearances, comic books and songs he created the persona of a happy-go-lucky singing cowboy.
Dawson did his own version of "
Dawson also met The Kelly Family, and wrote a ditty about Jim Kelly, the brother of Ned Kelly.[1]
Family
Smoky Dawson was born as Herbert Henry Brown on 19 March 1913 in
The Browns initially lived in Melbourne and briefly moved to the rural area of
Parker Dawson enlisted in the
Early life
Dawson's early life was unsettled, as his father Parker was prone to heavy drinking and violence, he repeatedly ran away from home after his beatings.
Music and performing career
In 1932 Smoky Dawson worked at a tannery and on weekends he played a lap steel guitar in a duo, The Coral Island Boys, with his younger brother, Ted, on Spanish guitar.[15] Both sang lead vocals, with Ted's singing described by Dawson as "a much richer voice than mine. He had more depth in his voice".[7] They performed then-popular songs, such as "Gee But I'm Lonesome for You Caroline" and "Southern Moon Keep on Shining".[7] In 1934, Dawson formed a Western group with an accordionist, a bass guitarist, and Malcolm on violin; which cut a test acetate at Fidelity Records with Jack Murray recording.[7] It was the first professional use of Dawson's nickname, "Smoky" – he had tried pipe smoking when living at Stewarton but it had sickened him.[7][16] The recording led to sponsorship by Pepsodent – a toothpaste company – and so the group were named, Smoky and the Pepsodent Rangers.[17] In 1935 they were the first Western group to be broadcast live on an Australian radio station, 3KZ, and by 1937 Dawson had his own radio show.[7][17] His show was re-broadcast into New South Wales on 2CH as "Hill-billy Artists" by "Smoky" Dawson and His Boys.[18] In 1941, he signed with Columbia Records, where he recorded his first commercial releases, including "I'm a Happy Go Lucky Cowhand" and "The Range in the Western Sky".[10] He also toured around Australia.[19]
Dawson had used music as a way of comforting himself and during World War II he took this talent to boost the morale of others.[20] In 1939 upon the outbreak of the war he had attempted to enlist, but was rejected on medical grounds for a "bumpy heart".[20] In 1940, with Smoky Dawson's Five-Star Rangers, he would perform at soldier's socials.[21] In 1941 when the Japanese forces approached Australia, he enlisted as a non-combatant nursing orderly and was commandeered by the First Australian Army Entertainment Unit.[20] On 13 March 1944, while still in the army, he married Florence "Dot" Cheers (12 October 1906 – 27 October 2010),[22][23] an elocution teacher – they had met nine years earlier when both worked in radio.[14][17] Western Mail's Louis Clark, described Dawson as an "Australian outback songster" and the unit as "an array of genius".[24] Aside from music, Dawson would also perform at rodeos, circuses and country shows demonstrating his skill at knife-throwing using machetes, commando knives, tomahawks, or two-edged axes.[16][25] By October 1949, Dawson had recorded about 60 tracks from his songbook of 280 tunes – all of them "have a cowboy setting—with a dash of romance".[16] Dawson travelled around Australia for eight months a year while Dot remained behind as Auntie June on her own radio show for 3KZ.[16]
In March 1951 Dawson, as a cowboy entertainer, narrated a documentary film, directed by Rudall Hayward, on Australian rough riders at a Kyabram rodeo, which was to be broadcast on United States TV.[26] Dawson sang a self-written song praising their skills and noted "there's nothing half-baked about Australian rodeos or the boys who ride in them. They're entitled to all the credit we can give them ... Rodeos and rough riders are just as much a part of our national heritage as symphonies and seascapes".[26] In June that year Dawson and Dot travelled to the US where he played and recorded demos in Nashville. While in New Jersey, he took the role of Petruchio in a stage version of the musical, Kiss Me, Kate.[7][27] His trip to the US was cut short after he was injured in a car crash in Chattanooga, Tennessee; while driving to Shreveport, Louisiana, for an invitation to appear on Louisiana Hayride hosted by Jim Reeves, Dawson absent-mindedly ran a red light and his car was hit by a Cadillac going the opposite direction; he was hospitalised and his appearance on Louisiana Hayride never eventuated.[7] When Dawson returned to Australia in September 1952 he was hailed as an "Australian singing 'cowboy' who has made good in the US at the expense of the world's best".[28] For trick riding his palomino horse, Flash (1951–1982), was bedecked in American-style tack rather than Australian.[14][29] Flash lived to be 31 years old and Dawson supplemented his feed by giving him porridge with a spoon.
The Adventures of Smoky Dawson radio show
Echoing US singing cowboy, Roy Rogers, on 8 December 1952 Dawson starred in his own radio show, The Adventures of Smoky Dawson, which stayed on the air for ten years until 1962.[14][30]
At its peak, Dawson's show was broadcast on 69 stations across the country. Dot also had her own radio shows for children. A related comic book of the same name was published from 1953 to 1962 and both featured "Dawson's persona [which] became 'Australia's favourite cowboy', with his faithful sidekick Jingles, his horse Flash and their young friend Billy fighting the evil outlaw Grogan, adhering to Smoky's 'code of the west', pausing for a song, a moral and sometimes a bowl of cornflakes, courtesy of the program's sponsor".[31] For the radio show Dawson provided "rendition[s] of a magpie, kookaburra, rooster, turkey, pig, cow, an impatient horse, a posse with bloodhounds (with the bandit being shot), a pack of dogs fighting and next door's dog howling in the middle of the night".[14] In 1957 he founded the Smoky Dawson Ranch on 26 acres (11 ha) farm at Ingleside as a venue to host country music shows, a horse riding school and a holiday camp for children.[10][13][15]
Television
In 1974 a TV series, Luke's Kingdom, was shot at Dawson's ranch.[32] The following year he featured on This Is Your Life hosted by Mike Willesee.[32]
In 1988 he appeared in two episodes of TV soap opera,
Death
In his later years Smoky Dawson was diagnosed with
Awards and legacy
Smoky Dawson continued his long career of recording and performing after his radio show, and enjoyed performing until his death. He has frequently been recognised for his contributions to music and entertainment.
On 31 December 1982 Dawson was awarded an Order of the British Empire – Member (Civil) with the citation, "In recognition of service to country music".[35]
In 1978 Dawson was inducted into the Australian Roll of Renown.[36]
In 1985 he published his autobiography, Smoky Dawson: A Life.[37] An updated and expanded addition was released in 2021.[38]
In the 1999 Australia Day Honours Dawson was made a Member of the Order of Australia with the citation, "In recognition of service to country music".[39]
In 2005 he was inducted into the Australian Record Industry Association Hall of Fame. In April 2007 he donated his first electric guitar to the Australian Stockman's Hall of Fame.[40]
Smoky's Bar and Grill was opened in his name in 2005 at the West Diggers Club in Tamworth – he attended with Dot. His recording career spanned more than six decades, his last album, Homestead of My Dreams, was released in 2005.[41][42]
Powerhouse Museum described him as "a singer, showman, songwriter, scriptwriter, knife and double-headed axe thrower and all round performer who has lived a long life entertaining audiences. Through his radio serials, comic books and songs he created the persona of a happy-go-lucky singing cowboy".[31] From 2001 the museum has displayed his signed copy of the comic book, The Adventures of Smoky Dawson, and other memorabilia, which was subsequently donated by Dawson in 2004.[31]
Near Dawson's former ranch in Terrey Hills is the "Smoky Dawson Pavilion", a multi-purpose hall (containing a full-sized basketball court) situated within Galstaun College at Ingleside. Smoky Dawson Pavilion opened in late 2014 with money from the estate of Dawson and Dot.[43][44]
Australian Roll of Renown
The Australian Roll of Renown honours Australian and New Zealander musicians who have shaped the music industry by making a significant and lasting contribution to Country Music. It was inaugurated in 1976 and the inductee is announced at the Country Music Awards of Australia in Tamworth in January.[45]
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
1978 | Smoky Dawson | Australian Roll of Renown | inductee |
ARIA Music Awards
The
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
ARIA Music Awards of 1989 | High Country (with Trevor Knight) | ARIA Award for Best Country Album | Nominated |
ARIA Music Awards of 2005 | Smoky Dawson | ARIA Hall of Fame | inductee |
Country Music Awards of Australia
The Country Music Awards of Australia (CMAA) (also known as the Golden Guitar Awards) is an annual awards night held in January during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, celebrating recording excellence in the Australian country music industry. They have been held annually since 1973.[48][32]
In 1988 Dawson and Trevor Knight won The Heritage Golden Guitar at the Country Music Awards of Australia for "The Days of Old Khancoban" – written by Dawson about the droving days of his youth in the Snowy Mountains. The following year Dawson and Knight won a second Golden Guitar for their song, "High Country", as Best Vocal Duo or Group.
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
---|---|---|---|
1977 | himself | Hands of Fame | imprint |
1988 | "The Days of Old Khancoban" Smoky Dawson & Trevor Knight's Newport Trio | Heritage Award | Won |
1989 | "High Country" Smoky Dawson & Trevor Knight | Vocal Group or Duo of the Year | Won |
- Note: wins only
Mo Awards
The Australian Entertainment Mo Awards (commonly known informally as the Mo Awards), were annual Australian entertainment industry awards. They recognise achievements in live entertainment in Australia from 1975 to 2016. Smoky Dawson won one award in that time[49]
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result (wins only) |
---|---|---|---|
2007 | Smoky Dawson | Outstanding Contribution to Country Music | awarded |
Tamworth Songwriters Awards
The Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) is an annual songwriting contest for original country songs, awarded in January at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. They commenced in 1986. Smoky Dawson won four awards.[50]
Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result (wins only) |
---|---|---|---|
1987 | Smoky Dawson | Song of the Year Award | Won |
1989 | Smoky Dawson | Traditional Bush Ballad Award | Won |
1990 | Smoky Dawson | Songmaker Award | awarded |
1997 | Smoky Dawson | Tex Morton Award | awarded |
Bibliography
- Smoky, Dawson (1985). Smoky Dawson : a life. Illustrated by ISBN 978-0-86861-774-9.
References
- ^ a b c d e f Dawson, Smoky; Willis, Rob. "Smoky Dawson interviewed by Bob Willis for the Rob and Olya Willis folklore collection (sound recording)". Rob and Olya Willis Folklore Collection.
- ^ ISBN 978-0-73110-614-1.
- Henry Herbert Brown born 1913, Collingwood, Registration No. 2726
- Parker Frederick Brown married Olive Amy Muir, 1905, Registration No. 6942
- Leslie Muir Woods born 1904, Northcote, Registration No. 12496
- Laura Olive Emily Brown born 1906, Melbourne West, Registration No. 20568
- Peter Frederick James Brown born 1908, Coburg, Registration No. 2311
- Commonwealth of Australia. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
- ISBN 0-73115-300-6.
- Parker Frederick Peter Brown born 1885, Footscray, Registration No. 2709
- ^ a b c d e "Digital Copy of Item with Barcode 1800644". National Archives of Australia. 21 August 2006. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
- ^ ISBN 0-73115-302-2.
- Parker Brown died 1957, aged 72, Heidelberg, Registration No. 12431
- Laura Olive Emily Maxwell née Brown died 1941, aged 33, Mont Park, Registration No. 2231
- Peter Frederick Brown died 1972, aged 64, Box Hill, Registration No. 8913
- Edward Parker Dawson died 1978, aged 63, Parkville, Registration No. 6199
- ^ Commonwealth of Australia). Retrieved 13 February 2022.
- ^ ISBN 0-73110-616-4.
- Olive Amy Brown died 1919, aged 39, Richmond, Registration No. 18833
- Leslie Muir Wood Brown died 1920, aged 17, Kangaroo Ground, Registration No. 14930
- Edward Parker Peter Brown born 1915, Brunswick North, Registration No. 1215
- ^ a b c "Family Notices". The Argus. 30 December 1920. p. 1. Retrieved 1 January 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ a b c d "Smoky Dawson". AllMusic. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
- ^ "Brown Parker : SERN 1885 : POB Yarravill Vic : POE Melbourne Vic : NOK W Brown A". National Archives of Australia. 21 August 2006. Retrieved 1 January 2013.
- ^ Hughes, Peter (3 June 2003). "Smokey Dawson: Country Music Legend". Backyard Stories. ABC Tasmania. Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Retrieved 28 December 2012.
- ^ a b c Jinman, Richard (15 February 2008). "The Adventures of Smoky Dawson". The Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 31 December 2012.
- ^ ISSN 1039-3498. Archived from the original on 23 May 2004. Retrieved 31 December 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ Time Out. 13 April 2010. Archived from the originalon 4 February 2013. Retrieved 31 December 2012.
- ^ The Mail. 8 October 1949. p. 24. Retrieved 31 December 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ a b c "Australian Country Music Roll of Renown – Smoky Dawson MBE(C), AM 1978". Australian Country Music Hall of Fame. Country Music Association of Australia. Archived from the original on 9 April 2013. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
- ^ "Broadcasting". The Sydney Morning Herald. 14 September 1937. p. 3. Retrieved 29 December 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "80 Years of the Greater 3UZ" (PDF). Melbourne Observer. 9 March 2005. p. 11. Archived from the original on 21 May 2005. Retrieved 29 December 2012.
{{cite news}}
: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link) - ^ a b c Moremon, John (1 June 2004). "Smokey Dawson: First Australian Army Entertainment Unit (People)". Australia Japan Research Project. Australian War Memorial. Retrieved 28 December 2012.
- ^ "Soldiers' Social". The Argus. 13 March 1940. p. 20. Retrieved 29 December 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ a b c O'Neill, Sharon (14 February 2008). "Smoky Dawson Dies at 94". The 7.30 Report. Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Retrieved 31 December 2012.
- ^ "Happy 100th Birthday Dot Dawson". Radio Info. 12 October 2006. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
- ^ Clark, Louis (29 November 1945). "The War's Greatest Morale Builders". Western Mail. p. 60. Retrieved 30 December 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Cameraman Braves Axe". The Daily News. 22 March 1949. p. 15 Edition: Home. Retrieved 31 December 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ a b "They're rough, tough men in fancy shirts – They're on 'T.V.'". The Argus. 13 March 1951. p. 20. Retrieved 30 December 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "'Smoky's' Back from USA". The Argus. 4 October 1952. p. 12. Retrieved 31 December 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Children Greet Cowboy Singer". The Advertiser. 29 September 1952. p. 6. Retrieved 30 December 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "The horse that wouldn't go home". The Argus. 13 October 1955. p. 1. Retrieved 31 December 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ "Smoky Dawson on 5 AD Tonight". The Advertiser. 8 December 1952. p. 4. Retrieved 31 December 2012 – via National Library of Australia.
- ^ a b c d Powerhouse Museum. "2004/168/4 Comic book, The Adventures of Smoky Dawson No 10, paper / ink, published by K.G. Murray Publishing Company, printed by Sungravure Ltd, Rosebery, New South Wales, Australia, 1953–1962". Powerhouse Museum, Australia. Retrieved 31 December 2012.
- ^ Rural Press. March 2008. Archived from the originalon 28 April 2013. Retrieved 3 January 2013.
- ^ "What is Freemasonry?" Archived 5 December 1998 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "Smoky Dawson's wife Dot passes away". Herald Sun, 28 October 2010, Accessed on 28 October 2010
- ^ "Mr Herbert Henry Dawson, MBE". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
- ^ "Roll of Renown". TCMF. Archived from the original on 21 August 2018. Retrieved 21 August 2018.
- ISBN 978-0-86861-774-9.
- ^ "Smoky Dawson – A Life". Imprint Imprint. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
- ^ "Mr Herbert Henry Dawson, AM". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. Retrieved 14 February 2022.
- ^ "Smoky Dawson donates guitar to Hall of Fame". Australia: ABC News. 9 April 2007. Retrieved 9 April 2007.
- ^ "Homestead of My Dreams".
- ^ "Folk legend Smoky Dawson dies"
- ^ "College Facilities". Galstaun College. Retrieved 20 April 2022.
- ^ "College Benefactors". Galstaun College. Retrieved 20 April 2022.
- ^ "Roll of Renown". Tamworth Country Music Festival. Retrieved 29 October 2020.
- ^ "Winners by Award: Hall of Fame". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on 2 February 2009. Retrieved 23 October 2020.
- ^ ARIA Award previous winners. "ARIA Awards Best Country Album". Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA). Retrieved 9 April 2022.
- ^ "Past Award Winners". Archived from the original on 25 October 2020. Retrieved 2 November 2020.
- ^ "MO Award Winners". Mo Awards. Retrieved 16 March 2022.
- ^ "Tamworth Songwriters Association". Tamworth Songwriters Association Online. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
External links
- Smoky Dawson at IMDb
- Report on death
- Australian Biography entry
- Listen to an excerpt of "Smoky Dawson and the Smoking Bullet" on australianscreen online