In celebrating the achievements and wonderful careers of many women in Australian music this year, Australian Women in Music Awards has announced that music legend Judith Durham AO will be inducted into the prestigious AWMA Honour Roll at the Brisbane Powerhouse on the evening of Wednesday 9 October 2019.
“Judith Durham has one of the world’s purest voices, she has a rare musical gift and is one of Australia’s most esteemed cultural leaders,” said Vicki Gordon, AWMA Founding Executive Director and Executive Producer. “An unforgettable singer, a visionary songwriter and composer, an uncompromising advocate for First Nations justice and numerous charities, Judith’s legacy is indelible!”
“We couldn’t be more honoured to induct Judith into the 2019 AWMA Honour Roll where she will be joined by our inaugural recipient, the legendary Helen Reddy.”
A living treasure and an example of determination and success in Australian music through the decades, Durham has long held a beloved place within the hearts of music fans and the industry across the globe. With The Seekers, Durham was catapulted into the spotlight during the early 1960s with the band becoming the first Australian pop group to top the charts in the UK and US, and selling over 50 million records worldwide.
Pursuing a successful solo career through the 1970s and then recording and touring through the 1990s and 2000s, Durham’s place in the Australian music industry was solidified as one of our most important figures.
“They say the longest journey begins with just one step, but you have to have a dream to start, and I had plenty of dreams,” said Durham. “It’s such a blessing to have spent my 76 years of life so far in musical expression; so emotionally healing, inspirational and uplifting – first as a soloist aspiring to a life in opera or classical piano, or popular songs or musicals, but finding myself following the teenage trends; singing Dixieland Jazz, Blues and Gospel.
“Then sailing off with three fantastic guys whose voices blended uniquely with my own. Unbelievably, we stormed the international music world, at the top of the charts. They say destiny happens when you’re making other plans, and that’s how it was,” she added.
The 2019 Australian Women in Music Awards Ceremony, Concert and Party will be held on 9 October at the Brisbane Powerhouse and will include performances from some of Australia’s most inspiring artists, including Renée Geyer, Katie Noonan, Clare Bowditch, Melinda Schneider, Ngaiire, Zoe Hauptmann, Kaylah Truth, Cheryl Barker AO, Tamara-Anna Cislowska and more.
To view the 2019 Australian Women in Music Awards Finalists, click here! For more information about the Australian Women in Music Awards, visit: www.womeninmusicawards.com.au for details.
Image: Judith Durham AO with Vicki Gordon – photo by Fernando Barraza