Lee Conway, a Beloved Voice in Aussie Country Music, Has Died

Tributes pour in as Australian country music legend Lee Conway dies: ‘He was our Johnny Cash’

Lee Conway, a pioneer in the field of country music in Australia, passed away at the age of 85.

After a brief battle with illness, the cherished musician passed away in a calm and serene manner at his home in Queensland on March 29. His passing marked the conclusion of an incredible career in the field of Australian music.

The news of his passing was verified by Col Elliott, a seasoned comedian and longtime friend of his. Elliott rushed to social media to share a touching homage to his friend.

Col made a jest about a long-standing joke between Lee and himself, saying, “When we first met, it was in the early 1970s, and we were having a good time entertaining the inmates at Pentridge.”

This individual possesses an extraordinary gift as a singer and songwriter… they have such a unique voice. We spent a lot of time recording and performing together, as well as writing together. Rest in peace, my dear friend.

As a songwriter for Blue Pie Publishing and an artist for Sweet Peach Records, Conway was widely regarded as one of the most prestigious names in the Australian music industry.

His birth took place in Poland on March 10, 1940, and his family moved to Fitzroy, Victoria, in the early 1940s. It was there that he established the foundation for a career that would span the entirety of the next half-century.

Over the course of his career, Conway would go on to revolutionize country music in Australia, earning him the nickname “Australia’s answer to Johnny Cash.”

It was released in 1970, and it swiftly flew up the local charts thanks in part to radio veteran John Laws, who gave it significant rotation on his national program. His ‘Wanted Man’ was his breakthrough smash.

Fans were fascinated by Conway’s smooth baritone voice and raw genuineness, which led to the record emerging as an instant classic and propelling Conway to the forefront of the music industry.

His subsequent record, titled The Stories We Could Tell, was a smashing success at the Australian Federation of Broadcasters awards, taking home the titles of Best Single, Best record, and Best Song. This was a historic accomplishment that solidified his position in the annals of music history.

Conway’s voice and expertise drew the notice of a singer from the United States named Jerry Lee Lewis, who invited him to play at the International Festival of Country Music. This demonstrated that Conway’s talents were not limited to the country of Australia.

Despite the fact that he was performing alongside legendary artists such as Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn, Bobby Bare, and Rick Nelson, Conway distinguished himself as the representative of Australia.

At the London Palladium, he was awarded the title of Most Promising Performer of Great Britain, which earned him the admiration and approval of the British audience.

His popularity on the international stage continued with the release of his smash single “All I Want to Do” in 1977, which reached number three on the charts in both the United States and Canada.

His performance in front of the Queen and Prince Philip was one of the most memorable moments of his career.

Following the performance, Prince Phillip made a sarcastic remark about Conway’s deep voice by asking, “Do you gargle with gravel?”

He remained active in the community until 2015, when he relaxed into a retirement that he had worked hard to obtain.

In an effort to express their sorrow, followers took to social media to pay respect to him.

Another outstanding Australian performer has passed away. This week, we were saddened to learn of the demise of the Australian country music legend,’ began a fan who was profoundly affected by the news.

“An unrivaled figure in the realm of Australian country music.”

“It is with great sadness that I learn of the passing of one of our most talented entertainers,” a second individual remarked.

Christine Howard, who was the winner of Miss Australia in 1967, is the only one who survives Conway.