Tributes pour in as Australian country music legend Lee Conway dies: ‘He was our Johnny Cash’
Lee Conway, a trailblazer in the Australian country music scene, has passed away at the age of 85.
After a brief illness, the beloved musician passed away peacefully at his home in Queensland on March 29, marking the end of an extraordinary career that left an indelible mark on the Australian music industry. The news of his passing was confirmed by his longtime friend and fellow entertainer, Col Elliott, who took to social media to share a heartfelt tribute.
Col recalled their early days with humor, saying, “When we first met in the early 1970s, we were having a great time entertaining the inmates at Pentridge.” He went on to honor Lee’s immense talent, adding, “Lee had an extraordinary gift as a singer and songwriter… his voice was truly one of a kind. We spent countless hours recording, performing, and writing together. Rest in peace, my dear friend.”
Lee Conway, a celebrated songwriter for Blue Pie Publishing and an artist with Sweet Peach Records, was one of the most esteemed figures in the Australian music industry.
Born in Poland on March 10, 1940, Conway’s family moved to Fitzroy, Victoria, in the early 1940s, where he began to lay the groundwork for a career that would span five decades. Over the years, Conway would revolutionize the Australian country music scene, earning the title of “Australia’s answer to Johnny Cash.”
His breakout hit came in 1970 with Wanted Man, a song that quickly soared up the local charts, thanks in part to radio veteran John Laws, who gave the track heavy rotation on his national program. Fans were immediately captivated by Conway’s smooth baritone voice and authentic, raw emotion. The record became an instant classic, catapulting Conway to the forefront of the Australian music scene.
Conway’s next album, The Stories We Could Tell, was a monumental success, sweeping the Australian Federation of Broadcasters awards with wins for Best Single, Best Record, and Best Song. This remarkable achievement cemented his place in the history of Australian music.
His exceptional talent didn’t go unnoticed internationally. Jerry Lee Lewis, the iconic American singer, took notice of Conway’s voice and invited him to perform at the International Festival of Country Music. This marked a significant milestone in Conway’s career, as he performed alongside legendary figures like Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn, Bobby Bare, and Rick Nelson. Conway stood out as Australia’s representative in this prestigious gathering of country music icons.
At the London Palladium, Conway was named Most Promising Performer of Great Britain, earning admiration and respect from the British audience. His international success continued with the release of the hit single All I Want to Do in 1977, which soared to number three on the charts in both the United States and Canada.
One of the most unforgettable moments of his career came when he performed in front of the Queen and Prince Philip. Following his performance, Prince Philip quipped about Conway’s deep, resonant voice, joking, “Do you gargle with gravel?”
Lee Conway remained a beloved figure in the community until 2015, when he eased into retirement, a well-earned rest after decades of hard work and dedication.
In the wake of his passing, fans took to social media to express their sorrow and pay tribute to the country music legend. One deeply moved follower wrote, “Another outstanding Australian performer has passed away. This week, we were saddened to learn of the loss of the Australian country music legend.”
“An unrivaled figure in the realm of Australian country music,” another fan remarked, emphasizing Conway’s unmatched contribution to the genre.
“It is with great sadness that I learn of the passing of one of our most talented entertainers,” shared a second individual, reflecting the widespread admiration for Conway’s talent and impact.
Conway is survived by Christine Howard, the 1967 Miss Australia, who remains his only surviving family member.
