In my life of music and entertaining, the magic of radio and television has played an enormous part of my career. My chosen career on radio commenced in 1951 when I joined radio station 5DN in Adelaide as the 'Office boy' - with the ambition of becoming an announcer. Through hard work and lots of experience behind the scenes, I realised my goal of becoming an announcer in 1958 compering an afternoon request show "Choose Your Own" which was to be only a temporary program for a few weeks; however so popular did "Choose Your Own" turn out to be it remained on air for the next 20 or so years. Not only have I been fortunate to be involved with the media over the years, but I have met so many people in all walks of life through my radio work and through playing music.
When I begin to think of what I have done it's amazing to recall such events as appearing in school concerts, playing music for dances, compering all manner of events, being a tour leader visiting many countries, appearing at Adelaide's Festival Theatre, describing Christmas pageants, compering various carols functions, charitable appearances etc etc….
Little did I know that I was nominated for recognition in the Australia Day Awards for 2014, where I was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for my contribution to the community as a radio announcer and entertainer.
This recognition is such an honour and I am so proud to have been thought of so highly.
My life now is largely involved with making music for the elderly, creating CDs and DVDs for use in nursing homes, but I still find time to play piano at a well known restaurant in the Adelaide Hills and even play the Mighty Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ for the entertainment of patrons prior to films at the nostalgic Capri Theatre in the Adelaide suburb of Goodwood.
