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

By JIMMY BRIGGS FOR DAILY MAIL AUSTRALIA

Published: 02:10 BST, 10 April 2025 | Updated: 02:24 BST, 10 April 2025

Australian country music pioneer Lee Conway has died at the age of 85.

The beloved musician died peacefully at his home in Queensland on March 29 following a short illness, marking the end of an extraordinary career in Australian music.

His death was confirmed by long-time friend and veteran comedian Col Elliott, who took to social media to share a heartfelt tribute.

‘Lee and I first met in the early ’70s, we entertained the inmates at Pentridge,’ Col joked, referencing a longstanding gag between the pair.

‘An incredible talent as a singer and songwriter… such a distinctive voice. We wrote together and spent much time recording and touring. RIP my friend.’

Conway, a Sweet Peach Records artist and Blue Pie Publishing songwriter, was one of the most respected names in Australian music. 

Australian country music pioneer Lee Conway has died at the age of 85

Born in Poland on March 10, 1940, his family relocated to Fitzroy, Victoria in the early 1940s, planting the roots of a career that would stretch across five decades.

Conway would go on to revolutionise country music Down Under, becoming affectionately known as Australia’s answer to Johnny Cash.

His breakout hit ‘Wanted Man’ was released in 1970 and quickly shot up the local charts thanks in part to radio legend John Laws, who gave it heavy rotation on his national program. 

The single became an instant classic and launched Conway into stardom, with fans captivated by his smooth baritone voice and raw authenticity. 

His follow-up album The Stories We Could Tell swept the Australian Federation of Broadcasters awards, winning Best Single, Best Album and Best Song – a clean sweep that cemented his place in music history.

Conway’s talents weren’t confined to Australia as his voice and professionalism caught the attention of US singer Jerry Lee Lewis, who invited him to perform at the International Festival of Country Music. 

Sharing the stage with legends like Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn, Bobby Bare and Rick Nelson, Conway stood tall as the Australian representative.

He won over the British crowd and took home the Most Promising Performer of Great Britain award at the Londo 

The beloved musician died peacefully at his home in Queensland on March 29 following a short illness, marking the end of an extraordinary career in Australian music 

Conway was one of the most respected names in Australian music

His international success continued with his 1977 hit single ‘All I Want to Do,’ which climbed to #3 on both the US and Canadian charts.

One of his career highlights was performing for the Queen and Prince Philip.

After the performance, Prince Phillip cheekily commented on Conway’s deep voice, asking, ‘Do you gargle with gravel?’

He continued to perform locally until 2015 when he enjoyed a well-earned retirement. 

Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to him.

‘Another great Australian performer gone. Sadly we learnt this week of the passing of the Australian Country music star,’ one devastated fan began.

‘One of the kings of Australian country music.’

‘Sad to hear of the passing of one of our greatest entertainers,’ a second person added.

Conway is survived by his wife Christine Howard, Miss Australia winner 1967. 

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

***
Read more at DailyMail.co.uk