Songwriters Speak

I ordered my copy of this book today....can't wait for it to arrive now although I did borrow a copy so I can start reading this weekend.....yes I know it's not economics...but much more interesting.

Some of the songwriters interviewed include:

• Nick Cave
• Deborah Conway
• Richard Clapton
• Joy McKean
• Iva Davies
• Colin Hay
• Archie Roach
• Daniel Johns

...just to name a few.

In the preface, Debbie Kruger writes about her book " ...this is not essentially a book about the interntational success of Australian music. It is a collection of in-depth conversations with songwriters whose work has left an indelible imprint on Australia's cultural landscape. It is an insight into the hearts and minds of some of our greatest musical poets." (page 11).

It is also sad that ill health and the eventual passing of so many of our great songwriters meant they couldn't be included in this book. Debbie tells us that Ted Mulry's passing was one of the catalysts for getting the book started...and also shares her sadness that Slim Dusty passed away before she was able to speak with him.

I was raised on country music, and I would have loved to hear what Slim himself had to say about his life and songs.

Slim was the favourite with my father. Any great long trips in the car would have dad bringing out the Slim Dusty cassette's (and now CDs). We knew all the words, and while we would never let the kids from school know we liked it - secretly I think we did. The songs were all such great Australian stories and many of them became our favourites. I know now, that my son still likes to hear his granddad's music and sings along with them too!

I recall living in St Mary's (see Teddy Bear's Picnic post) and seeing my first 'live' music gig. It was held at the St Mary's Town Hall. I saw Slim Dusty and Joy McKean, and their daughter Anne sang too - she mustn't have been much more than 10 or so. I think there were also a few others including Reg Lindsay and Chad Morgan (what a character).

I think it was that experience (and Young Talent Time of course) that propelled me headlong into a desire to entertain and I sang at every opportunity!

After quite a few years of not singing, recently I got up the courage to start again and I'm very glad I did. I didn't realise how much I missed being in front of an audience.

Debbie, I am very grateful for your hard work in allowing us to delve into the minds of those around us who have talents we can only aspire to. Thanks!