Judith Durham, the main vocalist of The Seekers and an Australian singer and composer, died on August 5 at the age of 79. In 1968, she left the trio to pursue a solo career, and she went on to create a number of memorable songs. Anthony Albanese, Australia’s Prime Minister, paid homage to her and wrote,
“Judith Durham gave voice to a fresh thread of our identity, paving the way for a new generation of Australian artists.” Many will mourn her generosity, and the hymns she wrote for our country will never be forgotten.”
The death of Judith Durham
Judith Durham died at a Melbourne hospital as a result of complications from a severe lung illness, according to Universal Music. The next day, she was admitted to the hospital. However, it is uncertain how long she was afflicted with the condition. More information is likely to be released shortly. Durham had previously had a stroke on the Seekers’ Golden Jubilee tour in May 2013. This impaired her ability to read and write, which she regained after her recovery.
Judith Durham’s Career
She was born on July 3, 1943, in Essendon, Victoria, and attended Essendon Primary School until 1949, when her family relocated to Hobart, Tasmania, where she enrolled in the Fahan School. Durham then returned to Melbourne, where she attended Ruyton Girls’ School Kew and RMIT. Durham subsequently launched her solo career, releasing albums such as For Christmas with Love, Gift of Song, and others. In 1970, she made a television special called Meet Judith Durham, and in 1975, she appeared on an episode of the TV sitcom Cash and Co. In 2003, Judith celebrated her 60th birthday by traveling the United Kingdom on The Diamond Tour. At the Advance Australia Fair in 2006, she updated the melody and words of the Australian National Anthem, and in 2009, she sang it at the Federation Hall on St Kilda Road.
Durham returned to the Myer Music Bowl in February 2009, performing The Carnival Is Over at the RockWiz Salutes the Bowl – Sidney Myer Music Bowl 50th Anniversary. In 2009, she also played at a performance in Melbourne to celebrate the release of her CD Up Close and Personal. She first appeared with Frank Traynor’s Jazz Preachers at the Memphis Jazz Club in Malvern in 1963. Judith then collaborated with the band to make her debut self-titled EP. She joined The Seekers in 1963 and departed after a tour of New Zealand the same year. In 2011, Judith signed with Decca Records. In June 2018, on her 75th birthday, her 14 unpublished songs were released on an album called So Much More.
Twitter users pay tribute
Durham’s involvement with The Seekers and her vocal abilities made her a household figure in the music business. When word of her death spread, Twitter was inundated with tributes:
Once,the best known Australian voice was Judith Durham’s. With the Seekers and solo Judith earned her place as an icon of our music. In 1967 10% of the Melbourne population attended a single gig. What a contribution. What a loss.
I am Australian will be played forever.
RIP— Tony Burke (@Tony_Burke) August 6, 2022
#RIP Judith Durham.
The former Seeker and Australian legend has died at the age of 79 😘 pic.twitter.com/a8lP0DRT52— Geoff Field (@GeoffField) August 6, 2022
In November 1969, she married musical director and pianist Ron Edgeworth. Edgeworth died in December 1994.
