SLIM’S MUSIC WILL NEVER DIE

One thing I abhor Is the modern day screech of so-called music that somebody like me who grew up in a different era finds irksome. The screeching and squealing, body swaying tactics of presenters, words that cannot be understood, and altogether garish spectacle is not something that turns me on. Neither will I confess to being enamoured C2 by The Beatles, “The Rolling Stones“ and various others who were born in the 1960s.

Folk and blues music came a close second to my favourite genre and often embedded into my psyche of appreciation. I loved “The Seekers“, “ Peter, Paul and Mary” and a few others who came close.

But without a doubt, and I can say this quite unreservedly, my very favourite form of music was the Country and Western genre. I have enjoyed the music of many Country and Western artists over the years.

While I was Principal of Angurugu School on Groote Eylandt (in 1880) the celebrated husband and wife C&W singing duo, Rick and Thel Carey came to our community and conducted a concert in the grounds of our school. That is an event I still remember.

There are many Country and Western singers I really appreciate and whose music I like. But without the shadow of a doubt the person who is head and shoulders above the rest for mine is Slim Dusty. I really gel to his music and singing. Although he passed many years ago (with his wife and singing companion Joy McKean recently passing) I still enjoy his music on CD. His music makes up the bulk of the collection I have.

Country and western music lives in my soul.