Australian musicians born in 1961
Here are 14 famous musicians from Australia were born in 1961:
Gina Riley
Gina Riley (May 6, 1961 Melbourne-) also known as Kath & Kim, Kim or Riley, Gina is an Australian screenwriter, comedian, actor, television producer and singer. She has one child, Maggie McKenna.
Gina Riley is best known for her work on the Australian television show "Kath & Kim," which she co-created with her long-time collaborator and friend Jane Turner. The show aired from 2002-2007 and was a major hit in Australia and later gained a cult following in the United States and other countries.
Before "Kath & Kim," Riley and Turner co-created and starred in another successful Australian television show, "Fast Forward," which aired from 1989-1992. Riley also starred in the popular Australian soap opera "Neighbors" in the 1980s.
In addition to her work in television, Riley has also acted in several films, including "The Castle" and "Crackerjack." She has also released a number of albums with Turner, including the soundtrack to "Kath & Kim."
Riley has been a leading figure in Australian comedy for several decades and has received numerous accolades for her work, including Logie Awards and ARIA Awards. She continues to work in television and comedy, and is regarded as one of the most influential comedians in Australia.
Riley's interest in comedy began at an early age as she was exposed to her father's love for stand-up comedy. After completing high school, Riley enrolled in drama school and later joined a theater group in Melbourne where she met her future collaborator, Jane Turner. Together, they honed their comedy skills and created several comedy sketches.
Apart from her work on Kath & Kim, Gina Riley has lent her voice to the animated series "Dogstar," starred in the TV show "Open Slather," and appeared in the comedy film "The BBQ."
In 2019, Riley was diagnosed with breast cancer and took a break from her career to focus on treatment. However, she was still involved in a production of "Annie" as the director and vocal coach.
Riley's career has inspired many young comedians, and Kath & Kim's cult following only solidifies her status as a comedy icon in Australia.
Gina Riley's comedy work has not only made her a household name in Australia but has also earned her international recognition. Her show "Kath & Kim" was adapted for American television, starring Selma Blair and Molly Shannon, but was not as successful as the Australian original. In 2006, Riley and Turner were awarded the Australian Writers' Guild Lifetime Achievement Award for their contribution to Australian comedy. The duo has also been recognized for their work in raising awareness about mental health issues, advocating for more support and understanding. In 2020, they were appointed as ambassadors for the mental health organization Beyond Blue. Despite her career success, Riley has kept her personal life private, rarely discussing her family or personal relationships in interviews.
Gina Riley's contributions to Australian comedy have been lauded by industry peers and fans alike. She has been recognized with numerous awards and nominations, including several Logie Awards for her work on "Kath & Kim" and "Fast Forward." Riley has also been awarded two ARIA Awards for the soundtracks to "Kath & Kim" and "Da Kath & Kim Code." In addition to her successful career on screen and in music, Riley is also an accomplished writer. She has co-written several episodes of "Kath & Kim" with Jane Turner as well as the film "Kath & Kimderella." Her comedic style has been described as bold and irreverent, often poking fun at Australian culture and stereotypes.
Aside from her work in the entertainment industry, Riley is also involved in advocacy work for various causes. She has supported campaigns for breast cancer awareness and research, mental health awareness, and animal welfare. As a breast cancer survivor herself, Riley has spoken publicly about her experience with the disease and the importance of early detection and treatment.
Despite her ongoing success in the entertainment industry, Riley has largely kept her personal life out of the public eye. She was married to actor Mark Smail for several years and has one daughter, Maggie McKenna, who has followed in her mother's footsteps and pursued a career in acting. Overall, Riley's impact on Australian comedy and popular culture is undeniable, and she continues to be a beloved figure in the industry.
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Simone Young
Simone Young (March 2, 1961 Sydney-) is an Australian conductor and music director.
Her albums include .
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Ally Fowler
Ally Fowler (December 6, 1961 Australia-) also known as Allie Fowler is an Australian singer.
Ally Fowler was born on December 6, 1961, in Australia. She started her career as a singer in the early 1980s and quickly gained popularity in Australia. Fowler's unique voice and captivating performances made her a household name in the Australian music industry.
In addition to her singing career, Ally Fowler also appeared in several Australian television shows and movies. She acted in the popular soap opera "Neighbours" in the 1980s and also starred in the movie "Quigley Down Under" in 1990 alongside Tom Selleck.
Fowler was also a part of the pop group "Chantoozies" in the late 1980s, which was a huge success both in Australia and internationally. After the group disbanded in the early 1990s, Fowler continued her solo career and released several albums.
Throughout her career, Ally Fowler has won several awards for her music, including an ARIA award for Best Female Artist. She has also been recognized for her contributions to Australian music and entertainment.
In addition to her successful music and acting career, Fowler has also made contributions to the world of literature. She published her autobiography, "Can't Stand Up for Sitting Down," in 1993 which delved into her personal struggles with anxiety and depression. Her book was met with critical acclaim and helped bring awareness to mental health issues. Fowler has also been an advocate for animal rights and has been involved in various campaigns to fight animal cruelty. She has helped raise funds for various animal welfare organizations and actively supports the adoption of animals from shelters. Despite taking a break from the entertainment industry in the mid-2000s, Ally Fowler remains a well-respected figure in Australian music and entertainment. She continues to inspire young artists with her talent and contributions to the industry.
In more recent years, Ally Fowler has focussed on her personal life and family, putting her career on hold aside from occasional performances. In 2013, she welcomed her first child with husband Scott Barrow, a son named William. Fowler has been open about her struggles with mental health and has been involved in various initiatives to promote mental health awareness. She has also been an advocate for diversity and equality, speaking out against discrimination in all forms. Despite her relatively low profile in recent years, Ally Fowler's impact on Australian music and entertainment continues to be celebrated and her legacy as a pioneering artist remains intact.
In addition to her successful career in entertainment, Ally Fowler is also known for her philanthropic work. She has been involved in various charitable initiatives and organizations throughout her career, including the Starlight Foundation, which aims to brighten the lives of seriously ill children, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which grants the wishes of children with life-threatening illnesses. Fowler has also been a strong supporter of cancer research and has helped raise funds for cancer charities across Australia.
In 2008, Ally Fowler was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for her contributions to the entertainment industry and to the community. The OAM is awarded to those who have made significant contributions to Australian society and culture.
Despite her success, Ally Fowler remains grounded and humble. She is known for her down-to-earth personality and her dedication to her family. Fowler has often spoken about the importance of balancing work and family and has taken breaks from her career to focus on her personal life. Her legacy as a talented artist and a philanthropist continues to make her an icon in Australian entertainment.
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Paul Field
Paul Field (May 3, 1961-) is an Australian musician, businessperson, film director, songwriter and film producer.
His related genres: Children's music and Pop rock.
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Brad Shepherd
Brad Shepherd (February 1, 1961 Sydney-) also known as Bradley Mark Shepherd, Brad Shepard or Shepherd, Brad is an Australian guitarist and musician.
Genres: Rock music.
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Lisa Gerrard
Lisa Gerrard (April 12, 1961 Melbourne-) is an Australian singer, composer, musician and film score composer.
Her albums: The Mirror Pool, Whale Rider, The Silver Tree, Lisa Gerrard, Farscape, Beautiful Voices 020 (Lisa Gerrard Special Edition), The Black Opal, Balibo, Come Quietly and Immortal Memory. Genres she performed: Ambient music, Gothic rock, Ethereal wave, New Age, Neoclassical Dark Wave, Film score and New-age music.
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Brett Dean
Brett Dean (October 23, 1961 Brisbane-) a.k.a. Dean, Brett is an Australian violist and conductor.
His albums include Brett Dean (Sydney Symphony feat. conductors: Simone Young, Hugo Wolf), The Lost Art of Letter Writing and String Quintet, op. 88 / Clarinet Quintet, op. 115.
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Tony O'Connor
Tony O'Connor (March 15, 1961-May 23, 2010) also known as O'Connor, Tony, Tony O Connor or Tony O' Connor was an Australian musician, composer and record producer.
His albums: Australian Bush Garden, Bushland Dreaming, Zodiac Collection, Capricorn, Dreams and Discoveries, From the Mountains to the Sea, Hidden Forest, In Touch, Kakadu, Lovesong and Mariner. Genres related to him: Instrumental and New-age music.
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Michael Kieran Harvey
Michael Kieran Harvey (July 7, 1961 Sydney-) also known as Harvey is an Australian , .
His albums include Rabid Bay (piano: Michael Kieran Harvey) and Vingt regards sur l'enfant-Jésus.
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Jon Farriss
Jon Farriss (August 10, 1961 Perth-) also known as Jonathon James Farriss, Slappy or Jonathon James "Jon" Farriss is an Australian drummer and musician. His children are Avani Jillian Farriss and Danan James Farriss.
Farriss is best known for being the drummer and founding member of the Australian rock band INXS. He co-wrote some of their biggest hits such as "Need You Tonight," "New Sensation," and "Never Tear Us Apart."
Growing up, Farriss was the youngest of seven children in a musical family. He started playing the drums at a young age and joined his first band, Guinness, when he was just 13 years old. In 1977, he formed INXS with his brothers Andrew, Tim, and bandmates Garry Gary Beers, Kirk Pengilly, and Michael Hutchence.
Over the years, INXS became a massive success with hits across the 1980s and 1990s. Farriss was known for his energetic and innovative drumming style, often incorporating electronic drum pads and synthesizers into his sound.
After INXS disbanded in the late 1990s, Farriss continued to pursue music and also became involved in various philanthropic efforts, including supporting education and mental health initiatives.
In addition to his work with INXS, Farriss has also worked as a producer for various artists and bands. He produced the debut album of Australian band Boom Crash Opera and the album "Insanity" by Australian singer and songwriter Ian Moss.
Farriss has also been involved in various solo projects, including releasing his own album "Atlas" in 2011, which featured collaborations with various musicians from around the world.
Outside of music, Farriss is also an avid sailor and has competed in various sailing competitions, including the Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race.
In recent years, Farriss has been working on new music and collaborating with various artists. He also continues to be involved in charity work, supporting causes such as mental health awareness and education programs for disadvantaged youth.
Farriss has been recognized for his contributions to music and philanthropy over the years. He was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame as a member of INXS in 2001, and in 2020, he was made a Member of the Order of Australia for his services to the music industry and the community.
In 2018, Farriss published his memoir "My Life Story: The Inside Job," which details his life growing up as a part of a musical family, his experiences with INXS, and his personal struggles with mental health. The book also sheds light on the band's rise to fame, their collaborations with other artists, and their eventual breakup.
Farriss currently lives in Australia with his wife, Marlena, and their children. Despite his success and achievements, he remains humble and focused on making a positive impact on the world through his music and philanthropic efforts.
In addition to his successful music career, Jon Farriss also made a name for himself in the world of sailing. He first began sailing in the Sydney Harbour with his family when he was just six years old. He competed in his first Sydney to Hobart Yacht Race in 1989 and has since competed in many other sailing competitions. He even owned his own yacht, "Exile," which he sailed in various races. In 2019, Farriss was part of the crew that won the Australian Yachting Championships on board the yacht "Stealth Racing."
Farriss is also a dedicated philanthropist and has been involved in various charitable causes throughout his life. He is a passionate supporter of education, and has worked closely with organizations that provide educational opportunities to disadvantaged youth. He is also an advocate for mental health awareness and has used his platform to raise awareness and promote better mental health outcomes.
Despite his busy schedule, Farriss still finds time for his family. He is married to Marlena, and the couple has two children, Avani and Danan. Farriss is a devoted family man and often shares snapshots of his life with his family on his social media accounts.
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Brian Mannix
Brian Mannix (October 7, 1961 Melbourne-) also known as Mannix is an Australian singer and actor. His children are Casey Mannix and Max Mannix.
He is best known as the lead vocalist for the Australian new wave band, Uncanny X-Men. Formed in 1981, their debut album "Cos Life Hurts" was a huge commercial success in Australia, spawning hit singles such as "50 Years" and "Party". Mannix's flamboyant stage presence and signature bleached-blonde hairstyle made him a popular figure in the Australian music scene during the 80s and 90s.
Apart from music, Mannix has also dabbled in acting, appearing in various TV dramas and films such as "The Henderson Kids" and "The Damnation of Harvey McHugh". He also hosted his own TV show, "The Factory", which featured interviews and live performances from Australian and international musicians.
Mannix has continued to perform and tour with Uncanny X-Men, as well as pursuing a solo music career. In recent years, he has also become a regular panelist on the Australian talk show "Studio 10".
Mannix started his music career as a drummer but later switched to lead vocals after joining the Uncanny X-Men. The band became a household name in Australia and released several successful albums throughout the 1980s. Mannix also contributed to the songwriting of the band's songs, showcasing his talent as a lyricist.
Aside from his musical career, Mannix has also been involved in various charity work, particularly for children with disabilities. He has also appeared in several stage productions, including playing the role of Frank-N-Furter in a revival of "The Rocky Horror Show".
In 2019, Mannix published his autobiography, "Mannix", where he shares details about his life, music career, and personal struggles. He continues to be an influential figure in the Australian music industry and a beloved personality in the country's entertainment scene.
In addition to his contributions to the music industry, Mannix has also had a successful career in television. He has appeared as a contestant on TV shows such as "Celebrity Apprentice Australia" and "Dancing With The Stars," showcasing his versatility and entertainment value. Mannix has also been a regular guest on Australian radio programs, where he offers his opinions on various topics and shares stories from his experiences in show business.
Despite experiencing personal struggles with alcohol and drug addiction in the past, Mannix has been able to overcome these challenges and continues to lead a successful career in entertainment. He remains an inspiration to many for his resilience and dedication to his craft. Mannix has also been acknowledged for his contributions to the Australian music industry, being inducted into the Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame in 2013.
Outside of his professional life, Mannix is known to be a devoted father to his two children, Casey and Max. He is also a passionate dog lover and has been seen performing with his dog, Bella, during some of his concerts. Overall, Mannix's legacy as a musician, actor, and television personality has firmly established him as one of Australia's most beloved public figures.
Mannix's success in the entertainment industry also led him to venture into business. In the 90s, he co-owned a nightclub in Melbourne called the Firehouse, which became a popular destination for patrons looking for a fun and lively night out. He also owned a café in the city in the early 2000s, where he regularly served customers and performed acoustic sets.
Aside from his achievements in music, acting, and television, Mannix is also known for his distinctive fashion sense. He was often seen wearing flamboyant and colorful outfits during his performances, which became a trademark of his style. He was even named one of the "10 Best Dressed Men in the World" by Esquire Magazine in 1986.
Despite his success, Mannix remains grounded and continues to be involved in various charity work. He is a strong advocate for the welfare of animals and supports the work of animal shelters and rescue organizations in Australia. He is also actively involved in programs that help underprivileged youth and children with disabilities.
Overall, Mannix's career and personal life have been marked by his dedication to his passions and his commitment to making a positive impact on the world around him. He remains a beloved and inspiring figure in Australian entertainment and continues to inspire others through his music, acting, and philanthropy.
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Stephen Rae
Stephen Rae (November 8, 1961 Sydney-March 1, 2015) also known as Douglas Stephen Rae was an Australian actor, composer, film score composer and musician.
His albums include Traps.
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Anthony Warlow
Anthony Warlow (November 18, 1961 Wollongong-) is an Australian actor and opera singer. He has one child, Phoebe Rose Warlow.
His albums include Centre Stage, Midnight Dreaming, On the Boards, The Best of Act One, Highlights From Jekyll & Hyde (Concept), Highlights From the Main Event, Face The Music and Back in the Swing.
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Rick Price
Rick Price (July 6, 1961 Brisbane-) also known as Price, Rick is an Australian singer and songwriter.
Discography: The Best Of, Tamborine Mountain, Songs From the Heart, Heaven Knows and Revisited. Genres related to him: Ballad, Rock music, Pop rock, Country, Folk rock and Gospel music.
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