Australian musicians died at 56
Here are 10 famous musicians from Australia died at 56:
James Dowling
James Dowling (November 25, 1787 London-September 27, 1844) was an Australian judge.
Dowling moved to Australia in 1828 where he became the first resident judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. He had a reputation as an even-handed and fair judge who was highly respected by the legal community. During his time on the bench, he presided over a number of high-profile cases, including the trial of bushranger Frank Gardiner.
Dowling was also an influential figure in the establishment of the Australian legal system. He wrote several major legal texts on criminal law and procedure which were widely used in New South Wales and other Australian colonies. In addition to his legal work, he was an advocate for the education of Indigenous Australians and worked to promote their rights and welfare.
After his death in 1844, Dowling was remembered as a pioneering figure in the field of Australian law and one of the most respected judges of his time. Today, he is recognized as a significant figure in Australian legal history and his legacy lives on through his contributions to the development of the Australian legal system.
Dowling was born into a family of lawyers in London in 1787, and followed his family's profession by studying law himself. He was called to the bar at the Middle Temple in 1811 and became a barrister, practicing across England and Ireland. Dowling also served as a member of parliament for the borough of Dunwich in Suffolk.
In 1827, Dowling was appointed as a judge in the colony of New South Wales, which was then under British rule. He arrived in Australia in 1828 and was immediately sworn in as the first resident judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales. Dowling's arrival in Australia was at a time when the legal system in the colony was still in its infancy, and he played a crucial role in shaping it into what it is today.
During his time in Australia, Dowling presided over many important cases, including a landmark case regarding the transportation of convicts. He was also known for his compassionate approach to the treatment of prisoners and was a strong advocate for the rights of women and Indigenous Australians.
Dowling was a prolific writer and published many books on the law, including "The Practice and Precedents of the Supreme Court of New South Wales" and "The Criminal Law of the Colony of New South Wales". He was respected for his legal writings and they served as important references for judges and lawyers in Australia and beyond.
Dowling died in 1844 at the age of 56, but his legacy lived on. His contributions to the development of the Australian legal system were recognized and he was remembered as one of the most influential and respected judges in Australian history. Today, his work is still studied and his impact on the legal profession in Australia is widely acknowledged.
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William Astley
William Astley (August 13, 1855 Liverpool-October 5, 1911) was an Australian writer and journalist.
Astley began his career as a journalist in Australia, working for several newspapers and magazines before moving to London in 1885 to work for The Pall Mall Gazette. He published his first novel, "The Valiant Runaways," in 1890 and went on to write several more novels and short stories. Astley's writing often dealt with themes of adventure and romance, and he was particularly skilled at crafting vivid descriptions of far-off lands and exotic locales. In addition to his work as a writer, Astley also served as a war correspondent during the Boer War and covered the Russo-Japanese War for The Morning Post. Despite his reputation as a talented writer, Astley struggled with poor health throughout much of his life and died in 1911 at the age of 56.
Astley was the son of a Liverpool dock worker and grew up in difficult circumstances. Despite this, he was an avid reader from a young age and was determined to pursue a career in writing. He began his journalistic career in Australia in the 1870s and was soon known for his descriptive and engaging style of writing. In addition to his work as a journalist and novelist, Astley also wrote poetry and was a prolific letter writer. His letters to his wife, who he married in 1885, have been described as passionate and romantic. During his time as a war correspondent, Astley witnessed firsthand the brutality of war and wrote searing accounts of its effects on soldiers and civilians. Overall, Astley's contributions to Australian and British literature and journalism were significant and continue to be celebrated today.
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Thomas O'Hagan
Thomas O'Hagan was an Australian judge.
Thomas O'Hagan was an Australian judge who held a number of significant legal positions throughout his career. Born in County Cavan, Ireland in 1812, O'Hagan studied law in Dublin before immigrating to Sydney in 1836. He was admitted to the New South Wales Bar in 1840 and went on to become the first Roman Catholic appointed to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1854. O'Hagan was also a member of the New South Wales Legislative Council and was appointed to the position of Chief Justice of the colony in 1880. Throughout his career, O'Hagan was known for his outstanding legal knowledge, his fairness and his commitment to justice. O'Hagan passed away at the age of 70 in 1882, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most respected legal figures in Australia's history.
In addition to his legal career, O'Hagan was also involved in politics as a member of the New South Wales Legislative Council for almost 30 years. He was known for his strong support for Irish Catholics and his opposition to transportation of convicts to Australia. O'Hagan was also a prominent philanthropist, contributing to the founding of St. Vincent's Hospital in Sydney and serving as its first vice-president. Furthermore, he played a role in the establishment of the University of Sydney and was a founding member of the Catholic University of Ireland. O'Hagan was greatly respected by his contemporaries not only for his legal and political achievements but also for his humanitarian efforts, and his contributions to education and healthcare.
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James White
James White (December 2, 1861 Liverpool-July 14, 1918 Brisbane) was an Australian personality.
Though born in Liverpool, White moved to Australia at a young age, where he worked as a journalist, editor, and politician. He is best known for his role as the founder and editor of "The Worker," a weekly newspaper that championed workers' rights and political reform in Queensland. In addition to his journalism work, White also served as a member of parliament in both the Queensland and federal parliaments, advocating for socialist policies and labor rights. White's advocacy for workers earned him a reputation as a fiery public speaker and a popular figure among labor unions. He was instrumental in the formation of the Australian Labor Party and helped establish the Movement for Peace in the Pacific. Despite his contributions to Australian politics and journalism, White's life was cut short by cancer at the age of fifty-six.
Throughout his life, James White was a passionate advocate for social justice and equality. As the editor of "The Worker," he used his platform to expose corruption and exploitation in the workplace, and to call for better working conditions and wages for workers across Queensland. He was also a fervent supporter of the suffrage movement, and fought tirelessly for women's right to vote.
In addition to his journalistic work, White was a respected politician who served as a member of parliament for nearly two decades. He played a key role in the development of the Australian Labor Party, and was a vocal advocate for socialist policies and progressive reforms. He also helped establish the Movement for Peace in the Pacific, which sought to promote peace and cooperation across the region.
Despite facing staunch opposition from conservative forces throughout his career, James White remained committed to his ideals and never wavered in his pursuit of a more just and equitable society. He is remembered as a tireless advocate for working people and a pioneer in the fight for workers' rights and political reform in Australia.
He died caused by cancer.
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Colin Ridgway
Colin Ridgway (February 19, 1937 Melbourne-May 13, 1993) was an Australian american football player.
Ridgway played college football at the University of Illinois and was signed as a free agent by the Dallas Cowboys in 1965. He was a punter for the Cowboys for five seasons and was part of their Super Bowl VI winning team. Ridgway ended his NFL career with the Houston Oilers in 1970. Following his retirement from football, Ridgway returned to Australia and became involved in the hospitality industry. He passed away in 1993 at the age of 56.
During his time in the NFL, Colin Ridgway was known for his consistent and accurate punting. He was twice named to the Pro Bowl and was named All-Pro in 1967. After his retirement from football, Ridgway became a successful businessman, opening several bars and restaurants in Australia. He also represented the Australian Football League in the United States as their commercial manager for several years. In addition, Ridgway was a philanthropist who supported numerous charities and organizations throughout his life. Despite living in the US for many years, he remained a proud Australian and was inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame in 1996.
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Steve J. Spears
Steve J. Spears (January 22, 1951 Adelaide-October 16, 2007 Aldinga) a.k.a. Steve Spears or Steven J. Spears was an Australian writer, actor, playwright, singer and screenwriter.
Spears was known for his contribution to the Australian art scene with his work in theatre, film, television, and music. Some of his most notable plays include "The Elocution of Benjamin Franklin," "The Paradise Hotel," and "Just Macbeth" which have been produced and performed throughout Australia and internationally.
Apart from his work in theatre, Spears also appeared in various Australian television shows and films such as "The Young Doctors," "Prisoner," and "A Country Practice." He also released several albums and singles as a singer, including the popular song "Horror Movie."
Spears' contributions to the Australian arts were recognized with several accolades, including the Australian Writers Guild Award, the Sydney Theatre Critics Award, and the Australian Performing Rights Association Award.
Spears was born and raised in Adelaide, Australia. He studied at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) and later, at the Flinders University where he developed his writing skills. He co-founded the experimental theatre group, "Mixed Bag Theatre," in the early 70s and wrote many original plays for the company. His play, "The Elocution of Benjamin Franklin," was a major success and earned him critical acclaim.
Spears was also involved in the Australian film industry and wrote the screenplay for the film "The Naked Country" which was released in 1985. He later worked on other films, such as "Rikky and Pete" and "Welcome to Woop Woop." Spears was passionate about music and often included his music in his plays. He also released several solo albums, including "Dream Band" in 1987 and "The Whippoorwill" in 1999.
In addition to his artistic talents, Spears was also an activist, and he used his platform to bring attention to various social issues. One of his most significant contributions was co-founding the Adelaide Fringe Festival, which became a major cultural event in Australia. The festival provided a platform for artists from all around the world to showcase their work and interact with audiences.
Spears' legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists, and his contributions to the Australian arts scene will forever be remembered.
He died as a result of brain cancer.
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Mandawuy Yunupingu
Mandawuy Yunupingu (September 17, 1956 Arnhem Land-June 2, 2013) also known as Yunupingu, Mandawuy was an Australian musician.
Genres he performed: Rock music and Aboriginal rock.
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Billy Murdoch
Billy Murdoch (October 18, 1854 Bendigo-February 18, 1911 Melbourne) was an Australian personality.
Billy Murdoch was an Australian cricketer, widely regarded as one of the greatest batsmen of his generation. He played for both Australia and England during his career, and was one of the pioneers of the sport in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Murdoch is particularly remembered for being the first batsman to score a double century in Test cricket, which he achieved in 1884. He also captained both Australia and England during his career, and was a key figure in the development of the sport in Australia. After retiring from cricket, Murdoch became a journalist and wrote for several newspapers in Australia and England.
In addition to his success in cricket, Billy Murdoch also made a name for himself in rugby. He played for New South Wales in the inaugural inter-colonial rugby match against Queensland in 1882. Murdoch was also an accomplished golfer, winning the Victorian Amateur Championship in 1904.
Off the field, Murdoch was known for his strong leadership skills and was highly respected by his teammates. He was also a man of strong principles and refused to play cricket on Sundays, despite the potential financial gain.
Murdoch's legacy in cricket continues to this day. The annual "Billy Murdoch Medal" is awarded to the best player in the Melbourne Premier Cricket competition, which he helped establish. Additionally, in 2009 he was inducted into the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame.
He died as a result of stroke.
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Jack Chamberlain
Jack Chamberlain (August 29, 1884 Glanville, South Australia-April 1, 1941 Leabrook) was an Australian personality.
He was best known as a cricketer who played for South Australia in the 1910s, and as a coach and commentator for the sport later in his life. Chamberlain was a medium-fast bowler and a lower-order batsman. He played 19 first-class matches, taking 47 wickets at an average of 35.02. After his playing career, he became a coach and was renowned for his work with young players. He also became a prominent commentator on ABC Radio, providing expert analysis on cricket matches from the 1920s until his death in 1941. In addition to his cricketing achievements, Chamberlain was a successful businessman, owning a chain of hardware stores in Adelaide.
Chamberlain's career in cricket began in 1910 when he was selected to play for South Australia against Victoria. He quickly became recognized for his pace and swing, and his aggressive bowling style made him a valuable asset to the team. Throughout his career, Chamberlain played both as a bowler and a batsman, and his versatility made him a formidable player on the field.
Chamberlain's coaching career began after his playing days were over. He served as a mentor and coach to many young cricketers, helping them to develop their skills and achieve success at both the state and national level. His contributions to the sport were recognized in 1939, when he was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for his services to cricket.
As a commentator, Chamberlain's knowledge and insight into the sport made him a beloved figure among cricket fans. He provided live commentary for many of the most significant matches of his time and was known for his ability to capture the excitement and drama of the game. His distinctive voice and colorful commentary style made him one of the most recognizable figures in Australian cricket.
Despite his success in cricket, Chamberlain's legacy extends beyond the sport. He was a dedicated family man and a respected member of the Adelaide community. His chain of hardware stores was one of the largest in the city, and he was known for his philanthropy and support of local charities.
Chamberlain passed away in 1941 at the age of 56, leaving behind a rich legacy in cricket and beyond. His contributions to the sport of cricket, his business acumen, and his commitment to his community have made him one of South Australia's most beloved figures.
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William Shiels
William Shiels (December 3, 1848 Ireland-December 17, 1904) was an Australian politician.
He migrated to Victoria in 1865 and worked in various fields before becoming a gold miner. Shiels became involved in politics, serving on the Ballarat City Council and later in the Victorian Legislative Assembly. He held various ministerial portfolios in the government, including Chief Secretary and Attorney-General. Shiels was known for his support of workers' rights and played a significant role in the establishment of the Australian Labor Party. He was also a skilled orator and journalist, and his writing was published in several Australian newspapers. Shiels passed away in 1904, and his legacy as one of the early champions of workers' rights in Australia endures to this day.
During his political career, William Shiels was a key figure in the development of several important legislative reforms in Australia. He was responsible for the establishment of the Factories and Shops Act, which introduced a range of protections for workers, including regulations on hours of work and child labor. Shiels was also involved in the introduction of a minimum wage in Victoria, which set a precedent for similar policies in other Australian states.
In addition to his political and journalistic work, Shiels was a committed activist and organizer. He was involved in the establishment of several trade unions, including the Amalgamated Society of Engineers and the Australian Workers' Union. He was also a strong supporter of women's suffrage and was involved in the campaign for the vote for women in Victoria.
After his death, Shiels was widely mourned and commemorated across Australia, with many unions and labor organizations dedicating memorials in his honor. His legacy as a pioneer of workers' rights and a driving force behind the establishment and success of the Australian Labor Party continues to be celebrated in Australia today.
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