Here are 10 famous musicians from Australia died at 59:
Michael White (December 29, 1948 Adelaide-April 4, 2008 San Diego) a.k.a. Michael Kingsley or Michael Kingsley White was an Australian psychologist.
He was known for his work in the field of behavioral genetics, studying the role of genetics in human behavior and mental health. Throughout his career, White authored numerous groundbreaking studies that explored the genetic underpinnings of conditions ranging from depression and anxiety to schizophrenia and drug addiction. He received his PhD in psychology from the University of Western Australia in 1977, and went on to work as a researcher and professor at various institutions around the world, including the University of California, San Diego, the University of Colorado, and the Australian National University. In addition to his work in genetics, White was also a passionate advocate for evidence-based psychology and frequently spoke out against pseudoscientific claims in the field. He passed away in 2008 at the age of 59.
White was a prolific author and his works have been cited extensively in scientific literature. He co-authored several influential books, including "Nature, Nurture, and Psychology", which presented a comprehensive overview of the field of behavioral genetics. In addition to his research and teaching, he was a devoted mentor to his students and colleagues. His contributions to the field of psychology have been recognized with numerous awards and honors, including the Fulbright Senior Scholar Award and the American Psychological Association's Distinguished Scientific Award for the Applications of Psychology. He is remembered as a visionary thinker and a dedicated scientist who made significant contributions to the understanding of human behavior and mental health.
In addition to his academic achievements, Michael White was also a loving husband and father. He married his wife, Anne, in 1988, and together they raised two children. White was an avid traveler and adventure-seeker, and he enjoyed exploring new cultures and landscapes. He was also a talented musician, playing guitar and piano in his spare time. Throughout his life, White was deeply committed to improving the lives of others through his research and advocacy, and his legacy continues to inspire future generations of psychologists and researchers.
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John Albert Leach (March 19, 1870 Ballarat-October 3, 1929) was an Australian personality.
He was a well-known photographer, journalist, and founder of the Australian Pictorial Photography movement. Leach took a particular interest in portraits, landscapes, and street scenes, and his work drew attention for its artistic composition and use of light and shade. He also wrote extensively on photography and was a key figure in the development of photography as an art form in Australia. In addition to his photography work, Leach was a respected journalist and wrote for several newspapers, including The Argus, The Age, and The Sydney Morning Herald. He was also a keen advocate for women's suffrage and social welfare issues.
Leach's interest in photography began in his teenage years when he purchased a second-hand camera and taught himself the techniques of photography. After spending several years working in photography studios in Melbourne, Leach decided to start his own photography business in Ballarat. He opened a studio in 1892, which became very successful.
Leach's photography work gained recognition both in Australia and internationally, and he won several awards including medals at the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Exposition in St. Louis and the 1910 Brussels International Exhibition. He also held several solo exhibitions of his work.
In addition to his photography and journalism work, Leach was a prominent member of the Australian Labor Party and unsuccessfully contested elections for the seat of Ballarat in the Federal Parliament in 1910 and 1913. Despite being involved in politics, Leach's main passion remained photography, and he continued to develop his skills and experiment with new techniques until his death in 1929.
In 1902, Leach founded the Austral Salon of Photography, which aimed to promote innovative and artistic photography throughout Australia. He also served as its secretary and chief judge for several years. Leach's influence on the photography scene in Australia was significant, and he is considered one of the pioneers of artistic photography in the country.
Leach's legacy as a photographer continues to be recognized today. His photographs are held in collections of several prominent museums and galleries, including the National Gallery of Victoria and the State Library of Victoria. In 2019, a major retrospective exhibition of his work was held at the Art Gallery of Ballarat, where his studio was located.
Leach's contribution to the field of photography is not only limited to his artistic work but also to his writings. His book, "The Lantern Slide Manual," published in 1905, became a standard reference work for photographers in Australia for several decades.
Leach was married twice, and he had three children from his second marriage. His son, John Leach Jr., also became a photographer and carried on his father's legacy.
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Kevin Gilbert (July 10, 1933 Condobolin-April 1, 1993 Australia) was an Australian writer and poet.
He is best known for his acclaimed book, "The Cherry Picker's Daughter," which won the National Book Council Award in 1977. Gilbert was also an activist for Indigenous Australian rights and was a key figure in the Indigenous protest movement of the 1970s. He worked closely with the Aboriginal Tent Embassy in Canberra and was also involved in the fight for land rights. Gilbert's literary works often explored issues of Aboriginal identity, racism, and oppression. In addition to writing, he was a formidable public speaker and worked as a lecturer and educator on Indigenous issues. Gilbert's legacy has been celebrated through various awards, including the Kevin Gilbert National Poetry Award and the Kevin Gilbert Emerging Indigenous Writers' Award, which recognize emerging Indigenous Australian writers.
Despite his success as a writer, Kevin Gilbert's life was not without struggle. He was taken from his Aboriginal mother as a child and grew up in a series of foster homes, where he suffered abuse and racism. He later spent time in prison for a crime he maintained he did not commit, an experience which heavily influenced his writing and activism. Gilbert was also a prolific artist and his paintings have been displayed in galleries around Australia. In his final years, he suffered from poor health and financial difficulties, but he continued to write and speak out on behalf of Indigenous Australians until his death in 1993. Today, he is remembered as a trailblazer and a pioneer for Indigenous rights and literature in Australia.
Gilbert's activism began in the 1960s when he joined the Aboriginal-Australian Fellowship, which was committed to achieving full citizenship and rights for Indigenous Australians. He was a prominent member of the Aboriginal delegation that traveled to London in the early 1970s to lobby for Indigenous rights, and he was also involved in the establishment of the National Tribal Council in 1973. In 1988, Gilbert was a member of the First Nations Delegation to the United Nations, where he spoke about the ongoing struggles of Indigenous Australians.
In addition to "The Cherry Picker's Daughter," Gilbert's literary works include "Because a White Man'll Never Do It" and "Living Black: Blacks Talk to Kevin Gilbert," which is a collection of interviews with Indigenous Australians. He also wrote numerous poems, essays, and plays, many of which were performed on stage. Gilbert's efforts to promote Indigenous Australian culture and history, along with his contributions to the struggle for Indigenous rights, have had a lasting impact on Australian society.
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Barron Field (October 23, 1786 England-April 11, 1846) was an Australian judge.
Field was born in England and received his education at Eton College and University of Oxford. He commenced his career as a barrister before being appointed the second judge of the Supreme Court of New South Wales in 1817. He was instrumental in the drafting of the famous Rum Corps Memo in March 1810, which helped lead to the overthrow of Governor William Bligh. Field also played a significant role in the development of the Australian legal system and his judgments are noted for promoting equitable principles. In addition to his work as a judge, he was also a poet and scholar, and published several translations of classical works. Field retired from the Supreme Court in 1824 and returned to England, where he lived until his death in 1846.
During his time in Australia, Barron Field was known for his sense of humor and wit, often engaging in literary and social activities with fellow intellectuals. He was a prolific writer and contributed articles to the Sydney Gazette, the first newspaper in Australia. Field's translation of Virgil's Aeneid, which was published after his return to England, was praised for its accuracy and poetic quality. He was also a close friend of British poet Lord Byron and was one of the few people to have read his unpublished manuscript, "Don Juan." In his later years, Field suffered financial difficulties and was forced to sell his extensive library. Despite this, he remained respected as a legal scholar and a pioneer in Australian jurisprudence.
Field's contributions to Australian law were significant, especially in the development of the colony's legal system. He brought his knowledge and experience from England and helped establish the principles of English law in Australia. His tenure as a judge was also marked by several important decisions, including the famous Myer v Mulcaster case, which established the principle of caveat emptor (buyer beware) in Australian contract law.
Field's literary pursuits were also notable. He was a member of the literary group the "Sydney Circle," which included other renowned writers such as Henry Parkes and Charles Harpur. He wrote numerous articles, essays, and poems, and his work was widely read and admired.
Despite his success, Field faced criticism from some quarters for his involvement in the Rum Rebellion and for his association with the New South Wales Corps, also known as the Rum Corps. However, his contributions to the legal and cultural landscape of Australia cannot be denied, and he remains a respected figure in Australian legal history.
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Flora Eldershaw (March 16, 1897 Sydney-September 20, 1956 Wagga Wagga) was an Australian writer and novelist.
Flora Eldershaw was born in Sydney in 1897, the daughter of a prominent physician. She was educated at the University of Sydney, where she studied English literature and philosophy. After graduation, Eldershaw worked as an assistant editor for the literary magazine, The Home, before being appointed as assistant lecturer in English at the University of Sydney.
In 1927, Eldershaw co-authored her first novel with Marjorie Barnard, titled "A House is Built". The book was a critical success and helped to establish Eldershaw's reputation as a writer. The two women went on to collaborate on several other novels, including "Plaque With Laurel" and "Tomorrow and Tomorrow".
Eldershaw was also a keen supporter of women's rights and social justice. During World War II, she worked as a researcher for the Women's Royal Australian Naval Service and wrote propaganda for the Australian government. She was also a member of the Communist Party of Australia for a short period of time.
Despite her success as a novelist, Eldershaw struggled with poor health for much of her life. She died in 1956 at the age of 59, in Wagga Wagga, New South Wales. Today, she is remembered as one of Australia's most important literary figures and a pioneer for women writers.
In addition to her work as a novelist and activist, Flora Eldershaw was a respected academic and lecturer. She taught at the University of Sydney for many years, and in 1940, she became the university's first female professor, holding the Chair of Australian Literature. Eldershaw was also a founding member of the Fellowship of Australian Writers, an organization that aimed to promote and encourage Australian literature. She was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1954 for her contributions to literature and education. Eldershaw's legacy continues to inspire generations of writers and feminists in Australia and beyond.
Flora Eldershaw was a prolific writer, with her works ranging from novels to short stories, essays, and journalism. She had a distinctive writing style that was both witty and insightful, and often explored themes of identity, class, and gender. One of her most notable works is "The Glass Abattoir", which is considered a classic of Australian literature. The novel is a critique of modern society and the dehumanizing effects of industrialization.
Eldershaw was also a mentor and advocate for young writers, and inspired many aspiring authors to pursue their craft. She was known for her generosity and kindness, and was always willing to offer guidance and support to those who needed it. Many of her former students went on to become successful writers themselves, and credit Eldershaw with helping to shape their careers.
In addition to her literary legacy, Eldershaw was also a prominent feminist and social activist. She was a vocal advocate for women's reproductive rights and campaigned for better access to healthcare and education for women. She also supported Indigenous rights and was a strong critic of Australian colonialism and imperialism. Her activism and writing continue to inspire social justice movements in Australia and around the world.
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Enid Derham (March 24, 1882 Hawthorn-November 13, 1941) was an Australian writer.
She is best known for her contributions to Australian poetry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Derham's poetry was known for its romanticism and vivid descriptions of nature, often incorporating themes of love and spirituality.
Aside from her literary career, Derham was also a noted musicologist and historian. She spent a significant amount of time studying European music and culture, which heavily influenced her poetry. In addition to her writing, Derham was also an educator and taught at several schools throughout Australia.
Throughout her lifetime, Derham wrote and published numerous volumes of poetry, including "The Poet's Chantry" and "The Rock of the Wind". Her work has been widely praised for its depth of emotion and unique perspectives on the Australian landscape. Today, she is considered one of Australia's most significant poets of the early 20th century.
Derham was born in Hawthorn, Melbourne, Australia, and was the eldest of three children. She attended the Presbyterian Ladies' College in Melbourne and then pursued her career in writing and teaching. After completing her education, Derham began teaching at the Melbourne Continuation School in 1902, where she met her lifelong friend and collaborator, Alice M. Martin. In 1910, she became the first woman to be appointed to the Council of the University of Melbourne.
Derham's work as a musicologist and historian earned her a reputation as one of Australia's foremost experts in the field. In addition to her poetry, she also wrote extensively about European music and culture. Derham was appointed as the music critic for the Melbourne Argus newspaper in 1914, a position she held for many years. She also contributed articles to several other publications, including The Age and The Australian Woman's Mirror.
Derham's contributions to Australian literature were recognized during her lifetime. She was awarded the Coronation Medal in 1937 and was appointed a Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1939. Today, Derham is remembered as one of Australia's most significant poets, and her work has been studied and analyzed by scholars and literary critics around the world.
Derham regarded her poetry as a vehicle to express the beauty of nature and her deep interest in the spiritual realm. Her poems often reflected her love of the Australian landscape and its unique flora and fauna, with frequent references to the natural beauty of the coastal and bushland areas of the country. In addition to her poetry, Derham also wrote plays and short stories, displaying her versatility as a writer. Her most successful plays included "The Woodcarver's Wife" and "The Great God Pan", which were produced locally and nationally.
Throughout her career, Derham maintained a close circle of friends and associates, including the artist Clarice Beckett and the writer Henry Handel Richardson. Her lifelong friendship with Alice M. Martin was particularly significant, with the two collaborating on a number of literary projects over the years. Despite suffering from ill health for much of her life, Derham remained active in her writing and teaching, becoming a mentor to many young writers and artists.
After her death in 1941, Derham's legacy continued to grow. Her contributions to Australian literature were recognized with the establishment of the Enid Derham Award for Poetry in the early 1950s. In recent years, her work has regained popularity with a new generation of readers, who have discovered her unique voice and her profound observations on nature and the human spirit.
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Matilda Jane Evans (August 7, 1827-October 22, 1886) was an Australian novelist and writer.
Born in Sydney, Australia, to parents who were convicts, Matilda Jane Evans grew up in poverty and had little formal education. However, she was an avid reader and began writing stories from a young age. Her first novel, "Ada Montrose; or, The Heiress of Belmont," was published in 1854, and her subsequent novels were well-received by readers and critics alike.
Evans was known for her strong female characters and her compassionate portrayal of the struggles of ordinary people. One of her most popular novels, "St. Ursula's Convent; or, The Nun's Story," was based on the true story of a former nun who left the convent to marry.
In addition to her career as a novelist, Evans was also a journalist and a social activist. She wrote articles for the Sydney Morning Herald and campaigned for women's suffrage and better conditions for female convicts.
Matilda Jane Evans died in Sydney in 1886 at the age of 59, leaving behind a legacy as one of Australia's most notable women writers of the 19th century.
She published a total of eighteen novels, as well as numerous short stories and essays. Throughout her career, Evans faced many obstacles due to her gender and social status, but she persevered and became one of the most successful and respected authors of her time. She was a trailblazer for women in literature and played an important role in shaping Australian literature as a whole. In 2012, the State Library of New South Wales named her a "Library Legend," recognizing her significant contributions to Australian literature and culture.
Evans' work also had a significant impact on the emerging genre of Australian colonial literature. Her depictions of life in Australia and the struggles faced by its people contributed to the development of a uniquely Australian literary voice. Evans' novels also dealt with themes such as interracial relationships, class conflict, and the treatment of Indigenous Australians, reflecting her commitment to social justice and her belief in the power of fiction to effect social change.
Despite her success as a writer, Evans faced criticism from some quarters for her unconventional personal life. She never married and was known for her close friendships with other women, leading some to speculate about her sexual orientation. Despite these rumors, Evans remained a respected figure in Australian literary circles and continued to be celebrated for her contribution to the development of Australian literature.
Today, Matilda Jane Evans is remembered as one of the most important literary figures of 19th century Australia. Her work remains popular among readers and scholars alike, and her legacy as a pioneering woman writer continues to inspire new generations of Australian writers.
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Ian Rilen (August 12, 1947 Bendigo-October 30, 2006 Melbourne) also known as Rilen, Ian or Ian William Rilen was an Australian musician and songwriter.
Genres he performed: Rock music and Hard rock.
He died as a result of bladder cancer.
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Hugh Denis Macrossan (February 20, 1881-June 23, 1940 Redcliffe) was an Australian judge and barrister.
He was born in Brisbane, Queensland and educated at Brisbane Grammar School and the University of Melbourne. After completing his education, he worked as a barrister and solicitor in a private law firm before starting his own practice in 1910. In 1921, he was appointed as a judge of the Supreme Court of Queensland and served in that position until his death in 1940.
During his time as a judge, Macrossan was known for his fair and impartial approach to the law. He made several landmark decisions in areas such as industrial relations, native title, and property law, which are still studied today. Macrossan was also actively involved in the legal community, serving as the President of the Queensland Bar Association and the Australian Bar Association.
In addition to his legal career, Macrossan was deeply involved in his community. He was a founding member of the Redcliffe Historical Society, and served as the inaugural President of the Redcliffe Rotary Club. He was also involved in many charitable organizations, and was known for his philanthropy and generosity towards those less fortunate.
Macrossan's legacy continues to be felt in the legal profession and in his community. He was widely respected for his legal expertise and his commitment to justice, and his contributions to the development of law in Australia are still recognized today.
Macrossan was married to Florence Agnes Balfour, who was also involved in community work as a member of the Queensland Women's Electoral League. The couple had four children together. Macrossan's dedication to public service was further displayed when he enlisted to serve in the Australian Imperial Force during WWI, serving in France and Belgium as a captain in the 41st Battalion. He was awarded the Distinguished Service Order for his bravery during the war. Macrossan's contributions to Australian law also include his role as a member of the drafting committee that helped create the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Act, which established the Australian Federation in 1901. Today, his name is commemorated through various institutions and awards named in his honor, including the Hugh Denis Macrossan Chambers at the Supreme Court of Queensland and the Macrossan Medal for Advocacy awarded by the Bar Association of Queensland.
Macrossan was known for his strong sense of justice and integrity, and his commitment to philanthropy and community service. He was a staunch supporter of women's suffrage and equal rights, and was involved in various campaigns to promote social justice and equality. Macrossan was deeply committed to education, and supported the establishment of the University of Queensland, serving as its first chancellor from 1938 until his death. He also played a key role in the establishment of the Queensland Law Society, and was instrumental in introducing various reforms to the legal profession in Australia. In recognition of his contributions to the legal profession, Macrossan was appointed a Companion of the Order of St. Michael and St. George in 1935. His legacy as a trailblazer in Australian law and a champion of justice and equality continues to inspire future generations.
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Percival Penman (January 23, 1885 Ultimo-September 11, 1944 Wahroonga) was an Australian personality.
He was a renowned architect, landscape designer, and artist. Penman was born in Ultimo, New South Wales, and studied architecture at the University of Sydney. He later worked as an architect in Sydney and established his own firm, Penman and Rutter. Penman was also a talented artist and illustrator, and his artwork was regularly featured in publications such as The Sydney Mail and The Bulletin.
In addition to his architectural work, Penman became well known for his landscape design, creating beautiful gardens and parklands across Australia. His most famous design was the Royal Botanic Garden in Sydney, which he redesigned in 1930. Penman also wrote extensively on the subject of landscape design and was a vocal advocate for creating beautiful, functional outdoor spaces for the public to enjoy.
Outside of his professional work, Penman was an active member of the Australian arts community and was involved in various organizations, including the Royal Australian Institute of Architects and The Society of Artists. He passed away in 1944 in Wahroonga, New South Wales, but his legacy as an influential Australian architect, artist, and advocate for public spaces lives on.
Throughout his career, Percival Penman won many awards for his designs and was highly regarded for his contributions to the field of architecture and landscape design in Australia. His work was characterized by a deep respect for the natural environment and a belief that architecture and outdoor spaces should be in harmony with their surroundings. Penman was a pioneer in the use of native Australian plants and materials in his designs, which helped to create a uniquely Australian aesthetic.
Penman was also a passionate advocate for the arts and education. He believed that the arts were essential to a well-rounded education and worked tirelessly to promote arts education in schools throughout Australia. He was a founding member of the Board of Control for the National Art School in Sydney and served as its chairman for many years.
Today, Percival Penman is remembered as one of Australia's most influential architects and landscape designers. His contributions to the field continue to inspire a new generation of designers and architects, and his legacy is celebrated by the many parks, gardens, and public spaces he designed across the country.
In addition to his love for art and design, Percival Penman was also passionate about sports. He was an accomplished athlete and played rugby for the University of Sydney during his student years. He was also an avid golfer and a member of several golf clubs across the country. Penman's interest in sports extended beyond playing; he was actively involved in the administration of various sports organizations and advocated for the value of sports in promoting a healthy and active lifestyle.
Penman's contributions to Australian art and design have been widely recognized, and he has been posthumously honored with several awards, including the Royal Australian Institute of Architects' Gold Medal in 1949. In 2018, the University of Sydney established the Percival Penman Scholarship, which supports the study of landscape architecture and encourages students to incorporate sustainable and environmentally conscious design principles into their work.
Penman's legacy also extends to his family; his son, Robert, followed in his father's footsteps and became a successful architect in his own right. Today, the Penman name continues to be associated with creativity, innovation, and a deep respect for the natural world.
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