New Zealand music stars who deceased at age 73
Here are 22 famous musicians from New Zealand died at 73:
Ossie Mazengarb
Ossie Mazengarb (April 5, 1890-April 5, 1963) was a New Zealand lawyer and writer.
He was born in Christchurch, New Zealand and received his law degree from the University of Otago in 1913. After practicing law for a few years, Mazengarb pursued a career in writing. He contributed to several newspapers and magazines, including the New Zealand Observer and the New Zealand Railways Magazine. Mazengarb is best known for his book "Fraud on the Fairways," a collection of short stories about golf. He was an avid golfer himself, and often incorporated his own experiences into his writing. Mazengarb continued to write until his death in 1963.
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James Cowan
James Cowan (April 14, 1870 East Tamaki-September 6, 1943) was a New Zealand writer.
He grew up in Auckland and attended Auckland Grammar School before moving to Australia to work as a journalist. In 1901, he published his first book, a collection of short stories titled "Bush Studies". Cowan became well known for his writing about Māori culture and legends, and in 1910 he published "The Maori King", a history of the Tainui people. He also served as a war correspondent during World War I and wrote several books about his experiences. Cowan was awarded the King George V Coronation Medal in 1911 and was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1940 for his services to literature.
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James Hector
James Hector (March 16, 1834 Edinburgh-November 6, 1907) also known as Dr. James Hector was a New Zealand geologist, physician and scientist.
He was born in Scotland and received his education at the University of Edinburgh. In 1862, he emigrated to New Zealand to become the first Director of the New Zealand Geological Survey. In this role, he conducted extensive geologic surveys throughout the country and discovered many new mineral resources.
Apart from geology, Hector had a wide range of scientific interests, from zoology to meteorology, and made significant contributions in these fields. He founded the Wellington Philosophical Society in 1851, which eventually became the Royal Society of New Zealand in 1867.
Hector was awarded many honors during his lifetime, including being made a Companion of the Order of St Michael and St George in 1875. He died in Wellington in 1907, leaving behind a substantial legacy in the fields of geology and science in New Zealand.
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James O'Brien
James O'Brien (June 8, 1874 Castlemaine-September 28, 1947 Wellington) was a New Zealand politician.
He was a member of the New Zealand House of Representatives for the Labour Party. O'Brien was a strong advocate for workers' rights and social justice issues. He served as Minister of Immigration and Minister of Justice in the First Labour Government. He is remembered for his contribution towards the establishment of the first state housing programme in New Zealand. O'Brien was highly respected for his integrity, and his commitment to improving the lives of ordinary New Zealanders. After his political career, he became a lawyer until his death in 1947.
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Frank Rolleston
Frank Rolleston (May 11, 1873 Christchurch-September 8, 1946 Timaru) was a New Zealand personality.
Frank Rolleston was an accomplished lawyer, politician, and sports administrator who made significant contributions to the development of New Zealand during his lifetime. He received his education from Christ's College in Christchurch and then attended the University of Canterbury, where he earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1894. Rolleston went on to become a successful lawyer, specializing in land and estate law.
In addition to his legal career, Rolleston was enthusiastic about politics and served as a member of the New Zealand Parliament from 1908 to 1919. During this time, he advocated for modernization and better infrastructure in the rural areas of New Zealand. After leaving politics, Rolleston turned his attention to sports administration, and he helped found the New Zealand Olympic Committee in 1911. He also served as the president of the national rugby union from 1925 to 1938.
Rolleston was widely respected and admired in New Zealand for his talent, intelligence, and his passion for improving the nation. The University of Canterbury named its law library after him in recognition of his contributions to the community. Today, he is remembered as a key figure in New Zealand's early history and a symbol of its commitment to progress and development.
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Dorothy Kate Richmond
Dorothy Kate Richmond (September 12, 1861 Auckland-April 16, 1935 Wellington) was a New Zealand personality.
She was a writer and teacher, best known for her contributions to the study and preservation of the Māori language. Richmond wrote more than 50 books, including Māori language textbooks, which have been widely used in New Zealand schools. She was also a regular contributor to newspapers and journals, writing on topics ranging from education and culture to politics and social issues. Richmond was an advocate for women's rights, and was involved in the suffrage movement in New Zealand. In addition to her writing and activism, she was a dedicated teacher, and taught Māori language and culture to both Māori and non-Māori students. Her legacy continues to be felt in New Zealand today, as she is remembered as a champion of Māori language and culture, and a pioneer for women's rights.
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Gavin Downie
Gavin Downie (December 5, 1924-January 27, 1998 Glen Eden, New Zealand) was a New Zealand personality.
He was best known for his work as a radio and television presenter. Downie began his broadcasting career in 1944 as a radio engineer for the New Zealand Broadcasting Service. He later became a newsreader and announcer, and eventually became one of New Zealand's most popular radio and television presenters.
Downie was also a qualified pilot and was actively involved in New Zealand's aviation community. He was a founding member of the New Zealand Aero Clubs Association and was instrumental in the development of the Ardmore Flying School.
Aside from his broadcasting and aviation work, Downie was also involved in the community. He served as a local councillor for the Auckland Regional Council and was a member of the New Zealand Army Reserve.
In recognition of his contributions to broadcasting, aviation, and community service, Downie was awarded the Queen's Service Medal in 1993. He passed away in 1998 at the age of 73.
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Dennis Smith
Dennis Smith (January 8, 1913 Toowoomba-January 25, 1986) was a New Zealand personality.
He was a broadcaster, television presenter, author, and politician. Dennis Smith was best known for his role as the host of "Beauty and the Beast," a popular New Zealand television show that aired from 1965 to 1978. He was also a member of parliament in New Zealand's National Party from 1966 to 1972, representing the electorate of Papanui. In addition to his broadcasting and political career, Smith was the author of several books including "Life and Times of a Sporting Legend," a biography of New Zealand runner Peter Snell. Smith was awarded the OBE in 1978 for his services to broadcasting and the community.
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Tom Burtt
Tom Burtt (January 22, 1915 New Zealand-May 24, 1988) was a New Zealand personality.
He was known for his outstanding achievements as a rugby player, coach, commentator, and sports administrator. Burtt played for the All Blacks in 1937 and later coached them from 1951 to 1952. He also played cricket at a high level for Wellington in the 1930s.
Burtt's contributions to sports went beyond the field, as he also served as the chairman of the New Zealand Broadcasting Corporation and was a member of the International Olympic Committee. He was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1963 and was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.
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Jean Batten
Jean Batten (September 15, 1909 Rotorua-November 22, 1982 Majorca) was a New Zealand pilot.
Jean Batten was one of the best-known New Zealanders of the last century, achieving international fame as a record-breaking aviator during the 1930s. She set many long-distance flying records, including the first solo flight from England to New Zealand, and was celebrated as a pioneer of aviation. Despite her successes, she was known to be a private person and often kept her personal life separate from her public persona. After her flying career, she spent much of her later life travelling the world before settling in Majorca, where she tragically passed away after a dog attack.
She died as a result of animal attack.
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Kendrick Smithyman
Kendrick Smithyman (October 9, 1922 Te Kopuru-December 28, 1995) was a New Zealand personality.
He was a renowned poet and scholar, known for his contributions to New Zealand's literary landscape. Smithyman published over 20 collections of poetry throughout his career and was a recipient of numerous awards, including the New Zealand Book Award for Poetry in 1985. He was also a respected academic, serving as a professor at the University of Auckland for many years. Smithyman's work often explored themes of identity, place, and history, and his writing continues to be celebrated for its clarity, precision, and emotional depth. In addition to his literary achievements, Smithyman was also a father of five and a World War II veteran, having served in the New Zealand Army.
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Frank Hutchens
Frank Hutchens (January 15, 1892 Leeston-October 18, 1965 Mona Vale) was a New Zealand composer and pianist.
He is widely regarded as one of the most talented musicians of his time, having composed and performed dozens of pieces that have stood the test of time. Hutchens trained in New Zealand before moving to England to continue his studies. He first gained fame around 1916 when he began performing as an accompanist to the famous Australian soprano Nellie Melba. He also performed regularly as a soloist and collaborated with other musicians in chamber music performances.
After World War I, Hutchens returned to Australia, where he established himself as a leading musician and educator. He founded the New South Wales State Conservatorium of Music in Sydney and served as its director from 1923-1926. Hutchens is perhaps best known for his piano music, which is characterized by its virtuosity and lyricism. Among his most famous compositions are Three Tone Pictures, Three Little Pieces, and The Isle of Memories.
Hutchens continued to perform and compose throughout his life despite battling poor health. He died in 1965 at the age of 73 in his home in Mona Vale, New South Wales. Despite his passing, his work remains highly respected and influential in both New Zealand and Australia.
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William Wynyard
William Wynyard (April 5, 1864 Devonport, New Zealand-March 15, 1938 Wellington) was a New Zealand personality.
He was a decorated military leader and a sportsman, having participated in the first-ever rugby match between New Zealand and Australia in 1884. Wynyard also had a successful career in politics, serving as a member of parliament for the Wellington North electorate for over 20 years. He was known for his commanding presence and sharp wit, making him a formidable opponent in debates. In addition, Wynyard was a devoted family man and spent a considerable amount of time supporting local charities and community organizations. His legacy in New Zealand continues to be felt to this day, as he remains a revered figure in the country's history.
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Dougie McGregor
Dougie McGregor (December 16, 1889 Thames-April 15, 1963 Auckland) was a New Zealand personality.
He was widely regarded as a pioneering broadcaster and sports commentator in New Zealand. McGregor started his career with the New Zealand Post Office and went on to become a radio announcer in 1923. He became one of the most recognizable voices on the radio and was known for his coverage of sports events like rugby, cricket, and boxing.
McGregor was also a keen sportsman himself and played rugby and cricket at a high level. He played rugby for Thames, Auckland, and New Zealand, and was even selected for the touring All Blacks team in 1913 (although he did not play a test match). In cricket, McGregor played for Thames, Auckland, and was selected for one Test match for New Zealand, against England in 1929.
Along with his broadcasting and sporting careers, McGregor was also involved in politics, serving as a Member of Parliament for the National Party from 1946 to 1960. He was known for his dedication to his constituents and was a popular and respected figure in his community. McGregor passed away in 1963 at the age of 73, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a sports commentator, broadcaster, and politician in New Zealand.
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Cecil Holmes
Cecil Holmes (June 23, 1921 Waipukurau-August 24, 1994 Australia) a.k.a. Cecil William Holmes was a New Zealand film director, screenwriter and film producer.
He began his career in the film industry in the 1940s, working as an assistant director on several films in New Zealand. In the 1950s, he moved to Australia and started working on various television programs.
Holmes directed his first feature film in 1962, a crime drama called "The Day of the Panther." He went on to direct several other films, including the horror movie "Nothing But the Night" (1973), which starred Christopher Lee and Peter Cushing.
In addition to his work as a director, Holmes also wrote and produced films. He co-wrote the screenplay for the thriller "Snapshot" (1979) and produced the drama "Alvin Purple" (1973), which became one of the highest-grossing Australian films of all time.
Holmes continued to work in the film industry until his death in 1994 at the age of 73. He made a significant contribution to the film industry, particularly in Australia and New Zealand, and is remembered as a talented and versatile filmmaker.
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Doris Lusk
Doris Lusk (May 5, 1916 Dunedin-April 14, 1990) was a New Zealand artist, teacher and visual artist.
She was an important figure in New Zealand art, known for her sensitivity to the natural world and her ability to capture the essence of New Zealand's landscape, flora and fauna in her artworks. Lusk studied Fine Arts at the University of Canterbury School of Art, where she was taught by notable modernist painters Rita Angus and Louise Henderson. She later went on to teach at the same school for many years, inspiring and mentoring many young artists. Lusk's works are held in major public and private collections in New Zealand and she has been the recipient of numerous awards and honours throughout her career.
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George E. Dewar
George E. Dewar (June 8, 1895 Christchurch-April 5, 1969) was a New Zealand poet, writer, teacher, farmer and soldier.
He was known for his poetry that reflected the ruggedness and beauty of the New Zealand landscape, as well as his experiences during World War I. Dewar served in the New Zealand Expeditionary Force and was wounded at Passchendaele in 1917. After the war, he worked as a teacher, eventually becoming the headmaster of a rural school. He also farmed and wrote extensively, publishing several volumes of poetry, including "Kakahu" and "The Rugged Land". Dewar was a member of the Canterbury Poets' Society and was involved in the establishment of the New Zealand Society of Authors. In addition to his literary pursuits, he was a dedicated conservationist and advocated for the protection of New Zealand's natural landscape.
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Alan Rowe
Alan Rowe (December 14, 1926 Palmerston North-October 21, 2000 Kingston upon Thames) was a New Zealand actor.
He began his acting career in the 1940s with the Palmerston North Repertory Society before moving to Australia to work in theatre. In the 1960s, Rowe moved to England where he became a well-known character actor on film, television and stage. His credits include roles in the films "The Dirty Dozen" and "Battle of Britain" and the TV series "The Onedin Line" and "The Bill." Rowe was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to various radio dramas and documentaries. He was awarded the New Zealand Order of Merit in 1995 for his services to acting.
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Ivy Margaret Copeland
Ivy Margaret Copeland (June 15, 1888 Auckland-August 28, 1961) was a New Zealand art teacher, artist and visual artist.
She received her education in New Zealand, studying at the Auckland Teachers College and later at the Elam School of Art where she was influenced by painter John Weeks.
Copeland became one of New Zealand's most influential art teachers, teaching at the Elam School of Art for over twenty years. During her teaching career, she encouraged her students to express themselves and break boundaries, paving the way for the modernist movement in New Zealand.
As an artist, Copeland specialized in still life and landscape paintings, often using vibrant colors and bold brushstrokes. She exhibited her works in various exhibitions in New Zealand, including the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts and the Auckland Society of Arts.
Copeland's legacy lives on through her students, many of whom went on to become influential artists themselves. She is remembered as one of New Zealand's most important art educators and artists of the 20th century.
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Frances Alda
Frances Alda (May 31, 1879 Christchurch-September 18, 1952 Venice) a.k.a. Fanny Jane Davis was a New Zealand singer.
She was known for her exceptional voice, appearing in many leading roles in the world's finest opera houses. Frances Alda was born into a musical family and started singing at a young age. She later moved to Australia to study music, and eventually to Europe to continue her training. The soprano made her debut at London's Covent Garden in 1906 and became a regular performer at the Metropolitan Opera house in New York City from 1908 to 1929. In addition to her successful career on stage, she was also a popular recording artist, with her renditions of famous arias earning critical acclaim. Frances Alda retired from performing in 1937 and went on to serve as a vocal coach, passing on her knowledge and skill to future generations of opera singers.
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Barry Brown
Barry Brown (May 20, 1931 Dannevirke-November 1, 2004) also known as Barrington Reginald Brown was a New Zealand professional boxer.
Brown started his professional boxing career in 1949 at the age of 18 and quickly gained a reputation as a hard-hitting puncher. He won the New Zealand lightweight title in 1953 and successfully defended it multiple times. In 1955, Brown moved to Australia where he continued to fight and also appeared in a few films.
Brown's most famous fight was against the legendary Sugar Ray Robinson in 1960. Although Brown lost the fight, he was praised for his valiant effort against one of the greatest boxers of all time.
After retiring from boxing in 1963, Brown became a boxing trainer and promoter. He also worked as a security officer for the Rolling Stones during their 1965 tour of Australia and New Zealand. Brown was inducted into the New Zealand Boxing Hall of Fame in 2002.
Throughout his career, Brown was known not only for his boxing skills but also for his charismatic personality and sense of humor. He remained a beloved figure in the New Zealand and Australian boxing communities until his death in 2004.
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Keith Elliott
Keith Elliott (April 25, 1916 Manawatu District-October 7, 1989 Wellington) was a New Zealand soldier.
Keith Elliott joined the New Zealand Military Forces as a territorial soldier in 1938. During World War II, he was part of the Second New Zealand Expeditionary Force and served in the Middle East, Greece, and Italy. He was seriously wounded in the Battle of Monte Cassino in 1944 but managed to survive and recover. After the war, he continued his military career with the New Zealand Army and served in the Korean War. Eventually, he rose up to the rank of Brigadier and was appointed as the Director of Military Operations and Intelligence. After his retirement from the army in 1971, he became involved in various community and social organizations. He was also awarded several honors for his military service, including the Commander of the Order of the British Empire and the Distinguished Service Order.
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