Australian country music legend Chad Morgan is one step closer to being immortalised in bronze.
On Thursday night a group of his muso mates banded together at Rooty Hill RSL to raise funds for the creation of a bust honouring the verteran.
Once created, it will be placed at Tamworth alongside busts of fellow icons, including Slim Dusty.
Taking to the stage for the special concert were Aleyce Simmonds, Amber Lawrence, Seleen McAlister, Mike Carr, Luke O’Shea and Drew McAlister, alongside artists who consider Morgan a good mate, including Pat Drummond, Ian Muir, Dianne Lindsay and Peter Simpson.
Everyone on this stage is either a friend of Chad's, a fan of Chad's, or he's their hero ... or in my case, it's all three.
- Allan Caswell
The event was organised by noted singer-songwriter Allan Caswell. He thanked Rooty Hill RSL for donating the room and his fellow artists for their time.
“Everyone on this stage is either a friend of Chad's, a fan of Chad's, or he's their hero ... or in my case, it's all three,” Caswell said.
The club estimated more than 200 tickets had been sold for the event, the proceeds of which the organisers suggested would go a long way towards the bust’s creation.
Highlights of the night included a sensational rendition of the Caswell-penned On The Inside by Seleen McAlister.
The night of course belonged to Morgan, who suitably closed the show with the audience in the palm of his hand.
Morgan, 83, lovingly known as “the sheik of Scrubby Creek”, was born Chadwick William Morgan in Wondai, Queensland in 1933.
He released his first album in 1952 and is known for his vaudeville style, his comedy, his goofy persona and of course, his choppers.
Slim Dusty dubbed Chad the clown prince of comedy.
Over a career which spans 60 years, he has earned numerous platinum and gold album sales.
In 1979 he was inducted into the Tamworth Hands of Fame, followed in 1987 by his induction into the Roll of Renown.
In 2004 he was awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) and in 2010 he was the first person to be honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award at the CMAA Awards.
Matt Lawrence
My passion is providing news that matters to the community of which I serve. I have been doing so now for more than 25 years and my dedication remains as fresh as it was when starting out in the industry.
My passion is providing news that matters to the community of which I serve. I have been doing so now for more than 25 years and my dedication remains as fresh as it was when starting out in the industry.
