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  • Published: 29 August 2016
  • ISBN: 9780143799917
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 416
  • RRP: $30.00
Categories:

Hey True Blue




The long-awaited life story of John Williamson: an Australian icon, a much-loved legend of the music industry and man of the land.

The joy after all is in the journey, or being what you really wanna be . . .

The son of a wheat farmer, John Williamson grew up with an appreciation of the land and all things Australian. His career was kickstarted with a self-proclaimed silly song – 'Old Man Emu' – winning TV's New Faces in 1970, but it was a decade of hard slog before he forged his unique place in our musical history.

From his love of the bush ('Mallee Boy') and his outrage at environmental destruction ('Rip Rip Woodchip'), to his pride in the Australian character and spirit ('True Blue'), Williamson has been chronicling the subjects and issues that are close to his heart for more than forty years. He has become the voice of Australia.

In his distinctive style, John Williamson tells it like it is. He takes us behind the scenes on the road and at home, revealing the tough times, the great times, what drives him and what matters. His passion – for preserving our national character and landscape, and to remain true to himself – is as strong now as it has ever been.

This is a journey into the heart and soul of Australia.

  • Published: 29 August 2016
  • ISBN: 9780143799917
  • Imprint: Penguin
  • Format: Paperback
  • Pages: 416
  • RRP: $30.00
Categories:

About the author

John Williamson

John Williamson is, without question, an Australian Icon. His entertainment career spans more than fifty years, boasting sales of over 5 million albums. His unofficial anthems, funny and tender ballads and tributes to unsung heroes have captured the spirit of the nation in song more than any other performer. He remains one of the most in-demand live performers in Australia. His fiftieth album, Honest People, was released in 2014 at the same time as his autobiography, and in 2018 he released his fifty-first, Butcherbird. Three songs from his popular JW’s Family Album have been made into delightful, entertaining picture books for children, along with a beautiful new song and book written as an anthem to the sea.

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Praise for Hey True Blue

He has become the voice of Australia, performing his unofficial anthems at many major events. This autobiography shows his passion for preserving our national character and landscape, and to remain true to himself, is as strong now as it has ever been

The Chronicle (Toowoomba)

Bush balladeer John Williamson’s long-awaited autobiography is an insight into how a larrikin from a small country town grew up to be a true symbol of Australiana. Telling vivid tales of performing at major Australian sporting events such as the Sydney Olympics, alongside his experiences singing at the funerals for Sir Donald Bradman and Steve Irwin, Williamson makes these stories relatable

The West Australian

He's an Aussie icon, this bloke ... Read this autobiography for the inside story from one of the most in-demand live performers in this wide brown land

Gold Coast Bulletin