Australian Country Music Icon Passes Away at 85
Australian country music has lost one of its most distinctive voices. Lee Conway, a beloved singer and songwriter often referred to as “Australia’s Johnny Cash,” passed away peacefully at his home in Queensland on Saturday, March 29, following a brief illness. He was 85.
His death was confirmed by longtime friend and comedian Col Elliott, who paid tribute to Conway in a heartfelt social media post. “Lee and I first met back in the early ’70s performing for inmates at Pentridge Prison,” Elliott shared. “From that moment, we became great mates. He had a truly unforgettable voice and was an incredible songwriter. We spent years writing, recording, and touring together. He will be missed deeply. Rest in peace, my friend.”
Born in Poland on March 10, 1940, Conway moved with his family to Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia, during the early 1940s. Influenced by the music of Johnny Cash during his teenage years, Conway developed a passion for country music. He began his musical journey playing in a local band, Bobby Cookson and the Premier, before launching a solo career that would span decades.
Conway released his debut EP Fine White Stallion/Forty Coats in 1970, but it was his single Wanted Man, released that same year, that truly launched his career. The track climbed the charts and gained national attention thanks to heavy radio play from well-known broadcaster John Lawson. The success of Wanted Man positioned Conway as a rising star in the Australian music scene.
His next album, The Stories We Could Tell, marked a milestone in his career, earning him multiple accolades at the Australian Federation of Broadcasters Awards. It won Best Album, Best Song, and Best Single, solidifying his status as one of the country’s leading country musicians.
Known for his deep, rugged voice and emotionally charged lyrics, Conway became a household name. His music struck a chord with audiences not only in Australia but abroad as well. He performed internationally and shared the stage with some of country music’s biggest legends, including Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn, Bobby Bare, and Rick Nelson. Jerry Lee Lewis even invited him to perform at the prestigious International Festival of Country Music.
One of Conway’s career highlights was performing for the British royal family. In the 1980s, he was invited to the Royal Command Gala Performance, entertaining Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip.
Among his most recognized songs was All I Want To Do In Life, a hit that charted higher than tracks by American country greats like Glen Campbell and Johnny Cash. His style, often compared to Cash’s for its sincerity and raw emotion, helped shape the country genre in Australia and inspired countless artists.
Conway’s passion for music continued into the 2010s. Over the years, he released a wide range of albums and worked as a songwriter with Sweet Peach Records and Blue Pie Publishing. Though he retired from live performances in 2015, his legacy as a trailblazer in Australian country music remains strong.
Throughout his life, Conway was admired not only for his talent but also for his humility and generosity. As his website noted, “He redefined what Australian musicians could achieve and helped transform the country music landscape with his unique voice and powerful storytelling.”
Lee Conway is survived by his wife, Christine Howard, a former Miss Australia crowned in 1967. His contributions to music and the memories he created for fans across the globe will live on for years to come.