A pioneer of country music in Australia, Reg Lindsay (1929–2008) was two years old when his father presented him with a harmonica. After mastering that instrument, young Reg soon took on the banjo, the mandolin, the guitar and the fiddle - although his chief ambition was to become a stockman. In 1951 he rode by motorbike from South Australia to Sydney to take part in a radio talent quest. He won, launching a career as a singer-songwriter that spanned more than 50 years, during which he he wrote over 500 songs, hosted his own TV show - The Reg Lindsay Country Hour - and won three Golden Guitar Awards. Among his most popular songs are "Armstrong," "Silence on the Line" and "Empty Arms Hotel." In 1974 he became the first Australian ever to appear at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry. Reg Lindsay holds an Order of Australia Medal for his services to Australian music.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2005
© John Elliott
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