Born Chadwick William Morgan in Wondai, Queensland, the singer and comedian Chad Morgan has been called the Clown Prince of Australian country music. After coming second in the Australian Amateur Hour Talent Quest in the early 50s Chad recorded a number of songs for EMI - among them the number that would become his signature tune, "The Sheik of Scrubby Creek." During the 50s he began touring Australia with a succession of live shows, including the Slim Dusty Show, the All Star Western Show and ultimately his own Chad Morgan Show. Wearing his trademark buck teeth, Chad Morgan continues to record and tour the country, performing such favourites as "My Thrashing Machine," "The Duckinwilla Dance" and "My Own Grandpa."
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2005
© John Elliott
John Elliott (19 portraits)
On one level The Companion talks about the most famous and frontline Australians, but on another it tells us about ourselves.
John Elliott talks about his photographic portrait practice, including his iconic image of Slim Dusty arm-in-arm with Dame Edna Everage.
Thousand mile stare provides a unique portrait of people of rural Australia
