Slim Dusty,

Geoff Cole · Post by **Geoff Cole** » 21 Sep 2003 7:36 pm

It was with deep regret and surprise early last week I heard of the passing of Johnny Cash.I loved his music and had the pleasure of seeing him live in the early 70's in Australia. Then there was the double whammy of the passing of our King of country, Slim Dusty.
Slim started commercial recording in 1948 and since then has produced over 100 albums.He has been awarded over 30 golden guitar awards which is our highest honour in country music.The accolades and honours Slim has won over the years would stretch a country mile.
Slim started taking his music to the people of the outback back in the 50's with car and caravan on some of the roughest tracks imaginable to reach some of the most remote aboriginal communities in the country.
Slims contribution to the Australian way of life cannot be overstated,he was loved and respected by all.
Slim will recieve a State Funeral with all the pomp and ceremony associated with that enormous honour this week in Sydney, but I wonder if he wouldn't be just as happy with asimple ceremony and laid to rest under the shade of a coolibah tree somewhere in his beloved outback,the place he loved so dearly.
Thanks...Geoff.

Tony Davis · Post by **Tony Davis** » 22 Sep 2003 3:47 am

Thanks Geoff.....I got the report from the Tenessean Newspaper from a couple of friends from the states...but I already knew as I heard it on the radio here.
Like you, I have a lot of friends who played and recorded with him and have told me heaps of stories...I got to say G'day a couple of times but never got into conversation......however I was fortunate to tour and record a bit with the guy who was his lead player on the road for 30 odd years...Barry Thornton.......one time Barry took me on at a Joke telling contest when we were out West at Cammoowheal for three or four days.....he gave up after 2 days.....I made it to four days with out repeating and still had some left!!!
Barry has gone now.....so has Slim....
R.I.P. for both of them
Tony

Earnest Bovine · Post by **Earnest Bovine** » 23 Sep 2003 5:23 pm

The obit in Los Angeles Times said he was at work on his 106th album when he died.