R.I.P. Judith Durham 1943 - 2022
https://youtu.be/wZf41UudAbI
She was an Australian singer who gained fame in the 1960s for fronting The Seekers: a quartet that despite being “too pop for folk and too folk for rock” went on to become Australia’s first act to sell millions in the UK and US. (The group also featured Bruce Woodley, a one-time Paul Simon collaborator.) Their hit run included “I’ll Never Find Another You” (#1 UK and Australia, #4 US), “A World of Our Own” (written by Dusty Springfield’s brother Tom), “The Carnival is Over” (UK and Australian #1) - all in 1965, as well as 1966’s “Georgy Girl,” their highest US success (at #2, #3 in the UK).
Judith went solo in 1968. Her departure meant the end of the group, which was commemorated with a BBC TV special and the issue of a Greatest Hits collection that, in the UK at least, knocked The Beatles’ White Album out of the top slot (while stopping the Rolling Stones’ Beggars Banquet from peaking higher than 3). Judith’s solo career failed to reach the heights of success she had with her previous act and in time, she took part in periodic reunions beginning in 1992, through 2019 when ill-health precluded any further involvement. She passed away from a chronic lung illness a month after turning 79.