He was awarded the M.B.E. (Member of the British Empire) in the 1970 Queen's Birthday Honours List for his services to entertainment industry.
Famous for Australian country standard, "When the rain tumbles down in
July" and worldwide for recording "A pub with no beer" by Sheahan &
Parsons.
First recorded for EMI in 1946 and completed his 106th album for the
company just before his death. This is the longest any performer has
been with the same record label.
He was awarded the Australian Centenary Medal in the 2001 Queen's New Years Honours List for his services to the entertainment industry and the arts.
He was awarded the A.O. (Officer of the Order of Australia) in the 1998 Queen's New Years Honours List for his services to Australian country music and to the entertainment industry as a composer and performer.
Winner of the 1999 Senior Australian of the Year award.