From the desk of Roland Rocchiccioli – 21 August

The public reaction to the death of musician Judith Durham reflects the place she occupied in the hearts of her many fans around the world.

JUDITH was a most reluctant popstar. It was something she could not believe. While she enjoyed the fame and public love which came from being one of The Seekers, there was a hint of personal disappointment that her classical music, to which she devoted her creative life, was forced to take a close, second place.

The first time I met and interviewed Judith, I asked about her piano training. A talented pianist, she was an Associate in Music, Australia, in classical piano from the University of Melbourne Conservatorium. Her eyes lit-up and she remarked, “Thank you for recognising my classical piano training. You are the only one who has ever wanted to talk about it.” We had a long conversation after the interview.

Judith lived in South Yarra. Regularly, she and I met on a Sunday morning in Collins’ Fruit Shop on Toorak Road, which was near to her house. It was always a joy, and she was genuinely interested in what was happening in my life, and the work I was doing.

The last time I saw her was when we did a gig together in a Federation Square Theatrette, Melbourne. Curiously, I have no recollection of what it was, or for whom. What I do remember was being surprised at Judith’s asthma related ailment; however, when she sat on a bar stool and sang, that glorious, unmistakeable, haunting voice, soared. It was as pure as ever. She sang with such ease and confidence. While her phrasing had altered to accommodate her on-going chest problem, she was as consummate as ever. The audience loved her. Health problems notwithstanding, Judith’s voice could still pull on your heart strings. She was a gifted musical star!

In the 1960s, coffee lounges were all the rage. The Treble Clef on Toorak Road, which later became Portofino restaurant, was where it all began for The Seekers. For a time, Melbourne producer and promoter, Garry Van Egmond, was part of the management team. It was the advent of Judith which catapulted the reputation and fame of what became The Seekers.

While The Seekers were a quartet, there is no doubt, it was Judith Durham’s voice which led to their international success. Such was their popularity, and to her great joy and continuing incredulity, they managed to knock The Beatles off the number one spot on the British hit parade. Even when The Seekers were singing live it was Judith, always, you could hear above the others. Following her departure, they worked with numerous fine vocalists, but none were as successful. Audiences adored Judith. Her voice was mesmeric!

Judith was, in life, exactly as she appeared in public – a good, kind, and talented person. I liked her, very much. I enjoyed knowing her. I admired her perspective on life, and work, and her commitment to the cause of humanity. I cannot recall, ever, her saying anything unkind about a fellow artist. Her husband, pianist Ron Edgeworth, was her soul mate. They were two creative peas in a pod. His death from Motor Neurone disease was devastating. I am not certain Judith recovered. Certainly, she missed him for the rest of her life.

Fittingly, the State Government will honour Judith Durham with a State Funeral.

Judith Durham AO, born, 3 July 1943 Essendon, Victoria. Died, 5 August 2022, aged 79, Prahran, Victoria.

Roland can be heard with Brett Macdonald Mondays 10.45am on 3BA and contacted via [email protected].