Australian Biography Series - Smoky Dawson (Study Guide)

Synopsis

Born in Warrnambool, Victoria in 1913, Smoky Dawson was Australia's first cowboy and a pioneer of Australian country music. Smoky and his horse Flash were legendary. An entire generation of young Australians grew up listening to his radio show and abiding by  his 'code of the west'. During the Second World War, Smoky served in the first Australian Entertainment Unit. After a severe illness he returned from the jungles of Borneo to start The Adventures of Smoky Dawson radio show. At its peak, the show was broadcast nationally on 69 stations. In 1978 Smoky received an MBE and was elected to Australia's Country Music Roll of Renown. He has also received the Honour Award of the Grand Ole Opry and the American Country Music Association in Nashville, Tennessee.

Curriculum Links

This program will have interest and relevance for teachers and students at junior to senior secondary and tertiary levels. Curriculum links include English, Media Studies, Leisure, Music, Studies of Society and Environment, Community and Family