Australian country music singer-songwriter and wife and manager of Slim Dusty, Joy McKean has died at the age of 93.
She died due to a battle with cancer. “Joy passed away peacefully last night with family by her side,” reads a message from her family, issued Friday (May 26).
She composed most celebrated super-hit songs, from “The Biggest Disappointment” to “Ringer from the Top End,” “Walk a Country Mile,” “Indian Pacific” and “Lights on the Hill,” an award-winning hit for her husband Slim Dusty, whom she married in 1951.
McKean was known as the Queen of Australian country music and considered a pioneer in the industry, recognized as one of Australia’s leading songwriters and bush balladeers, and wrote several of Dusty’s most popular songs.
She won several APRA Awards and was inducted into the Australian Roll of Renown in 1983. She was the first winner of the Golden Guitars, an award she would win 45 times in her career.
Australian Country Musician, Joy McKean Died at 93
“Where do I start about this beautiful woman, your songs will always be the melodies that make my heart sing,” writes homegrown country star Troy Cassar-Daley. “Your emails are always like a handwritten note of encouragement and love.” He adds, “Thank you for being the best yardstick a man can ask for.”
Joy McKean,
— Troy Cassar-Daley (@troycassardaley) May 26, 2023
Where do I start about this beautiful woman, your songs will always be the Melodies that makes my heart sing,
Your emails always like a hand written note of encouragement and love.
♥️ to Anne & David & kids thank you for being the best yard stick a man can ask for xx pic.twitter.com/AEQOKml8YN
