Legendary Australian singer and Blue Heelers star Bobby Bright dies at 80 after devastating diagnosis
The English-born singer moved to Australia at the age of nine and had an incredible career in both music and film, which lasted for over five decades.
He was renowned for his long-time partnership with fellow singer Laurie Allen, after they joined forces in 1964 to form the celebrated duo Bobby & Laurie.
They quickly became fixtures on Australian television, including regular appearances on the variety program The Go!! Show.
Their debut record, I Belong with You, released under Melbourne 's Go!! Records, marked the beginning of their musical journey together.
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The duo's collaboration with The Rondells, featuring Wayne Duncan on bass and Gary Young on drums (later of Daddy Cool fame), produced hits that catapulted them to pop stardom.
Their cover of Roger Miller's 'Hitch Hiker' soared to number one in Australia in 1966, cementing their place in music history.
They also co-hosted a popular ABC musical variety show in 1966 called Dig We Must.
In addition to his musical achievements, Bobby Bright pursued occasional acting roles.
He notably appeared in the legendary Channel Seven police drama Homicide and took on the role of The Doctor in the Australian stage production of 'Tommy' in 1973.
Bobby went on to become a fixture of Australian film and television, appearing alongside Lisa McCune in Blue Heelers and late American singer Aaliyah in the Melbourne-filmed Hollywood movie Queen of the Damned.
Bobby's final acting role was in a 2015 short movie called Lazy Boy, alongside Neighbours star Steven Carroll.
He also ventured into radio, serving as a DJ on Melbourne's 3XY.
Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to Bobby.
'Very sad news. A lovely man,' one person wrote.
'Recorded some great music,' a second added.
Following a career that spanned decades, Bobby continued to perform in Melbourne.
He never retired and continued to wow crowds across Australia with his incredible performances until shortly before his death.
His singing partner Laurie Allen passed away in 2002, and together they leave behind a legacy of unforgettable contributions to Australian music and entertainment.
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