Latest news with #BobbyBright
Sky News AU
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sky News AU
Australia mourns loss of Blue Heelers star and music legend Bobby Bright after his passing at age 80
Bobby Bright, half of the beloved 1960s beat-pop duo 'Bobby & Laurie' and a notable actor on the hit TV series Blue Heelers, has passed away at the age of 80 after battling lung cancer for three years. It marks the end of a remarkable journey that spanned music, television, and live performance. Bright was born Robert Harry Bright on February 3, 1945, in Watford, England and migrated with his mother to Adelaide around 1954, starting an early career as a solo singer throughout the 1960s. In 1964, destiny brought him together with Laurie Allen in Melbourne, and together they formed one of Australia's most memorable pop duos. Their fame rise began with the smash hit 'I Belong with You', which reached No. 1 on the Melbourne charts and later cracked the national top 10. Their follow-up cover 'Hitch Hiker' also claimed the No. 1 spot, solidifying their place in the Australian music history. While the dynamic duo officially parted in 1967, they reunited briefly and continued to perform occasionally until their final concert back in 2002, shortly before Laurie Allen's death. Meanwhile, Bright's career extended beyond music. He appeared on Australian TV most notably in Homicide and served as a DJ at Melbourne's 3XY radio station. In the early 1990s, he also took a vital role as Eddie Nelson in an episode of Blue Heelers. His film credits include a cameo in Queen of the Damned (2002), showcasing his versatility as an actor. In later years, Bright remained active in Melbourne's live entertainment scene and released an autobiography titled Child of Rock and Roll. Bobby Bright's passing marks the end of an era for Australian entertainment after spending five decades in both music and film.
Daily Mail
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Legendary Australian singer and Blue Heelers star Bobby Bright dies at 80 after devastating diagnosis
Legendary Australian singer-turned-actor Bobby Bright has died in Melbourne aged 80, three years after being diagnosed with lung cancer. 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. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. 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.
