John Minson AM (6 June 1927 – March 10, 2017) was an Australian radio personality, who moved to Tamworth in 1961 to work as an announcer/copywriter at 2TM and briefly at sister station 2MO in Gunnedah.[3]
John Minson AM | |
|---|---|
| Born | John Edgar Minson June 6, 1927 Sydney Australia |
| Died | March 10, 2017 (aged 89)[1] Coffs Harbour Australia |
| Occupation | Radio Personality |
| Years active | 1961–1987 [2] |
| Spouse | Ann |
| Children | Lawrie, Kate, James |
| Awards | Member of the Order of Australia AM |
| Website | John Minson |
Career edit
The country music radio program that Minson hosted was one of a number born out of the need for changes designed to meet the challenge of television which commenced in Tamworth on 10 April 1965 and took away most of the station’s night-time (then prime time) advertising revenue. The legend of “Mr Hoedown” was born in 1967 when Minson changed the name of his Radio 2TM country music program to “Hoedown”. The show was discovered by listeners in far distant locations – as far as Tasmania and New Zealand in the South, most of Queensland, parts of South Australia, even the islands of New Guinea. Request mail came in, and a strong demand for more time. By the late ‘60s, Hoedown was so popular it was running from 7.30 to 11 and 2TM became the first station to be playing country music every weeknight. By the late ‘60s it was becoming apparent that country music offered big possibilities for 2TM and Tamworth. In 1969, Minson was part of a group at the radio station that launched the concept of Tamworth as the Country Music Capital of Australia.
Awards edit
In 1998, Minson was awarded an AM (Member of the Order of Australia) for service to country music and the entertainment industry and in particular for his contribution in establishing Tamworth as Australia's Country Music Capital.[4][5]
Australian Roll of Renown edit
The Australian Roll of Renown honours Australian and New Zealander musicians who have shaped the music industry by making a significant and lasting contribution to country music.
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1988 | Australian Roll of Renown | inductee | |
| 1994 | Hands of Fame | imprinted |
South Australian Country Music Festival Awards edit
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | South Australian Country Music Festival Awards | inductee |
Tamworth Songwriters Awards edit
The Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) is an annual songwriting contest for original country songs, awarded in January at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. [6][7]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result (wins only) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Tex Morton Award | awarded |
References edit
- ^ "The life of John Minson celebrated in Tamworth". 21 March 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
- ^ "Country Music Radio: ABOUT CMR". Archived from the original on 3 January 2015. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
- ^ "Country music world mourns death of legend". Retrieved 10 June 2017.
- ^ "John Minson". Archived from the original on 12 March 2015. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
- ^ "John MINSON AM". Retrieved 10 June 2017.
- ^ "Tamworth Songwriters Association". Tamworth Songwriters Association Online. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
- ^ "Tamworth Songwriters Association Past Winners". Tamworth Songwriters Association Online. Retrieved 23 March 2022.