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

(1927-06-06)June 6, 1927
Sydney Australia
DiedMarch 10, 2017(2017-03-10) (aged 89)[1]
Coffs Harbour Australia
OccupationRadio Personality
Years active1961–1987 [2]
SpouseAnn
ChildrenLawrie, Kate, James
AwardsMember of the Order of Australia AM
WebsiteJohn Minson

Career

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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

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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

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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

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Year Nominee / work Award Result
1992 South Australian Country Music Festival Awards inductee

Tamworth Songwriters Awards

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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

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  1. ^ "The life of John Minson celebrated in Tamworth". 21 March 2017. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  2. ^ "Country Music Radio: ABOUT CMR". Archived from the original on 3 January 2015. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
  3. ^ "Country music world mourns death of legend". Retrieved 10 June 2017.
  4. ^ "John Minson". Archived from the original on 12 March 2015. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
  5. ^ "John MINSON AM". Retrieved 10 June 2017.
  6. ^ "Tamworth Songwriters Association". Tamworth Songwriters Association Online. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  7. ^ "Tamworth Songwriters Association Past Winners". Tamworth Songwriters Association Online. Retrieved 23 March 2022.