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Jimmy Little Print Page
The plaque commemorates James Oswald "Jimmy" Little, AO (1 March 1937 – 2 April 2012) who was an Australian Aboriginal musician, actor and teacher from the Yorta Yorta people and was raised on the Cummeragunja Mission, New South Wales.
From 1951 he had a career as a singer-songwriter and guitarist, which spanned six decades. For many years he was the main Aboriginal star on the Australian music scene. His music was influenced by Nat King Cole and American country music artist Jim Reeves. His gospel song Royal Telephone (1963) sold over 75,000 copies and his most popular album, Messenger, peaked at No. 26 in 1999 on the ARIA Album Chart.
On 2 April 2012 Little died at his home in Dubbo, aged 75 years.
Location
Address: | Fox Street, Alex Trevallion Rotary Park, Walgett, 2832 |
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State: | NSW |
Area: | AUS |
GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -30.034473 Long: 148.115768 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
Monument Type: | Plaque |
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Monument Theme: | People |
Sub-Theme: | Indigenous |
Dedication
Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Tuesday 2nd April, 2013 |
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Dr James (Jimmy) Oswald Little AO
The Gentleman Entertainer
Located across this "Country Road" there is buried
a proud Australian Aboriginal man in the Anglican
Portion Z11/12 of the Lawn Cemetery. He gave much
joy to thousands of people along with many that
attended his concerts. Dr Jimmy Little and his wife
Marjorie Rose co-wrote the song
"Australia Downunder" for the Australian soldiers
serving in the Vietnam War. He never got to sing in
Vietnam with his mate Col Joye and the many
others that did, but the lyrics will always be
remembered. Take a stroll over the road and
pay your respects to this great Australian Aboriginal
legend. On this day, this special commemorative
plaque was blessed and unveiled by Clarence Ormsby
Vietnam War Veteran, JP NSW and Chaplain
Lt Col James Newton (RTD) and supported by
many entertainers and fans across Australia.
Jimmy we will call you on the "Royal Telephone"
Thank you for the music
2 April 2013