Multi-award-winning songwriter and musician Joy McKean has died on the age of 93, report firm EMI has introduced.
McKean, the spouse and supervisor of her late husband Slim Dusty, was generally known as the “grand lady” of Australian nation music.
She died peacefully in her sleep surrounded by household on Thursday following a protracted battle with most cancers.
“With heavy and sad hearts we advise the passing of Joy McKean OAM,” EMI stated in a press release.
“She will be remembered as a pioneer in Australian music.
“Joy McKean was a multi-award winning songwriter and musician who wrote many of her husband Slim Dusty’s most famous songs and won the first Golden Guitar awarded at the Tamworth Country Music Festival for Lights on the Hill.
“Her musical partnership with Slim produced over 100 albums, sold over eight million albums and earned 45 Golden Guitars. Joy was Slim’s manager, ran the business and most importantly loved and raised the family.”
McKean was born in Singleton, NSW in January 1930.
Her dying follows Slim’s passing in 2003 on the age of 76.
She was his spouse and supervisor for greater than 50 years.
McKean is survived by her kids Anne Kirkpatrick and David Kirkpatrick, 4 grandchildren and 6 nice grandchildren.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
