Bobby Bright, the iconic Australian singer-turned-actor, has died in Melbourne aged 80, three years after being diagnosed with lung cancer.
Bright, who was born in England, moved to Australia at the tender age of nine and went on to have an incredible career spanning over five decades in both music and film.
A Musical Legacy
He was renowned for his long-time partnership with fellow singer Laurie Allen, with whom he formed the celebrated duo Bobby & Laurie in 1964.
Their debut record, I Belong with You, marked the beginning of their musical journey together, and they quickly became fixtures on Australian television, including regular appearances on the variety program The Go!! Show.
Their 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, including their cover of Roger Miller’s ‘Hitch Hiker’, which soared to number one in Australia in 1966.
From Music to Acting
In addition to his musical achievements, Bright pursued occasional acting roles, notably appearing in the legendary Channel Seven police drama Homicide and taking on the role of The Doctor in the Australian stage production of ‘Tommy’ in 1973.
He 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.