Australian Jazz Icon Judy Bailey Dies Aged 89
Pioneering Australian jazz pianist, composer, and educator Judy Bailey has passed away peacefully at the age of 89.
Born in New Zealand, Bailey was a prominent force on the Australian music scene since her arrival in the early 1960s.
Early Life and Career
Bailey’s love affair with jazz began at the age of 10 when she first heard George Shearing on a local radio broadcast.
She soon developed a passion for the genre, which led her to pursue a career in music.
Although she initially left school to support her family, music remained a central part of her life.
In 1960, she travelled to Sydney, intending to continue her musical journey in the United Kingdom, but eventually decided to stay in Australia.
Establishing Herself in Sydney
Upon settling in Sydney, Bailey became a regular at the El Rocco, a hub for underground improvised music.
It was there that she met fellow musicians John Sangster and Graeme Lyall, and was introduced to fellow New Zealand expatriate Julian Lee, who helped her secure a gig with Tommy Tycho’s orchestra at Channel 7.
This break led to further opportunities, including recordings at the ABC with Don Burrows.
A Female Bandleader and Educator
In the 1960s, Bailey cut her own albums as a bandleader, recording two albums for CBS with producer Sven Libaek.
She also began working as an educator, becoming one of the founding faculty members for the jazz program at the prestigious Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Her dedication to education continued throughout her career, with notable contributions including her student-run big band, Judy Bailey’s Jazz Connection, which aided the development of young local jazz musicians.
Legacy and Impact
Bailey’s legacy as a trailblazing pianist and composer in Australia will be long remembered.
Her passion for music education and her contributions to the jazz community have inspired generations of musicians.
Her son, Chris De Gray, described her as being “free of her suffering” and expressed gratitude for having been able to be with her until the end.