WOMAD

Jimmy Little

From Australia

Jimmy Little is an Australian music legend who is now receiving the career recognition that was way overdue. In October 1999 Jimmy was inducted into the Australian Record Industry Association Hall of Fame following the commercial success of his latest CD "The Messenger".An artist with 47 years in the entertainment business, last year saw "Gentleman Jim" storm back into the mainstream pop charts with "The Messenger". Reaching gold sales status, the acceptance and success of the CD is testament to a performer who has continually broken down barriers and stereotypes.Jimmy made his first recording at age 17 for Regal Zonophone in 1956 after moving to Sydney from his mission home on the Murray River. After 9 years of touring Australia, he hit the top of the charts in 1963 with "The Royal Telephone" and was named Australian Pop Star of the year in 1964. During the next 24 years Jimmy recorded over twenty albums, acted in films by Wim Wenders and Tracy Moffatt and found his way into the hearts of several generations of Australians. In 1988 he made his theatre debut in "Black Cockatoos" and was named Aboriginal of the year in 1989. This lead to Jimmy spending some time teaching but he continued to perform in the "Kings of Country" tours across Australia. In 1994 he was made a member of the prestigious Australian Country Music Roll of Renown. In 1999 Jimmy released "The Messenger", an album of classic Australian songs from writers including Neil Finn, Paul Kelly, Ed Kuepper, Nick Cave and Steve Kilbey. Produced by Brendan Gallagher from Karma County, it features a cast of over 40 musicians from bands like Crowded House, The Whitlams and The Tiddas. "The Messenger" has found a new hip young audience through major exposure on the Australian Government National Youth Network JJJ FM and as recent live shows have proven, older and younger fans alike are flocking to see Jimmy weave his magic again on stages all over Australia. Now the world has an opportunity to meet this remarkable man and hear his beautiful voice.WOMAD have asked Jimmy to perform on several of their year 2000 concerts.Biography June 2000 from:Management : Buzz Bidstrup. buzzmanagement@ozemail.com.auph 61 2 0419226434 fax 61 2 94760074