Chad Morgan – An Australian Country Music Icon
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Chad Morgan, our beloved Australian country music legend.
Chad’s unmistakable voice and larger-than-life personality will leave an indelible mark on the Australian country music community, and his warmth and kindness touched the lives of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.
Chad Morgan was a pioneer of country music who devoted his life to bringing joy, laughter, and memorable melodies to audiences around the world. A true storyteller, his songs—infused with wit, charm, and emotion—captured the essence of country life and the human experience. His signature sound, blending traditional country with a sense of fun and authenticity, made him a cherished figure in the hearts of country music fans of all ages.
Chad’s career spanned seven decades, during which he earned the respect and admiration of fellow musicians and fans alike. From chart-topping hits to unforgettable live performances, his music created memories that will last a lifetime. Known for his humility and sense of humour, Chad was always ready to share a laugh, offer a helping hand, or lift someone’s spirit with his music.
Chad Morgan’s music and spirit will live on forever. His presence, both on and off the stage, will be greatly missed by family, friends, and his dedicated fan base around the world.
R.I.P. Chad Morgan OAM (11/02/1933 – 01/01/2025)
The ‘Chad Room’ opens in Childers, Qld
A permanent exhibition has opened for Chad in Childers Qld, and Chad was there in person to celebrate the opening, singing a song wearing his upturned hat and signature smile.
“I spent more time in Childers in my younger days than I did anywhere else. To me this is my home town, and every time I drive into town I just get this nice feeling that comes over me.”
The ‘Chad Room’ is just up the road from Scrubby Creek, and it pays tribute to Chad’s 70-year career as one of Australian country music’s most recognisable pioneers.
Now retired at the age of 91, Chad’s musical career has seen him tour the country for more than seven decades.
The ‘Chad Room’ is free to visit and features a range of artwork and photography celebrating Chad’s music and career. The tribute includes a privately commissioned statue as well as a mural created with grant funding from the Bundaberg Regional Council.
The Chad Room Coordinator Wayne Heidrich said the idea had come about after he was approached to display a statue created in honour of the country music star. “We placed the statue here and it gave us the idea to populate the room with a few photos and other things,” Wayne said.
“Most of what you see in the room here has been contributed by private enterprise, so people have dipped into their own pockets to put this together, simply because Chad is a legend.” Chad said he felt overwhelmed by the tribute and the people who created it.
“Well it has just blown me away,” he said. “I did not realise there were so many people so dedicated out there and what they’ve done is not only a monument to me but a monument to them.”
You can Purchase Chad’s CD’s
The Chad Room is located in Books@Childers, 94 Churchill Street in Childers and is free to visit during opening hours, Tuesdays to Sundays from 9 am to 4.30 pm.
Chadwick William “Chad” Morgan was born in Wondai, Queensland in 1933 and raised by his grandparents. He was discovered through Australia’s Amateur Hour radio program and started recording with Regal Zonophone ( a subsidiary of EMI ).
Chad, known fondly as “The Sheik of Scrubby Creek”, released his first album in 1952 and is renowned for his vaudeville style of comic country and western songs, and goofy stage persona. Chad is the ultimate comic of Australian country music. He is instantly recognizable with his unique trademark – Those Teeth!!
Tex Morton once described Chad as the only original country music artist in Australia. When Gordon Parsons came up with the pub with no beer, Chad’s the bloke who wrote the words down and even one verse of his own. Chad has toured extensively, including the Slim Dusty Show, the All Star Western Show, Normie Rowe, Mental As Anything and his own Chad Morgan Show.
He was dubbed the clown prince of comedy by Slim Dusty. Chad has platinum and gold album sales, and is one of Australia’s most popular and loved country music artists. He has played all over Australia in all of manner of places, from tents to trucks to clubs and pubs, festivals, the Sydney Opera House – even a touring circus!!
Chad portrays Aussie culture warts and all – and we love him for it. The dry humour that he uses to send up our beloved institutions and customs have thousands of people laughing at themselves every time they hear him sing.
Chad still has an enormous and devoted following and is constantly touring the country. Since 1952 Chad’s been performing a unique array of comic country and western songs such as ‘The Sheik Of Scrubby Creek’, ‘I’m My Own Grandpa’, ‘The Shotgun Wedding’, ‘Double Decker Blowflies’, ‘There’s Life In The Old Dog Yet’, and many more.
Chad was inducted into the TAMWORTH HANDS OF FAME in 1979. The ROLL OF RENOWN in 1987, the KEMPSEY LIVING LEGEND AWARD in 2002 and the ORDER OF AUSTRALIA MEDAL (OAM) in 2004. Chad was the first person to be honoured with the LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD at the 2010 CMAA Awards.
Chad Morgan is one of the last pioneers of Australian Country Music, and is still very active, touring Australia bringing his comical songs to fans of three-generations. The man who has been making people laugh for more than five decades should be crowned King of Australian Country Music Comedy. He is a master of audience control and remains one of the biggest draw cards in the history of Australian Country Music.
