Reg Lindsay
OAM Musician
Inducted 25 November 2009
Reg Lindsay was born in Sydney in 1929. His early life was spent there and also in Parkes, Temora and Adelaide. One of his early achievements was becoming South Australian Swim Champion when he was 17 years old. It was not until later in his life in 1989 that Reg settled in the Cessnock area at Kearsley, which was to be his home until he died in 2008.
Reg showed musical talent from an early age, with country music being his favourite. Once he had left school, he worked in the bush doing a variety of jobs such as jackerooing, working on windmills and sinking bores. He also began to perform at small shows in South Australia.
Reg’s first significant opportunity came in 1951, when he won a major talent quest in Sydney, leading to his first recording contract. In 1952 he established his first radio program on Radio 2CH, which was soon followed by many others and also his first tour. Much of Reg’s life was then spent on the road, touring with his young family for up to 11 months of the year.
In the early 1960s, Reg regularly appeared on television, hosting various TV shows including The Reg Lindsay Country Hour and Country Homestead, with his shows winning four Logie awards.
In 1968, Reg made his first trip to the United States, the first of many, and became one of the first Australians to perform at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. However, his home was always based in Australia where his career continued to flourish.
Reg received many accolades and awards during his life, including three Golden Guitars for Best Male Vocalist at the Tamworth Country Music Awards, induction into the Tamworth Roll of Renown and the Hands of Fame. He has also been the subject of This is Your Life and was awarded the Order of Australia Medal in 1989.
During his life in the Cessnock area, Reg brought his name as a pioneer of Australian country music, his experience and talents to the local community with his involvement in and commitment to the annual Reg Lindsay rodeo. This popular event, on the Cessnock calendar for the past 15 years, continues to this day.
In 2013, a bronze bust of Reg was placed in Bicentennial Park, Tamworth, in recognition of his contribution to Country music.
Visit Reg Lindsay's website
Plaque location
Kearsley Community Hall, 22 Allandale Rd Kearsley