Smoky Dawson AM, MBE (19 March 1913 - 13 February 2008), he was born as Herbert Henry Brown. Smoky had a tough childhood. His father was a bitter man, who dished out a lot of cruelty on his children (there were five children in the family). Smoky ended up in an orphanage. He had learned to sing at the orphanage and a fellow by the name of Jack Carew taught him how to play the harmonica and piano accordion. In 1932 Smoky Dawson worked at a tannery and on weekends he played a lap steel guitar in a duo, The Coral Island Boys, with his younger brother, Ted, who played guitar. As the years rolled on, Smokey went on to sing on radio, work as a tent performer on the show circuit, star in movies and make a radio cowboy adventure serial. He also had comic books published called the Adventures of Smoky Dawson, (which is what the radio serial was also called) Smoky went on to own and train a beautiful Palomino horse called "Flash". Flash was always featured in his movies, radio serials and comics. Smoky was one of the first Australians to record music and is considered the Father of Australian Country & Western music, (which were referred to as "Hillbilly Music" in the early days). Smoky married Florence "Dot" Cheers in 1944 and, in 1951, they traveled and performed in the USA. Besides singing and trick horse riding, Smoky was also skilled in knife-throwing using machetes, commando knives, tomahawks, or two-edged axes. Smoky also had a fan club, which, right up to this day, was the biggest fan club in Australia. The amazing husband and wife team were the penultimate showbiz team. They did so much in their long lives, that you could write volumes about them. Smoky passed away on the 13 February 2008 (aged 94). Dot passed on on 27 October 2010 (aged104). A life well lived and a duo who were much loved. RIP Dot & Smoky 🐴
Smokey and Dot were dear friends of mine. I first Herbert 'Smokey' Dawson when I was seven years of age and caught up with him thirty years later at a Telethon on Channel WIN 4 in Wollongong, NSW. I used to visit he and Dot st their home in Lane Cove in Sydney. A very interesting story to be told how he was catspaulted into fame and immortality through a kangaroo Joey and a visit to the USA. I may get to tell that story one day.
This is Truly Great! Firstly, not counting the Aboriginal Heritage, my extended family is Anglo-Celtic, Polish, Swiss, etcetera etcetera. Political Correctness has much to answer for; we are part of Nature, and as the Primary Land Predator, we have a Moral Duty to Defend the vulnerable.
I realise you posted your comment 3 years ago, but I only just saw it. This was ONLY what is referred to as 'A Short Film', which usually only run for between 7 and 15 minutes: So this is probably the Full Version.
Classic artist...
Smoky Dawson AM, MBE (19 March 1913 - 13 February 2008), he was born as Herbert Henry Brown.
Smoky had a tough childhood. His father was a bitter man, who dished out a lot of cruelty on his children (there were five children in the family). Smoky ended up in an orphanage.
He had learned to sing at the orphanage and a fellow by the name of Jack Carew taught him how to play the harmonica and piano accordion.
In 1932 Smoky Dawson worked at a tannery and on weekends he played a lap steel guitar in a duo, The Coral Island Boys, with his younger brother, Ted, who played guitar.
As the years rolled on, Smokey went on to sing on radio, work as a tent performer on the show circuit, star in movies and make a radio cowboy adventure serial. He also had comic books published called the Adventures of Smoky Dawson, (which is what the radio serial was also called)
Smoky went on to own and train a beautiful Palomino horse called "Flash". Flash was always featured in his movies, radio serials and comics.
Smoky was one of the first Australians to record music and is considered the Father of Australian Country & Western music, (which were referred to as "Hillbilly Music" in the early days).
Smoky married Florence "Dot" Cheers in 1944 and, in 1951, they
traveled and performed in the USA. Besides singing and trick horse riding, Smoky was also skilled in knife-throwing using machetes, commando knives, tomahawks, or two-edged axes.
Smoky also had a fan club, which, right up to this day, was the biggest fan club in Australia.
The amazing husband and wife team were the penultimate showbiz team. They did so much in their long lives, that you could write volumes about them.
Smoky passed away on the 13 February 2008 (aged 94). Dot passed on on 27 October 2010 (aged104).
A life well lived and a duo who were much loved.
RIP Dot & Smoky 🐴
That's what kids are missing out on to day, so SAD, Thanks for the memory hope many people see this ***.
My first time hearing of Smokey Dawson. Thank you for sharing.
Smokey and Dot were dear friends of mine. I first Herbert 'Smokey' Dawson when I was seven years of age and caught up with him thirty years later at a Telethon on Channel WIN 4 in Wollongong, NSW. I used to visit he and Dot st their home in Lane Cove in Sydney. A very interesting story to be told how he was catspaulted into fame and immortality through a kangaroo Joey and a visit to the USA. I may get to tell that story one day.
Filmed at Avoca Beach, NSW ... looked wild and beautiful!
This is Truly Great! Firstly, not counting the Aboriginal Heritage, my extended family is Anglo-Celtic, Polish, Swiss, etcetera etcetera. Political Correctness has much to answer for; we are part of Nature, and as the Primary Land Predator, we have a Moral Duty to Defend the vulnerable.
Back in those days people really did think the koala was a bear. Today we know different. Thanks for putting this one up.
OMG My Mum and two uncles are in this Movie, id love to get a proper copy but not sure how too can anyone help??
I realise you posted your comment 3 years ago, but I only just saw it.
This was ONLY what is referred to as 'A Short Film', which usually only run for between 7 and 15 minutes: So this is probably the Full Version.
Judy did you manage to download a copy of this video?