Glenn A Baker, Brian Cadd, lead music figures in Queen’s Birthday Honours list

Globally acknowledged music historian, author and broadcaster Glenn A Baker and piano-playing singer-songwriter and producer Brian Cadd – both of whom had their start in the ‘60s – led the music industry’s presence in yesterday’s Queen’s Birthday Honours list.

700 Australians were honoured altogether. Baker and Cadd were awarded one of the highest distinctions, the Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

Baker, 65, wrote 12 books on music, was named BBC Rock Brain of the Universe three times out, created and managed Ol’55 whose debut album went triple platinum, wrote the liner notes of 600 album releases, was Australian bureau chief of Billboard, and interviewed every cultural icon (music and otherwise) as a journalist.

He told TMN, “Once we in the music industry were regarded as leading the youth of the day down the primrose path to depravity.

“Now we’re seen as pillars of the establishment.”

Cadd, 71, also has had a lengthy international career, starting out locally in The Groop and Axiom before going solo with ‘Ginger Man’ and ‘Your Mama Don’t Dance’ and curating the soundtrack to the iconic surf movie Morning of the Earth.

Cadd spent years in the US and Europe as producer and publisher.

He returned to Australia in 1997 and, in between touring – “it’s an addiction, it gives me the greatest pleasure” – he became a mentor to the next generation of Australian songwriters and was a co-founder of Support Act Ltd.

Of those in music and radio awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) were:

The late guitarist and songwriter Phil Emmanuel.

Helen Jennings, long time presenter of Roots of Rhythm program on Melbourne’s 3PBS, co-founder of the Melbourne Blues Appreciation Society and life member of the Melbourne Jazz Society.

Victorian country music multi-instrumentalist performer Olive Bice who also hosted the Mildura Country Music Festival for 25 years and stage managed the Tamworth Songwriters Association awards for 12 years.

Scott Levi, ABC Radio NSW Central Coast presenter for ten years and from his base in Gosford, been working with cancer and surf lifesaving associations.

Steven Price, breakfast presenter for the past 20 years at 4TO Townsville.

Swiss-born Victoria based Dr Rita Katharina Seethaler for performing in steelband acts and setting up music festivals.

NSW jazz guitarist and bassist and composer Michael Barkl who says his greatest achievement was as a pioneer of contemporary music education in the TAFE system after joining TAFE Illawarra Institute in 1987.

David Mann, president of the entertainment business’ wellbeing organiser Entertainment Assist, and former chairman of radio station 3AW and board member of Support Act Ltd.

Aleksandar Vasiljevic, founder and managing director of Melbourne’s performing arts hub Alex Theatre.

Eric Scott, president of the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame and one of those who helped set up the Tamworth country music festival.

Anne Wills of Adelaide, entertainer and TV presenter.

Leigh Vaughan, president of NSW’s Arts Mid North Coast and founding member of Great Lakes Art Network, Great Lakes Singers and Company of Voices and the Conservatorium Mid North Council.

Melbourne 3AW veteran radio presenter Philip Brady who also worked in television and worked tirelessly for charity.

Martin Butler of Adelaide, one time member of a London rock band who  led various orchestras and mentored young classical players.