Renée Geyer Dies Aged 69

Renée Geyer has died in hospital, aged 69.

The legendary soul singer had recently had hip surgery. When she was in hospital, however, it was discovered that she had inoperable lung cancer, her family said in a statement.

“She was in no pain and died peacefully amongst family and friends,” the family added.

“Naturally we are all utterly devastated.”

Geyer rose to prominence in the 1970s, and launched her solo career in 1973 with a self-titled album. Her highest-charting single, “Heading in the Right Direction”, was released later in 1975.

Her other albums included the likes of “Sing to Me” (1995), “Tenderland” (2003), which was certified Gold by ARIA, and most recently “Swing” (2013).

She was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2005, and in 2013 she was the first woman to be inducted into the Music Victoria Hall of Fame. In 2018, she added to her list of accolades when she received the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award at the Australian Women in Music Awards.

Just last month, Geyer was performing, and was said to be looking forward to taking to the stage more again in 2023.

In a statement from the family, issued via Mushroom Group, Geyer was described as “irrepressible, cheeky and loyal”.

“Renée lived her life as she performed – on her own terms and to the fullest. Beloved and respected, she was a force of nature and a national treasure, and her passing leaves a giant void in the Australian music industry,” the statement added.

In lieu of flowers, Geyer’s family said she would have preferred people make donations to Support Act, as a way of giving back to the industry.

Details of the memorial will be forthcoming, Mushroom Group said.