ARIA and PPCA Pay Tribute to Renée Geyer

The Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) and Phonographic Performance Company of Australia (PPCA) has released a statement honouring the life and career of Australian soul singer Renée Geyer.

Geyer died in hospital this week, aged 69.

ARIA and PPCA CEO, Annabelle Herd, said: “Renée’s impact as a female singer with both an uncontainable voice and personality has been immeasurable for Australian music.

“Her love of soul music put Australia on the map for so many music lovers around the world, singing with influential artists from Neil Diamond and Joe Cocker, to Chaka Kahn and Bonnie Raitt.

“Our thoughts are with Renée’s family and friends as we celebrate the life of this incredible woman.”

Geyer 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.

In a statement from Geyer’s 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.