Songwriters Reyne, Schumann, Mr. Yunupingu and Chapman lauded on Australia Day Honours List

Four of the most successful contemporary songwriters were among those lauded on the Australia Day Honours List.

Mr. Yunupingu, the one time Australian of the Year and Yothu Yindi frontman received top honours with  a Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for his work in social justice and health equality for the Indigenous community.

Receiving the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) were James Reyne and John Schumnan of Redgum. The latter’s I Was Only 19 was described by war veterans who returned from the Vietnam War to a cold reception from Australia as not only giving them a theme song but giving them back their lives.

Queensland born Mike Chapman dominated the British 1970s glam scene after moving to London and creating the commercially successful but critically derided Chinnichap sound. He wrote and produced hits for Sweet, Smokie, Suzai Quatro, Racey and Mud before going on to write Simply The Best for Tina Turner and producing breakthrough records Blondie’s Parallel Lines (which included Heart Of Glass) and The Knack No 1 hit My Sharona.

Sydney jazz drummer John Pochee got the OAM for his contribution to jazz music. Pochee, who played left handed on a right handed drum kit, found success with the Bernie McGann Trio as well as his own outfits including The Last Straw. In 2006 he was inducted into the jazz Hall of Fame.

Others on the list were Adelaide businessman James Bruce whose support for the arts includes being on the board of Festival Adelaide, entertainers Donald Cameron and Barry Hall while Robert Joske, Paul Worthington were recognised for their support for the arts.