Joy McKean (1930-2023)

Joy McKean, the "Queen of Australian country music," was a pioneering singer-songwriter born in 1930. She, along with her husband Slim Dusty, produced over 100 albums, sold eight million records, and won 45 Golden Guitar awards. Joy's most notable achievement was the first-ever Golden Guitar for "Lights on the Hill" in 1973. She also contracted polio as a child, treated by Sister Kenny. McKean received APRA Awards, was inducted into the Australian Roll of Renown, and awarded the Order of Australia Medal (OAM) for her contributions to the entertainment industry. In 2014, a bronze statue of her and Slim Dusty was unveiled in Tamworth. McKean passed away on May 25, 2023, leaving an indelible legacy in Australian country music.