Australia has lost one of its most cherished country music legends, Chad Morgan, known affectionately as the ‘Sheik of Scrubby Creek.’ His passing on January 1, 2025, at the age of 91, marks the end of an era for the Australian music industry. Morgan’s career, which spanned an incredible seven decades, began in 1952 and has left an indelible mark on the country’s cultural landscape.
Chad Morgan’s unique blend of music and humour won him the title of the king of country comedy, a genre he both defined and dominated throughout his career. His distinctive style, characterised by his upturned hat secured with a safety pin and his infectious smile, became a symbol of Australian country music.
Born in Wondai, Queensland, in 1933, Morgan was raised by his grandparents and worked in timber cutting and sugar around Childers before his big break on Australia’s Amateur Hour radio program. This led to his first recording with Regal Zonophone and the beginning of a prolific and celebrated career.
Morgan’s music resonated with Australians from all walks of life. His songs, such as ‘The Sheik of Scrubby Creek,’ ‘I’m My Own Grandpa,’ ‘The Shotgun Wedding,’ ‘Double Decker Blowflies,’ and ‘There’s Life In The Old Dog Yet,’ combined humour with relatable storytelling, making him a household name.
His son, Chad Junior, confirmed his passing, and since then, tributes have been pouring in from fans and fellow artists alike. Evelyn Bury, a fellow country singer and good friend, remembered Morgan as a ‘beautiful larrikin,’ while country music star Troy Cassar-Daley took to social media to praise Morgan’s comedic genius and individuality.
Morgan’s contributions to the industry have been recognised with numerous accolades, including inductions into the Tamworth Hands of Fame in 1979 and the Roll of Renown in 1987. He was also awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2004 and received a lifetime achievement award at the 2010 Country Music Association of Australia Awards.
Beyond his music, Morgan’s approach to life and touring was as down-to-earth as his songs. Photographer John Elliot, who grew up in Blackall, Queensland, and later photographed Morgan extensively, described him as the original rockstar and punk. Morgan preferred driving to his shows across the country, traversing every ‘dirty road’ in Australia, a testament to his dedication to his fans and his craft.
One of Morgan’s final public appearances was at the opening of a permanent exhibition in his honour at Childers in August, a fitting tribute to a man who spent his life entertaining and connecting with people through his art.
What are your favourite memories or songs from ‘The Sheik of Scrubby Creek’? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below as we remember his incredible legacy.
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Chad was an absolute gem! He had a bugger of a beginning, raised by grandparents in poor circumstances and shone through.
He extolled the “Sheik” in every bloke when it came to dating girls and his outlook was always positive (with the exception of “The Fatal Wedding”).
I would implore everyone to watch the Documentary that was made and shown on Netflix of his life, his shows and his ever loving wife’s contribution.
John Williamson’s duet with him is unforgettable and his “I’m Not Dead Yet” tour was a gem.
RIP Old Mate