Legendary Australian Singer Dies After Long Illness

The Australian music industry is in mourning following the death of iconic singer Warren Williams, who died on Sunday aged 85, after a long health battle.

The Sydney-born performer was one of the country’s first rock singers and began his celebrated career in the early ’60s, appearing on the ABC music variety show Six O’Clock Rock.

His death was confirmed by his son Warren Jr in a social media statement.

‘Yesterday was a very sad day with the loss of my father Warren Williams. A most humble, kind and quiet man who taught me so much about being a good human,’ he began.

‘One of the greatest singers and performers of his time. The memories of growing up by his side will always be there. RIP Dad, we will all miss you.’

Williams had a lifelong passion for performing and got his big break in 1957, after Aussie rock singer Johnny O’Keefe saw him perform at a local gig and invited him to appear on his TV series Six O’Clock Rock.

The Australian music industry is in mourning following the death of iconic singer Warren Williams, who died on Sunday aged 85, after a long health battle 

His performance on the popular series was a smash hit with audiences and led to Williams being offered a record contract. 

Festival Records swiftly signed him, and under O’Keefe’s mentorship he penned his debut single, Where My Baby Goes, which rocketed to number one in Australia in late 1957.

O’Keefe then urged Williams to fuse his classical training with pop – a bold move that paid off. 

He delivered a string of hits, including A Star Fell from Heaven and Girls Were Made to Love and Kiss, both landing inside the top ten and later added another self-written favourite, Just Like a Child.

Throughout the late ’50s and early ’60s, Williams cemented his status as one of Australia’s standout young stars.

He toured with several American icons including Little Richard, Fabian and Jerry Lee Lewis, appeared regularly at Sydney Stadium. He also wowed a staggering 100,000 fans during a huge Hyde Park concert.

By the 1960s he had become a familiar face on national television thanks to his many appearances on the beloved Channel Nine variety show Bandstand and The Ernie Sigley Show.

Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to Williams.

The Sydney-born performer was one of the country’s first rock singers and began his celebrated career in the early ’60s, appearing on the ABC music variety show Six O’Clock Rock

Williams’ musical legacy lives on through his children – Andrew, Darren and Warren Jr – who have all built successful entertainment careers of their own. All pictured

‘Oh so sad to hear the great loss of a great singer and a real gentleman,’ one person wrote.

‘I loved watching him perform. So sad that his time has come but his memory will always be alive,’ a second added. 

Williams never fully retired and remained a mainstay of the club and cabaret circuit for the rest of his career – a performer who never lost his touch with audiences.

His legacy was formally recognised when Festival Records released a commemorative album as part of The Festival Files collection in 1985.

This was followed by a special Powerhouse Museum exhibition honouring his contribution to Australian music in 1995. 

He was nominated for seven MO Awards and was renowned for donating his time and talent to countless charities.

Williams’ musical legacy lives on through his children – Andrew, Darren and Warren Jr – who have all built successful entertainment careers of their own. 

He is also survived by his daughter Tracey and his wife Jan.