Paul Kelly is the recipient of this year’s JC Williamson Award, Live Performance Australia announced this morning.
Live Performance Australia is the peak association covering all aspects of the live sector in this country, and runs the annual Helpmann Awards.
The JC Williamson Award, named after a top theatrical entrepreneur, is given to someone who has made an outstanding contribution to enriching Australia’s live entertainment and performing arts culture and shaped the future of the industry for the better.
Among those who’ve received it are Dame Joan Sutherland OM AC DBE, Barry Humphries AO CBE, Michael Gudinski AM, John Farnham AO, Kylie Minogue OBE, and Graeme Murphy AM.
LPA chief executive Evelyn Richardson said Kelly has won the award for his continuing to perform and record for over three decades and for “a formidable reputation as a performer who transcends boundaries as a source of inspiration for not only musicians, but the broader live performance industry”.
She added, “During the past 35 years, Mr Kelly has come to be recognised and respected as one of Australia’s most accomplished songwriters and performers, with many of his songs now lodged deeply into the Australian psyche.
“His commitment to mentoring and supporting younger artists is legendary as is his engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and communities.
“He has been lauded as a poet and storyteller who captures the essence of what it is to live in this country with all its complexities and foibles.”
Kelly responded, “Live performance is the crucible, the nitty gritty, where you make mistakes and find the stuff that works. So this is an important award to be a part of. Thank you to all involved.”
The JC Williamson Award will be handed out at the 15th Helpmann Awards at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre on Monday July 27. They will be held on the recreated set of Les Miserables,which is currently playing at the Capitol Theatre, and will be broadcast live on Foxtel Arts on Monday July 27 at 7:30pm.
