Don Spencer

For the English cricketer, see Don Spencer (cricketer).

Don Spencer
OAM
Spencer in 2011
Born
Donald Richard Spencer

(1937-03-22) March 22, 1937 (age 87)[1]
Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia
Children2, including Danielle
Musical career
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • musician
  • former TV presenter
  • writer
  • actor
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Years active1962[2]–present
LabelsABC Records
Websitedonspencer.com.au

Donald Richard Spencer OAM (born 22 March 1937)[1] is an Australian singer-songwriter, musician, and former children's television presenter. He had a long tenure as a host on Play School on both the Australian version (1968–99) and the United Kingdom version (1972–88), one of only two presenters to work on both versions.[3]

In March 1963, his first single, "Fireball" – the theme tune to a UK TV science fiction series Fireball XL5 – reached No.32 on the UK Singles Chart. In 2002, Spencer established the Australian Children's Music Foundation. On Australia Day (26 January) 2007, he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) with the citation "for service to children's music and television as a songwriter and performer, and through the establishment of the Australian Children's Music Foundation". Spencer married Julie Horsfall, they have two children: Dean, a musician; and Danielle, an actress and singer, who was married to actor Russell Crowe between 2003 and 2018. In 2022, he celebrated his 60th year in the performing industry.

  1. ^ a b Robyn Doreian (24 April 2021). "'Planted the seed':The biggest influences in Don Spencer's colourful life". Sydney Morning Herald.
  2. ^ Cite error: The named reference ACMF was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  3. ^ Williams, Sarah (15 October 2012). "How we made: Joy Whitby and Phyllida Law on Play School". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 30 October 2013. Retrieved 16 October 2012.