Graeme "Shirley" Strachan | |
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Birth name | Graeme Ronald Strachan |
Born | Malvern, Victoria, Australia | 2 January 1952
Died | 29 August 2001 Mount Archer, Queensland, Australia | (aged 49)
Genres | Rock and roll, progressive rock, pop, glam rock |
Occupations |
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Instrument(s) | Vocals, tambourine |
Years active | 1971–2001 |
Labels | Mushroom/Festival |
Graeme Ronald Strachan (pronounced "Strawn") (2 January 1952 – 29 August 2001), professionally billed and known as "Shirley" Strachan or Shirl, was an Australian singer, songwriter, radio and television presenter, and carpenter. He was the lead singer of the rock group Skyhooks (1974–1978, 1983, 1984, 1990, 1994). While still a member of Skyhooks, he had solo singles, which charted on the Kent Music Report, with a cover recording of Brenda Holloway's "Every Little Bit Hurts" (October 1976, No. 3) and a remake of The Miracles "Tracks of My Tears" (July 1977, top 20). After leaving Skyhooks in July 1978, he concentrated on his solo career. He was the host of children's TV program Shirl's Neighbourhood (1979–83). From 1993, he appeared on home renovation TV program Our House as a carpenter and co-host. At the ARIA Music Awards of 1993, Skyhooks were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame. Strachan died in August 2001 in a self-piloted helicopter accident.