Aussie yodeller takes her final bow

VALE: Lily Connors 1931 – 2018

ONE OF AUSTRALIA's yodelling greats Lily Connors has passed away, aged 87. 

Lily Connors 1931-2018

Born in Cessnock, New South Wales in 1931, Lily discovered her talent for yodeling at the age of 11 and won a heat of Australia's Amateur Hour.

In 1946 she went on to sing in a competition on Radio 2KY which led her to perform in many variety shows and tour the country.

In 1948, Lily her mother and sister Bonnie travelled to America to visit her mother’s family.

Whilst there, Lily secured her own half hour show on KFI Television in Los Angeles billed as “The Girl From Australia”.

She then joined a government sponsored touring show called “Nations in Review” representing Australia.

Lily was offered a Hollywood 5-year starlet contract but turned it down because she felt she would be controlled too much by the studio.

In 1950, Lily returned to Australia and was soon a regular on shows organised by Ted Quigg and Tim McNamara.

It was her version of “Chime Bells” that became her signature song.

Lily was a regular on the 2GB radio program “Bonnington’s Bunkhouse” for five years, and was also a frequent guest on Bandstand and Reg Lindsay’s Country Television Program.

In 1962, she gave birth to her son Alan and it was at this time that she slowly cut back on her performing career.

A decade later (in 1972), she embarked on a short tour with Slim Dusty and this was to be her last major performance. 

Lily released a number of singles throughout her career including Chime Bells, Lonely and Blue, Lovesick Blues and Under the Old Wattle Tree as well as Down the Trail of Achin’ Hearts and Lonely River with the Herbie Marks Quintet. 

In 1978, she was inducted into the “Hands of Fame” in Australia's country music capital of Tamworth.

Lily passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 10, 2018, age 87.

The news of her passing has been met with much sadness by members of the Australian Ladies Variety Association - Women in Entertainment including close friends such as Judy Stone.

A service for Lily Connors will be held on Friday, October 19, 1pm in the Magnolia Chapel, Macquarie Park Crematorium, Delhi Rd & Plassey Rd, Macquarie Park NSW.

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