Claireabelle

ron tudor

For the first few weeks I worked here, Ron was just a sweet old man who said hi to me as he hobbled by with his green bag. I thought people were referring more to his age than his achievments when they called him “the Grandfather of Australian Music”. But it turns out he had a huge influence on the music industry back in the day - so much so that in 1979 he received an MBE from Queen Elizabeth II for Services to The Australian Recording Industry! I also found a video here of Ron on YouTube.

He first discovered and recorded The Seekers, and later established indie label Fable Records in 1970. By the time he retired in 1984, Fable had amassed 20 gold and platinum records as well as 32 industry awards. However the itchy feet that still carry him around South Melbourne to this day kicked in, and he discovered that retirement didn’t suit him. So in 1985 Ron joined AAV Australia, the company which he had co-founded more than a decade earlier with music industry greats Bill Armstrong and Roger Savage. AAV later became Digital Pictures, with its focus shifting from Recording to Post Production (up until recently our entire basement was still full of sound studios including that of ex Pseudo Echo singer Brian Canham’s Metromix Studios). 

Rain, hail or shine, Ron still pops in several times a week to check all the kitchens upstairs have enough milk. If its raining, he entrusts me with his sick vintage Ansett umbrella whilst he does the rounds. When he leaves I get a “ta-ta darling” and a sly wink. At 87, dude definitely still has it.

xx