TED EGAN

Edward Joseph "Ted" Egan AO, born on 6 July 1932, was an Australian folk musician and former public servant who served as Administrator of the Northern Territory from 2003 to 2007. Originally from Coburg, Melbourne, he moved to the Northern Territory in 1949 at age 16 seeking work and adventure. Early in his career with the Department of Aboriginal Affairs, he spent much time in the bush doing jobs like stockwork and crocodile hunting while working as a patrol officer and reserve superintendent. He later taught at remote bush schools and was a member of the first National Reconciliation Council. In 1965, as the sole teacher at Newcastle Waters Station, he was stranded there for six weeks when the creek flooded.

During this time, with no supplies able to be delivered, Egan had to hunt animals like bush turkey for food. He returned to the station in 2012 for the launch of Middle of Everywhere, a book about life in the area. Egan started recording in 1969 with "Drinkers of the Northern Territory" and has since released over 20 albums, mostly focused on outback life, history, and Aboriginal affairs. A consistent performer and traveler, his instrument of choice was an empty beer carton, played by tapping with his hands and fingers. He was a prolific writer and performer of contemporary folk songs, many of which, like "Gurindji Blues," celebrate Indigenous Australian heritage. He also introduced Rolf Harris to the song "Two Little Boys."

Ted Egan was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 1993 Australia Day Honours for his services to Aboriginal people and his ongoing contribution to Australia’s literary heritage through song and verse. In 2004, he was promoted to Officer of the Order (AO) in recognition of his continued service to the community, culminating in his role as the 18th Administrator of the Northern Territory. Named one of “Australia’s National Living Treasures” by the National Trust of Australia, he received the National Folk Festival’s Lifetime Achievement Award in April 2015, where he performed four songs, including one celebrating pioneering women in Australia. Ted Egan died in 2025 at the age of 93.

SINGLES 
''Pastor Doug / Andy's Gone With Cattle'' 1972 RCA 
''Willie The Whingeing Pom (#94) / She's On Again In Darwin'' 1973 RCA 
''The Man From Humpty Doo / Urapunga Frog'' 1974 RCA Custom 
''Say Gooday You Aussie Kids / The Urapunga Frog'' 1978 RCA
''Ride On Little Cowboy / You Can't Go Down The Road With A Woman On Your Mind'' 1980 RCA
''A Town Like Alice / Lonely In The City'' 1980 RCA
''Captain Starlight / The Goanna Drover'' [with The Bushwackers] 1982 Faces Of Australia 
''Matt Savage: Boss Drover / Johnny Stewart - Drover'' 1982 Faces Of Australia
''Sayonara Nakamura / Tjandamara'' 1983 Faces Of Australia 
''The Drover's Boy [with The Bushwackers] / Such Is Life'' Faces Of Australia 
''Jacky Howe: The Warwick Gun / Lachlan Tigers'' 1985 Faces Of Australia
''The Beer Can Regatta / Only In Darwin'' TE

EPs 

'Alice Springs - Ayers Rock' 1974 RCA Custom

ALBUMS 

'Outback Australia' 1972 RCA
'The Bangtail Muster' 1973 RCA
'Once A Jolly Swagman' 1974 RCA
'The Bush Races' 1976 RCA
'Beyond The Black Stump' 1976 RCA
'A Town Like Alice' 1980 RCA
'Rodeo Australia' 1980 RCA
'Arnhem Land Lullaby' 1981 Summit
'The Overlanders' 1982 EMI
'The Shearers' 1984 Faces Of Australia Series
'My Australia' 1986 J & B Records
'The Aboriginals' 1987 ABC
'Ted's Shout' 1988 EMI
'Image hidden The Convicts' 1989 EMI
'This Land Australia' 1989 EMI
'Echoes In The Dust' [with Andrew Langford] 1989 The Original Dreamtime Art Gallery
'The Drover's Boy - A Celebration Of Australian Women' [with Nerys Evans] 2002
'The Land Downunder' 2003 Evergreen Media
'Our Coach Captain' 2003 EMI
'The Vision Splendid'
'I.O.U' 2002

References

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ted_Egan

http://top100singles.blogspot.com.au/