COLIN JAMES

 

Colin James was born on April 29, 1938, in Coleraine, Victoria. His career as a country singer, variety television performer, songwriter, and radio presenter spanned nearly 60 years, featuring performances at the Sydney Opera House, Seattle’s Coliseum Centre, Victoria’s Government House, and even during a papal visit. At just three years old, he contracted rheumatic fever, which left him in a wheelchair for life. He found joy in listening to early radio programs, and by age 15, he began songwriting. One of his early tunes, ''A Demon Called Love'' was recorded by Keith Riordan in 1959. Nev Pelitt, chief announcer at 3SR Shepparton, gave him a big break, through the Harmony Trail show network.

In the 1960s, he wrote two songs for Chad Morgan, ''Nobody Else But Little Me'' and ''You’re Getting Old Son''. In 1962, he recorded an EP with the Crest label called 'Colin Callin’ followed by another EP in 1965 and during this time opened his own entertainment agency. By 1975, he closed his entertainment agency as it had become too busy, and released an album with Olive Bice, 'Gentle On My Mind', on W&G. The next year, Colin moved to Geelong, teamed up with songwriter Caroline Sleep, and married her in 1980. He later signed with Tamworth’s Hadley Records and recorded three albums with them. In 1984 Colin was inducted into the Hands of Fame, Tamworth. Colin and Caroline divorced in 1990. In 1994 Colin was inducted into Rocky Page’s Hall of Fame and Avenue of Honour in Barmera, SA. In 1995, with his second wife Dianne, he published A Wheelie’s Handbook of Australia, a travel guide for fellow “wheelies” (people in wheelchairs). That same year, he was recognized for his work campaigning for the rights of disabled people, and his photo appeared on a $5 phone card as part of a local legend promotion. In 2000, he carried the Olympic torch for part of its journey to the Sydney Olympics.

In the 2000s, Colin hosted a show on Bendigo’s Phoenix FM radio station. Dubbed “Australia’s Little Giant of Entertainment,” he published his autobiography, If I Can Do It, in 2012. Over the years, he appeared on TV programs like Good Morning Australia, Getaway, The Great Outdoors, and New Faces, and served as a support act for performers such as Reg Lindsay, Frank Ifield, Slim Dusty, Freddie Fender, and many others. He died on August 26, 2014.

SINGLES
''A Thousand Angels / Letter Of Goodbye [with The Lonely Ones] 1964 Crest

''Believe In Yourself 100% / Save Another Day'' 1987 Rich River Records

''I Tried To Grab 'er Abbas (When She Pinched Me Rolling Stones)' (Overseas Version) / I Tried To ''Grab 'er Abbas (When She Pinched Me Rolling Stones)'' (Australian Version) 1981 Hadley
''My Wish To You All / I'll Soldier No More'' [with The Impalas] JW Studios

EPs
'Colin Callin' 1962 Crest
'Colin James And The Lonely Ones' 1965 Crest
'My Wish To You All' 1979 Midland

ALBUMS
'Gentle On My Mind' [with Olive Bice] 1975 W & G
'If I Can Do It, So Can You' 1981 Hadley
'Some Sentimental Songs' 1983 Hadley
'We All Have Dreams' 1985 Hadley
'Save Another Day' 1987 Rich River Records
'Music Man' 1992 Birubi