Born Leslie Bowker in 1958 from Eltham Victoria, Leslie Avril started her career in the mid 70s. She was a regular on TV appearing on shows like The Don Lane Show. In 1980 she won the final on New Faces and in 1981 held a guest spot on the program. In 1982 she recorded one program in the series of six Simon Gallaher shows for the ABC. During this time, she was resident pianist at the Melbourne Underground Disco. She displayed a passion for country music and moved in that direction with the result being a gutsy sound which is not readily found among Australian female country singers.
Coming from a theatrical family, Leslie Avril has performed extensively throughout Australia, Europe, Scandinavia, the Pacific, Asia & North America. Having played with the cream of Melbourne players, she has also guested with and supported most major acts in Australia along with sharing the stage with many legendary musicians in the USA. Over the years she has been invited to perform at all the major festivals throughout Australia including- by demand -20 years at the famous Tamworth Country Music Festival. Highlights since winning New Faces in 1980 have been performing at the opening of the new National Gallery of Victoria, being a recipient of an Australia Council for the Arts Grant and reviving her role as Polly Garter in the Dylan Thomas play Under Milkwood at the Athenaeum Theatre in Melbourne.
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