Dee Donavan

Irish Born Australian country and cabaret music singer and actor. Born in Dublin Ireland, Dee began singing while still at school. at 16. He won the role of Curly in the first European production of "Oklahoma" and soon after began his own weekly programme on radio Eireann. At 18 while he was working with a show band a New York theatrical agent heard the young singer who put over country and western numbers so convincingly and offered him a tour of the United States. Soon he was appearing on the Ed Sullivan TV show and appearing at the top clubs and concerts all over the country. So well did he interpret the musical soul of America’s heartland that he was invited to perform for homesick servicemen at U.S. army bases. Through the far east he came to Vietnam, and from Saigon he came down to Sydney for a season at the now vanished Spellsons restaurant in 1967. While working in Melbourne Dee cut some records in the Countrypolitan style of his hero, Jim Reeves. He came to be known in the entertainment industry as 'The Silver Baron' because of his silver hair & immaculate appearance on stage Dee Donavan O.A.M. was the ultimate variety performer having presented his versatile act in theatres & cabaret venues around the world. "Popular smooth vocals: hilarious impressions: instrumentals that include guitar: banjo: ukelele & flute were all a part of the stage performance of this popular multi-award winning Irish entertainer & recording artist. Dee hailed from Dublin Ireland & took with him on stage the charm of the Emerald Isle. "He also produced 'The Spirit of the Celts' a dynamic & fast moving Irish Variety Show that features 'Celtic' Storm' a superb troupe of Award Winning Celtic Dancers. Dee was awarded a Medal in the Order of Australia in January 2009 for his services to the community as an entertainer, particularly fundraising events for children’s charitable organisations.