Judith Durham passed away on the weekend
Australia mourns the passing of Judith Durham, after we lost a shining star on the weekend. The emotional impact is gradually sinking in for me as I am a sentimental fan.
Judith Durham AO was the voice of The Seekers, the wholesome band who put Australia on the pop music charts. Her sound was known to be clear as a bell. Heavenly.
My family listened to The Seekers music in my earliest years of life. Judith’s voice was in the soundtrack of my childhood.
Judith Durham and The Seekers concerts were some of my fondest memories over the years – when I was just a few years old, in my early adulthood and in my mid-twenties.
When the band reunited in the nineties, I insisted that my parents should bring me to a concert. I had to see The Seekers.
I remember a phase of wearing my hair to one side, just like Judith Durham. I admired how she stood on the stage and moved her arms with the music. Such a petite person embodied a great presence.
When I became a tertiary student in the north of New South Wales, I listened to those familiar songs to feel a comfortable nostalgia.
I travelled all the way to Brisbane so I could see Judith Durham in concert. I have some memory of seeing her in Sydney during the solo days too.
I went with my grandfather to see The Seekers when they performed with Audre Rieu. We commuted from that show to then attend a conference. I could have been one of the youngest people in the audience – and felt fine with that reality. Anything to hear that beloved band.
When the band toured again for their 50th anniversary, that moment was a special experience. I won a contest through their social media. I felt grateful for the merchandise and ticket that had been provided from The Seekers brand. All that really mattered was that I could see them again.
I adore Judith’s solo concert albums along with records from The Seekers. Live in London and An ‘A Cappella’ Experience are favourites. I listened to the band’s concert albums during the pandemic. Those sounds transported my mind back in time, reliving those precious memories of shows.
Here is a bit of trivia. I also share Judith’s birthday of the third of July. That simple alignment felt fascinating. When I celebrated my own birthday, I thought of Judith Durham at those times.
The Seekers, particularly Judith Durham, provided valuable experiences and memories for Australians and overseas fans. My own stories are just some of many that are fondly remembered by Judith’s followers.
I feel deep sympathy to all whose lives were shaped by Judith Durham. I feel further sympathy for her family and friends. They nurtured a national treasure.
She is missed. And remembered. The carnival is over.
Judith Durham was an Aussie hero. This nation will remember her. (Unsplash)
