True Blue Williamson Trivia Quiz

Answer: Old Man Emu

John Williamson wrote the novelty song "Old Man Emu" in 1969 and performed it on a television talent quest, "New Faces", in 1970. He won first place and a recording contract with Fable Records.

Answer: An area in north-western Victoria characterised by wheat cropping

Victorian born and bred, John Robert Williamson started life in November 1945 at the Kerang Bush Nursing Hospital. He grew up in Quambatook in the heartland of the Mallee region of north-western Victoria where his parents farmed wheat crops.

Answer: Koala Preservation Society in Port Macquarie

In 1985 John Williamson founded an independent record label, Gumleaf Recordings, which allowed him freer reign to pursue his personal causes. Although "Goodbye Blinky Bill" referred to the koala character of comic fame, the song was primarily designed to raise awareness about the plight of native koala bears.

Answer: Male Vocalist of the Year

"True Blue" was produced by Festival Records in 1982; and the compilation album, "True Blue - The Very Best of John Williamson (25th Anniversary)", was produced by Gumleaf Records and EMI Records in 1995.

Answer: True Blue

In 1987 Williamson was approached by the Australian Made Campaign for permission to use "True Blue" for its radio and television advertisements on the basis that the song epitomised the very best of the Australian ethos. When the national cricket team of Australia adopted "True Blue" as its theme, Williamson considered it an honour.

Answer: Rolling a cigarette

Williamson married Mary-Kay Price from Tulloona Plain (between Moree and Goondiwindi) in 1973 and the couple had two daughters, Ami and Georgie. "Little Girl from the Dryland" was one of several love songs Williamson wrote for Mary-Kay. However, after more than 30 years of marriage, most of it spent apart due to his work, Williamson and Mary-Kay divorced in 2007 and in 2013 he married his long-term partner and organiser, Meg Doyle.

Answer: He can run the pants off a dingo too

The novelty song "Old Man Emu" was first written by John Williamson in 1969. The new version of "Old Man Emu" (7" single back cover) was produced by Gumleaf Records in 1990.

Answer: No-one Loves Brisbane Like Jesus

"True Blue - The Very Best of John Williamson (25th Anniversary)" was produced by Gumleaf Records and EMI Records, in 1995.

Answer: Raining on the Rock

In 2004, Williamson won another "Collaboration of the Year" award, this time with Sara Storer, for their "Raining on the Plains" duet; and in 2009 he won "Bush Ballad of the Year" for a trio with Warren H Williams and Amos Morris, featuring the beautiful song "Australia Is Another Word for Free".

Answer: A Flag Of Our Own

It is probably true that Williamson is a republican, but his flag song was merely written to call for the removal of the Union Jack from our Southern Cross flag. His song about vasectomy was a bit rude, but nevertheless very funny. It was, however, his championing of environmental causes in his music that caused most opposition.

His dislike of cats, believing they do untold damage to our wildlife, came across loudly in "Bill the Cat"; and "Rip Rip Woodchip" provoked an angry response from loggers when it became known that proceeds from its sale were being used to remove their livelihood.