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{{Short description|Australian children's TV presenter and musician}}
{{Short description|Australian children's TV presenter and musician (born 1937)}}
{{for|the English cricketer|Don Spencer (cricketer)}}
{{for|the English cricketer|Don Spencer (cricketer)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2019}}
{{Use Australian English|date=August 2013}}
{{Use Australian English|date=August 2013}}
{{infobox person
{{infobox person
| name = Don Spencer
| name = Don Spencer<br><small>{{post-nominals|country=AUS|OAM}}</small>
| image = Don Spencer in 2011 (cropped).jpg
| image = Don Spencer in Sydney, 2011 (cropped).jpg
| alt =
| alt =
| caption = Spencer in 2011
| caption = Spencer in 2011
| birth_name = Donald Richard Spencer
| birth_name = Donald Richard Spencer
| alias =
| alias =
| birth_date = 22 March 1941 (aged 82)<ref name="trove"/>
| birth_date = {{birth_date and age|22 March 1937}}<ref name="smh"/>
| birth_place = [[Tamworth, New South Wales|Tamworth]], [[New South Wales]], Australia
| birth_place = [[Tamworth, New South Wales|Tamworth]], [[New South Wales]], Australia
| death_date = <!-- {{death date and age|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date 1st) -->
| death_date = <!-- {{death date and age|df=yes|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date 1st) -->
| death_place =
| death_place =
| children = 2, including [[Danielle Spencer (Australian actress)|Danielle]]
| module = {{infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| module = {{infobox musical artist|embed=yes
| genre = {{hlist|Pop music|[[children's music]]}}
| genre = {{hlist|Pop music|[[children's music]]}}
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'''Donald Richard Spencer''' {{post-nominals|country=AUS|OAM}} (born 22 March 1937)<ref name="trove">{{cite web|url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/people/489393?c=people|title=Spencer, Don (1941-)}}</ref> is an Australian singer-songwriter, musician, and former children's television presenter. He had a long tenure as a host on ''Play School'' on both the [[Play School (Australian TV series)|Australian version]] (1968–99) and the [[Play School (British TV series)|United Kingdom version]] (1972–88), one of only two presenters to work on both versions.<ref name=TG1>{{cite news|last=Williams|first=Sarah|title=How we made: Joy Whitby and Phyllida Law on Play School|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2012/oct/15/how-we-made-play-school|access-date=16 October 2012|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=15 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030175345/http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2012/oct/15/how-we-made-play-school|url-status=live|archive-date=30 October 2013}}</ref>
'''Donald Richard Spencer''' {{post-nominals|country=AUS|OAM}} (born 22 March 1937)<ref name="smh">{{cite web|url=https://smh.com.au/culture/music/planted-the-seed-the-biggest-influences-in-don-spencer-s-colourful-life-20210421-p57l8n.html|title='Planted the seed':The biggest influences in Don Spencer's colourful life|work=[[Sydney Morning Herald]]|author=Robyn Doreian|date=24 April 2021 }}</ref> is an Australian singer-songwriter, musician, and former children's television presenter. He had a long tenure as a host on ''Play School'' on both the [[Play School (Australian TV series)|Australian version]] (1968–99) and the [[Play School (British TV series)|United Kingdom version]] (1972–88), one of only two presenters to work on both versions.<ref name=TG1>{{cite news|last=Williams|first=Sarah|title=How we made: Joy Whitby and Phyllida Law on Play School|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2012/oct/15/how-we-made-play-school|access-date=16 October 2012|newspaper=[[The Guardian]]|date=15 October 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030175345/http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2012/oct/15/how-we-made-play-school|url-status=live|archive-date=30 October 2013}}</ref>


In March 1963, his first single, "Fireball" – the theme tune to a UK TV science fiction series ''[[Fireball XL5]]'' – reached No.32 on the [[UK Singles Chart]]. In 2002, Spencer established the Australian Children's Music Foundation. On [[Australia Day]] (26 January) 2007, he was awarded a [[Order of Australia|Medal of the Order of Australia]] (OAM) with the citation "for service to children's music and television as a songwriter and performer, and through the establishment of the Australian Children's Music Foundation". Spencer married Julie Horsfall, they have two children: Dean, a musician; and [[Danielle Spencer (Australian actress)|Danielle]], an actress and singer, who was married to actor [[Russell Crowe]] between 2003 and 2018. in 2022, he celebrated his 60th year in the performing industry.
In March 1963, his first single, "Fireball" – the theme tune to a UK TV science fiction series ''[[Fireball XL5]]'' – reached No.32 on the [[UK Singles Chart]]. In 2002, Spencer established the Australian Children's Music Foundation. On [[Australia Day]] (26 January) 2007, he was awarded a [[Order of Australia|Medal of the Order of Australia]] (OAM) with the citation "for service to children's music and television as a songwriter and performer, and through the establishment of the Australian Children's Music Foundation". Spencer married Julie Horsfall, they have two children: Dean, a musician; and [[Danielle Spencer (Australian actress)|Danielle]], an actress and singer, who was married to actor [[Russell Crowe]] between 2003 and 2018. In 2022, he celebrated his 60th year in the performing industry.


==Early life==
==Early life==
Spencer was born in [[Tamworth, New South Wales|Tamworth]] to John Henry and Lillian May Spencer.<ref name="Sullivan">{{cite book | chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=5es-AQAAIAAJ&q=%22don+spencer%22 | chapter = Spencer (Don) | title = [[Who's Who in Australia]] | year = 2009 | edition = 45 | last = Sullivan | first = Leanne | page = 1968 | publisher = Crown Content | location = [[North Melbourne]] | isbn = 978-1-74095-166-1 }}</ref> He attended [[Tamworth High School]].<ref name="Sullivan"/> He played [[field hockey|hockey]] as a teenager and competed in the Australian championships. At 17, he left Australia and travelled to Africa, where, in his 20s, he trained with the [[Kenya men's national field hockey team|Kenyan hockey team]], trying out for the Olympics. A chance meeting with locally-born, British singer-songwriter, [[Roger Whittaker]], in [[Nairobi]] inspired Spencer to buy a [[guitar]] and start his musical career.<ref name="ACMF">{{cite web | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090221013413/http://idealogical.com.au/acmf/acmf.htm | url = http://www.idealogical.com.au/acmf/acmf.htm | title = Don Spencer & ACMF | publisher = IdeaLogical Pty Ltd | archive-date = 21 February 2009 | access-date = 13 August 2013 }}</ref>
Spencer was born in [[Tamworth, New South Wales|Tamworth]] to John Henry and Lillian May Spencer.<ref name="Sullivan">{{cite book |chapter-url = https://books.google.com/books?id=5es-AQAAIAAJ&q=%22don+spencer%22 |chapter = Spencer (Don) |title = [[Who's Who in Australia]] |year = 2009 |edition = 45 |last = Sullivan |first = Leanne |page = 1968 |publisher = Crown Content |location = [[North Melbourne]] |isbn = 978-1-74095-166-1 }}</ref> He attended [[Tamworth High School]].<ref name="Sullivan"/> He played [[field hockey|hockey]] as a teenager and competed in the Australian championships. At 17, he left Australia and travelled to Africa, where, in his 20s, he trained with the [[Kenya men's national field hockey team|Kenyan hockey team]], trying out for the Olympics. A chance meeting with locally-born, British singer-songwriter, [[Roger Whittaker]], in [[Nairobi]] inspired Spencer to buy a [[guitar]] and start his musical career.<ref name="ACMF">{{cite web |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090221013413/http://idealogical.com.au/acmf/acmf.htm |url = http://www.idealogical.com.au/acmf/acmf.htm |title = Don Spencer & ACMF |publisher = IdeaLogical Pty Ltd |archive-date = 21 February 2009 |access-date = 13 August 2013 }}</ref>


==Recording and performance career==
==Recording and performance career==
In the early 1960s, Don Spencer moved to [[London]] and became a solo singer-guitarist, supporting various acts such as [[The Rolling Stones]], the [[The Four Seasons (group)|Four Seasons]], [[The Hollies]] and [[Marianne Faithfull]].<ref name="ABC Music Bio"/> His first single, "Fireball", was released on the [[His Master's Voice]] label; it was the closing theme song for the television science fiction series ''[[Fireball XL5]]'', written by [[Barry Gray]]. In March 1963, it reached No.&nbsp;32 on the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name="UKCharts">{{cite web | url = http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/don%20spencer/#singles | title = Don Spencer | publisher = [[Official Charts Company]] | access-date = 13 August 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Charts">{{cite web | url = https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/fireball/ | title = Don Spencer – 'Fireball' | publisher = Chart Stats | access-date = 13 August 2013 }}</ref> Other singles included "Busy Doing Nothing", "Worried Mind", "Marriage Is for Old Folks", and a cover of [[The Beatles]]' 1965 song "[[In My Life]]". In 1964, he covered Brent Edwards' version of [[John Medora|Johnny Madara]] and [[David White (musician)|David White]]'s track "Pride Is Such a Little Word".<ref name="PopArchives">{{cite web | url = http://www.poparchives.com.au/60/ray-brown-the-whispers/pride | title = 'Pride' – Ray Brown & The Whispers (1965) | work = Where Did They Get That Song? | publisher = PopArchives (Lyn Nuttall) | access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref>
In the early 1960s, Don Spencer moved to [[London]] and became a solo singer-guitarist, supporting various acts such as [[The Rolling Stones]], the [[The Four Seasons (group)|Four Seasons]], [[The Hollies]] and [[Marianne Faithfull]].<ref name="ABC Music Bio"/> His first single, "Fireball", was released on the [[His Master's Voice]] label; it was the closing theme song for the television science fiction series ''[[Fireball XL5]]'', written by [[Barry Gray]]. In March 1963, it reached No.&nbsp;32 on the [[UK Singles Chart]].<ref name="UKCharts">{{cite web |url = http://www.officialcharts.com/artist/_/don%20spencer/#singles |title = Don Spencer |publisher = [[Official Charts Company]] |access-date = 13 August 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Charts">{{cite web |url = https://www.officialcharts.com/search/singles/fireball/ |title = Don Spencer – 'Fireball' |publisher = Chart Stats |access-date = 13 August 2013 }}</ref> Other singles included "Busy Doing Nothing", "Worried Mind", "Marriage Is for Old Folks", and a cover of [[The Beatles]]' 1965 song "[[In My Life]]". In 1964, he covered Brent Edwards' version of [[John Medora|Johnny Madara]] and [[David White (musician)|David White]]'s track "Pride Is Such a Little Word".<ref name="PopArchives">{{cite web |url = http://www.poparchives.com.au/60/ray-brown-the-whispers/pride |title = 'Pride' – Ray Brown & The Whispers (1965) |work = Where Did They Get That Song? |publisher = PopArchives (Lyn Nuttall) |access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref>


==Television and radio==
==Television and radio==
Spencer started his successful broadcasting career in the United Kingdom. At the BBC he presented his own teenage pop show ''Gangway!'' for seven years. He co-hosted a radio program called ''Pop-In''.<ref name="ABC Music Bio">{{cite web | url = http://abcmusic.com.au/don-spencer | title = Don Spencer | publisher = ABC Music. [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] (ABC) | access-date = 15 August 2013 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130516210857/http://www.abcmusic.com.au/don-spencer | archive-date = 16 May 2013 | url-status = dead }}</ref> He later appeared in TV comedies such as ''Face It with [[Ronnie Barker]]''.
Spencer started his successful broadcasting career in the United Kingdom. At the BBC he presented his own teenage pop show ''Gangway!'' for seven years. He co-hosted a radio program called ''Pop-In''.<ref name="ABC Music Bio">{{cite web |url = http://abcmusic.com.au/don-spencer |title = Don Spencer |publisher = ABC Music. [[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] (ABC) |access-date = 15 August 2013 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130516210857/http://www.abcmusic.com.au/don-spencer |archive-date = 16 May 2013 |url-status = dead }}</ref> He later appeared in TV comedies such as ''Face It with [[Ronnie Barker]]''.


Spencer returned to Australia and appeared on TV's ''[[Bandstand (Australia)|Bandstand]]'', briefly featured in series ''[[Sons and Daughters (Australian TV series)|Sons and Daughters]]'' and ''[[Return to Eden]]'' and in the 1974 film ''[[Barry McKenzie Holds His Own]].<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0817923/ | title = Don Spencer | publisher = [[IMDb]] | access-date = 11 March 2010 }}</ref>'' In 1977, Spencer wrote his next single, "What's a Pommie?" The track was covered by fellow Australians [[Rolf Harris]] and [[Col Elliott]].<ref name="Pommie">{{cite web | publisher = [[Australasian Performing Right Association]] (APRA) | title = 'What's a Pommie' at APRA search engine | url = http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/worksearch.axd?q=Whats%20Pommy | access-date = 15 August 2013 }}</ref>
Spencer returned to Australia and appeared on TV's ''[[Bandstand (Australia)|Bandstand]]'', briefly featured in series ''[[Sons and Daughters (Australian TV series)|Sons and Daughters]]'' and ''[[Return to Eden]]'' and in the 1974 film ''[[Barry McKenzie Holds His Own]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0817923/ |title = Don Spencer |publisher = [[IMDb]] |access-date = 11 March 2010 }}</ref> In 1977, Spencer wrote his next single, "What's a Pommie?" The track was covered by fellow Australians [[Rolf Harris]] and [[Col Elliott]].<ref name="Pommie">{{cite web |publisher = [[Australasian Performing Right Association]] (APRA) |title = 'What's a Pommie' at APRA search engine |url = http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/worksearch.axd?q=Whats%20Pommy |access-date = 15 August 2013 }}</ref>


==Play School: Children's entertainer==
==Play School: Children's entertainer==
[[File:Play School Cast 2016 TV Week Logie Awards (26317445364).jpg|thumb|right|Don Spencer (far right), with [[Simon Burke]], [[Benita Collings]], [[Andrew McFarlane (Australian actor)|Andrew McFarlane]], [[Eddie Perfect]] and [[Justine Clarke]] in 2016]]
[[File:Play School Cast 2016 TV Week Logie Awards (26317445364).jpg|thumb|right|Don Spencer (far right), with [[Simon Burke]], [[Benita Collings]], [[Andrew McFarlane (Australian actor)|Andrew McFarlane]], [[Eddie Perfect]] and [[Justine Clarke]] in 2016]]
Spencer is best known for his long tenure. as a children's entertainer, as both a presenter and recording artist, he joined the Australia TV series ''[[Play School (Australian TV series)|Play School]]'' in 1968 and the United Kingdom version of the [[Play School&nbsp;(British TV series)|same title]] in 1978.<ref name="Sullivan"/><ref name="Throsby">{{cite web | url = http://www.abc.net.au/classic/content/2011/07/19/3272479.htm | title = Don Spencer Hosted ''Play School'' on ABC TV for 28 Years | last = Throsby | first = Margaret | publisher = [[ABC Classic FM]] | date = 19 July 2011 | access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref> He continued on both versions for 17&nbsp;years,<ref name="Sullivan"/> the only male presenter to appear on both versions. One of his well-known phrases was "old magazines", which he used to effect when describing items used to make something.<ref name="Throsby"/> During this period, he recorded and released albums, primarily through ABC Records over a 27 year period that helped to educate children, mostly about the many species of Australian animals, and they in turn have received awards for gold and platinum sales.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acmf.com.au/board-members.html|title=Board members|publisher=Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF)|access-date=11 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620103049/http://www.acmf.com.au/board-members.html|archive-date=20 June 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Throsby"/> He continued on the Australian version until 1999.<ref name="Sullivan"/>
Spencer is best known for his long tenure. as a children's entertainer, as both a presenter and recording artist, he joined the Australia TV series ''[[Play School (Australian TV series)|Play School]]'' in 1968 and the United Kingdom version of the [[Play School&nbsp;(British TV series)|same title]] in 1972.<ref name="Sullivan"/><ref name="Throsby">{{cite web |url = http://www.abc.net.au/classic/content/2011/07/19/3272479.htm |title = Don Spencer Hosted ''Play School'' on ABC TV for 28 Years |last = Throsby |first = Margaret |publisher = [[ABC Classic FM]] |date = 19 July 2011 |access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref> He continued on both versions for 17&nbsp;years,<ref name="Sullivan"/> the only male presenter to appear on both versions. One of his well-known phrases was "old magazines", which he used to effect when describing items used to make something.<ref name="Throsby"/> During this period, he recorded and released albums, primarily through ABC Records over a 27 year period that helped to educate children, mostly about the many species of Australian animals, and they in turn have received awards for gold and platinum sales.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acmf.com.au/board-members.html|title=Board members|publisher=Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF)|access-date=11 March 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090620103049/http://www.acmf.com.au/board-members.html|archive-date=20 June 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="Throsby"/> He continued on the Australian version until 1999.<ref name="Sullivan"/>


==Music career==
==Music career==
At the [[APRA Awards (Australia)|APRA Music Awards]] of 1995, Spencer's track "Have a Beaut Day" was nominated for Most Performed Children's Work; it was co-written by Spencer with Allan Caswell.<ref name="ARPA1995Nom">{{cite web | url = http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/Nominations/Nominations1995.aspx | title = Nominations – 1995 | publisher = [[Australasian Performing Right Association]] &#124; [[Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society]] | access-date = 15 August 2013 }}</ref>
At the [[APRA Awards (Australia)|APRA Music Awards]] of 1995, Spencer's track "Have a Beaut Day" was nominated for Most Performed Children's Work; it was co-written by Spencer with Allan Caswell.<ref name="ARPA1995Nom">{{cite web |url = http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/APRAAwards/MusicAwards/Nominations/Nominations1995.aspx |title = Nominations – 1995 |publisher = [[Australasian Performing Right Association]] &#124; [[Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society]] |access-date = 15 August 2013 }}</ref>


In 2002, Spencer established the Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF) as its inaugural CEO.<ref name="Fulton">{{cite news | url = http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/shaping-young-lives-with-the-gift-of-music-20100801-1119u.html | title = Shaping Young Lives with the Gift of Music | last = Fulton | first = Adam | work = [[Sydney Morning Herald]] | publisher = [[Fairfax Media]] | date = 2 August 2010 | access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Songwriting">{{cite web | url = http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/news/allnews/2013NationalKidsSongwritingCompetitionnowopen.aspx | title = 2013 National Kids Songwriting Competition Now Open | publisher = [[Australasian Performing Right Association]] &#124; Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society | date = 17 July 2013 | access-date = 15 August 2013 }}</ref> In 2007, he was awarded a [[Medal of the Order of Australia]] (OAM) on [[Australia Day]] (26 January) for "service to children's music and television as a songwriter and performer, and through the establishment of the Australian Children's Music Foundation".<ref name="OAM">{{cite web | url = https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/1134206 | title = Search Australian Honours: Spencer, Donald Richard | publisher = [[It's an Honour]]. [[Government of Australia]] | access-date = 13 August 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news | url = http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/local-heroes-honoured/194271.aspx | title = Local Heroes Honoured | publisher = [[Fairfax Media]] | work = [[Northern Daily Leader]] | date = 25 January 2007 | access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Music">{{cite web | url = http://www.themusic.com.au/imm_display.php?s=christie&id=84 | title = Aussie Day | work = Christie Eliezer's Music Business News | publisher = TheMusic.com | last = Eliezer | first = Christie | date = 30 January 2007 | access-date = 11 March 2010 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In 2008, Spencer was awarded for Excellence in Community Support presented by Support Act Limited.<ref>{{cite web | url = http://www.acmf.com.au/documents/AAPStory.pdf | title = Don Spencer to Be Recognised for Services to Kids' Music | agency = [[Australian Associated Press]] (AAP) | date = 23 September 2008 | last = Braithwaite | first = Alyssa | access-date = 11 March 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110221003724/http://www.acmf.com.au/documents/AAPStory.pdf | archive-date = 21 February 2011 | url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name="SupportAct">{{cite web | url = http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/news/Industrynews/BillyThorpeFoundationAnnounced.aspx | title = Billy Thorpe Foundation Announced | publisher = [[Australasian Performing Right Association]] &#124; Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society | date = 29 September 2008 | access-date = 15 August 2013 }}</ref>
In 2002, Spencer established the Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF) as its inaugural CEO.<ref name="Fulton">{{cite news |url = http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/shaping-young-lives-with-the-gift-of-music-20100801-1119u.html |title = Shaping Young Lives with the Gift of Music |last = Fulton |first = Adam |work = [[Sydney Morning Herald]] |publisher = [[Fairfax Media]] |date = 2 August 2010 |access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Songwriting">{{cite web |url = http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/news/allnews/2013NationalKidsSongwritingCompetitionnowopen.aspx |title = 2013 National Kids Songwriting Competition Now Open |publisher = [[Australasian Performing Right Association]] &#124; Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society |date = 17 July 2013 |access-date = 15 August 2013 }}</ref> In 2007, he was awarded a [[Medal of the Order of Australia]] (OAM) on [[Australia Day]] (26 January) for "service to children's music and television as a songwriter and performer, and through the establishment of the Australian Children's Music Foundation".<ref name="OAM">{{cite web |url = https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/1134206 |title = Search Australian Honours: Spencer, Donald Richard |publisher = It's an Honour. [[Government of Australia]] |access-date = 13 August 2013 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url = http://www.northerndailyleader.com.au/news/local/news/general/local-heroes-honoured/194271.aspx |title = Local Heroes Honoured |publisher = [[Fairfax Media]] |work = [[Northern Daily Leader]] |date = 25 January 2007 |access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref><ref name="Music">{{cite web |url = http://www.themusic.com.au/imm_display.php?s=christie&id=84 |title = Aussie Day |work = Christie Eliezer's Music Business News |publisher = TheMusic.com |last = Eliezer |first = Christie |date = 30 January 2007 |access-date = 11 March 2010 }}{{Dead link|date=July 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> In 2008, Spencer was awarded for Excellence in Community Support presented by Support Act Limited.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.acmf.com.au/documents/AAPStory.pdf |title = Don Spencer to Be Recognised for Services to Kids' Music |agency = [[Australian Associated Press]] (AAP) |date = 23 September 2008 |last = Braithwaite |first = Alyssa |access-date = 11 March 2010 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110221003724/http://www.acmf.com.au/documents/AAPStory.pdf |archive-date = 21 February 2011 |url-status = dead }}</ref><ref name="SupportAct">{{cite web | url = http://www.apra-amcos.com.au/news/Industrynews/BillyThorpeFoundationAnnounced.aspx |title = Billy Thorpe Foundation Announced |publisher = [[Australasian Performing Right Association]] &#124; Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society |date = 29 September 2008 |access-date = 15 August 2013 }}</ref>


In December 2010, the ACMF sponsored a supergroup, Peacebeliever, which recorded a cover version of [[Plastic Ono Band]]'s 1969 single "[[Give Peace a Chance]]" for their charity.<ref name="AAP 1"/> Alongside Spencer, fellow vocalists include [[Katie Noonan]], [[Blue King Brown]], [[Tim Freedman]], [[Newton Faulkner]], and [[Omara Portuondo]].<ref name="AAP 1">{{cite web | url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-12-01/yoko-gives-aussies-a-chance-at-peace/2357936 | title = Yoko Gives Aussies a Chance at Peace | publisher = [[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] ([[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] (ABC)) | date = 1 December 2010 | access-date = 15 August 2013 }}</ref> In July 2013, Spencer announced the ACMF's 11th annual National Kids Songwriting Competition, which is open to school-aged children from four to eighteen years old. Spencer said, "We want kids to unleash their creativity and engage with learning in a fun way ... Music can give kids really positive self expression and is a great tool for improving literacy levels".<ref name="Songwriting"/>
In December 2010, the ACMF sponsored a supergroup, Peacebeliever, which recorded a cover version of [[Plastic Ono Band]]'s 1969 single "[[Give Peace a Chance]]" for their charity.<ref name="AAP 1"/> Alongside Spencer, fellow vocalists include [[Katie Noonan]], [[Blue King Brown]], [[Tim Freedman]], [[Newton Faulkner]], and [[Omara Portuondo]].<ref name="AAP 1">{{cite web |url = http://www.abc.net.au/news/2010-12-01/yoko-gives-aussies-a-chance-at-peace/2357936 |title = Yoko Gives Aussies a Chance at Peace |publisher = [[ABC News (Australia)|ABC News]] ([[Australian Broadcasting Corporation]] (ABC)) |date = 1 December 2010 |access-date = 15 August 2013 }}</ref> In July 2013, Spencer announced the ACMF's 11th annual National Kids Songwriting Competition, which is open to school-aged children from four to eighteen years old. Spencer said, "We want kids to unleash their creativity and engage with learning in a fun way ... Music can give kids really positive self expression and is a great tool for improving literacy levels".<ref name="Songwriting"/>


As of 2023, Spencer continues to record and perform with his latest release a musical adaption, based on [[Rudyard Kipling]] poem "If"<ref name="ACMFSite">{{cite web|url=acmf.com.au/2023/01/23/don.spencer-new-release|title=Founder Don Spencer's New Release}}</ref>
As of 2023, Spencer continues to record and perform with his latest release a musical adaption, based on [[Rudyard Kipling]] poem "If".<ref name="ACMFSite">{{cite web|url=http://www.acmf.com.au/2023/01/23/don.spencer-new-release|title=Founder Don Spencer's New Release|date=23 January 2023 }}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
[[File:Danielle Spencer and Don Spencer (6149464445).jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Spencer with his daughter Danielle in 2011]]
[[File:Danielle Spencer and Don Spencer (6149464445).jpg|thumb|upright=0.9|Spencer with his daughter Danielle in 2011]]
Don Spencer married Julie Horsfall, a caterer from [[Yorkshire]].<ref name="Ewbank">{{cite book | last1 = Ewbank | first1 = Tim | title = Russell Crowe: The Biography | year = 2001 | publisher = Carlton Books | location = London | isbn = 1-84222-423-9 | last2 = Hildred | first2 = Stafford | page = [https://archive.org/details/russellcrowebiog00time/page/48 48] | url-access = registration | url = https://archive.org/details/russellcrowebiog00time/page/48 }}</ref> They have two children: Dean and [[Danielle Spencer (Australian actress)|Danielle Spencer]] (born 16 May 1969).<ref name="Music"/> Dean is a musician, while Danielle is an actress and singer, who was married to actor [[Russell Crowe]] from 2003 to 2018.<ref name="Corcoran">{{cite news | url = http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/158805/Mrs-Russell-Crowe-Danielle-Spencer-launches-her-singing-career/ | title = Mrs Russell Crowe Launches Her Singing Career | date = 17 February 2010 | work = [[Daily Express]] | publisher = [[Northern & Shell]] | last = Corcoran | first = Rachel | access-date = 13 August 2013}}</ref> Don and Julie divorced in 1996.
Don Spencer married Julie Horsfall, a caterer from [[Yorkshire]].<ref name="Ewbank">{{cite book |last1 = Ewbank |first1 = Tim |title = Russell Crowe: The Biography |year = 2001 |publisher = Carlton Books |location = London |isbn = 1-84222-423-9 |last2 = Hildred |first2 = Stafford |page = [https://archive.org/details/russellcrowebiog00time/page/48 48] |url-access = registration |url = https://archive.org/details/russellcrowebiog00time/page/48 }}</ref> They have two children: Dean and [[Danielle Spencer (Australian actress)|Danielle Spencer]] (born 16 May 1969).<ref name="Music"/> Dean is a musician, while Danielle is an actress and singer, who was married to actor [[Russell Crowe]] from 2003 to 2018.<ref name="Corcoran">{{cite news |url = http://www.dailyexpress.co.uk/posts/view/158805/Mrs-Russell-Crowe-Danielle-Spencer-launches-her-singing-career/ |title = Mrs Russell Crowe Launches Her Singing Career |date = 17 February 2010 |work = [[Daily Express]] |publisher = [[Northern & Shell]] |last = Corcoran |first = Rachel |access-date = 13 August 2013}}</ref>


Spencer resides in [[Darlinghurst]], New South Wales.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/central-sydney/legendary-playschool-presenter-don-spencer-turns-his-love-of-music-into-childrens-book-to-make-a-difference/news-story/f0bc2a6a2b2f98973242bd9c52c6e624|title=Play School legend Don Spencer lends musical talent for kids|date=26 September 2017|website=[[Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|Daily Telegraph]]|language=en|access-date=4 July 2019}}</ref>
Spencer resides in [[Darlinghurst]], New South Wales.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/newslocal/central-sydney/legendary-playschool-presenter-don-spencer-turns-his-love-of-music-into-childrens-book-to-make-a-difference/news-story/f0bc2a6a2b2f98973242bd9c52c6e624|title=Play School legend Don Spencer lends musical talent for kids|date=26 September 2017|website=[[Daily Telegraph (Sydney)|Daily Telegraph]]|language=en|access-date=4 July 2019}}</ref>
Line 96: Line 97:
|''[[Australia for Kids]]''
|''[[Australia for Kids]]''
|
|
*Released: 1989
*Released: August 1989
*Label: ABC Records (838 415–1)
*Label: ABC Records (838 415–1)
*Format: LP, Cassette, CD
*Format: LP, Cassette, CD
|
|
* Peaked at number 77 on the ARIA charts.<ref name="ARIA peaks">{{cite web|url=https://imgur.com/a/KqyWfsh |title=Don Spencer ARIA chart history received from ARIA in May 2024|publisher=ARIA|via=Imgur.com|access-date=14 July 2024}} N.B. The High Point number in the NAT column represents the release's peak on the national chart.</ref>
* ARIA: Gold<ref name="ARIA accords 1990">{{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/accreditations|title=ARIA Accreditations|website=[[ARIA]]|access-date=25 November 2021}}</ref>
* ARIA: Gold<ref name="ARIA accords 1990">{{cite web|url=https://www.aria.com.au/accreditations|title=ARIA Accreditations|website=[[ARIA]]|access-date=25 November 2021}}</ref>
|-
|-
Line 108: Line 110:
*Format: LP, Cassette, CD
*Format: LP, Cassette, CD
|
|
⚫
|-
|''The Best of Don Spencer''
⚫
|
⚫
*Released: August 1991
⚫
*Label: ABC Records
⚫
*Format: LP, Cassette, CD
⚫
|
* Peaked at number 110 on the ARIA charts.<ref name="ARIA peaks"/>
⚫
|-
|''Walkabout''
⚫
|
⚫
*Released: April 1992
⚫
*Label: ABC Records
⚫
*Format: LP, Cassette, CD
⚫
|
* Peaked at number 128 on the ARIA charts.<ref name="ARIA peaks"/>
|-
|-
|''Have a Beaut Day''
|''Have a Beaut Day''
Line 121: Line 139:
*Label: ABC Records (E-301402–2)
*Label: ABC Records (E-301402–2)
*Format: 2×CD
*Format: 2×CD
⚫
|
⚫
|-
| "If"
⚫
|
⚫
*Released: 2023
⚫
*Label: ABC Records
⚫
*Format: CD
⚫
|
⚫
|-
|"''Hold On To Your Dream"''
⚫
|
⚫
*Released: 2024
⚫
*Label: ABC Records
⚫
*Format: CD
|
|
|}
|}
Line 149: Line 153:
! scope="row"|"Fireball"/"I'm All Alone Again"
! scope="row"|"Fireball"/"I'm All Alone Again"
| 1962
| 1962
| 22
| 32
|}
|}


Line 164: Line 168:
| 1985
| 1985
| 22
| 22
|-
! scope="row"| "If"
| 2023
| {{N/A}}
|-
! scope="row"| "Hold On To Your Dream"<ref name="GCL">{{cite web|url=https://goodcalllive.com/don-spencer-releases-new-single-hold-on-to-your-dream/|title= DON SPENCER Releases New Single 'Hold On To Your Dream'|date= 18 February 2024}}</ref>
| 2024
| {{N/A}}
|}
|}


Line 217: Line 229:
|
|
|}
|}

===AIR Awards===
The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as [[AIR Awards]]) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector.
{| class="wikitable"
! scope="col"| Year
! scope="col"| Category
! scope="col"| Result
! scope="col" class="unsortable"| {{Abbr|Ref.|Reference(s)}}
|-
| [[AIR Awards of 2024|2024]]
| Outstanding Achievement Award
| {{yes2|awarded}}
| <ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thenote.com.au/news/2024-air-award-winners|title=Genesis Owusu, Dan Sultan & Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers Among the Winners at the 2024 Air Awards |website=[[The Note (magazine)|The Note]]|date=2 August 2024|access-date=2 August 2024}}</ref>
{{end}}


==Bibliography==
==Bibliography==
Books written or co-written by Don Spencer:
Books written or co-written by Don Spencer:
*{{cite book | last1 = Spencer | first1 = Don | last2 = Caswell | first2 = Allen | last3 = Australian Broadcasting Corporation | author3-link = Australian Broadcasting Corporation | title = Feathers Fur or Fins | year = 1985 | publisher = Chappell & Intersong Music, Australian Broadcasting Commission | location = [[Woolloomooloo]] | isbn = 0-94710-688-X }}<ref name="NLA Book1">{{Citation | author1 = Spencer, Don | author2 = Caswell, Allen | author3 = Australian Broadcasting Corporation | author3-link = Australian Broadcasting Corporation | title = Feathers Fur or Fins | url = http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/28971739 | publication-date=1985 | publisher=Chappell & Intersong Music in association with the Australian Broadcasting Commission. [[National Library of Australia]] | isbn = 978-0-947106-88-1 | access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref>
*{{cite book |last1 = Spencer |first1 = Don |last2 = Caswell |first2 = Allen |last3 = Australian Broadcasting Corporation |author3-link = Australian Broadcasting Corporation |title = Feathers Fur or Fins |year = 1985 |publisher = Chappell & Intersong Music, Australian Broadcasting Commission |location = [[Woolloomooloo]] |isbn = 0-94710-688-X }}<ref name="NLA Book1">{{Citation |author1 = Spencer, Don |author2 = Caswell, Allen |author3 = Australian Broadcasting Corporation |author3-link = Australian Broadcasting Corporation |title = Feathers Fur or Fins | url = http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/28971739 |publication-date=1985 |publisher=Chappell & Intersong Music in association with the Australian Broadcasting Commission. [[National Library of Australia]] |isbn = 978-0-947106-88-1 |access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref>
*{{cite book | last1 = Spencer | first1 = Don | last2 = Caswell | first2 = Allan | last3 = Australian Broadcasting Corporation | author3-link = Australian Broadcasting Corporation | title = Don Spencer's Australian Animals | year = 1989 | publisher = ABC Enterprises for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation | location = Sydney, NSW | isbn = 0-64212-841-3 }}<ref name="NLA Book2">{{Citation | author1 = Spencer, Don | author2 = Caswell, Allan | author3 = Australian Broadcasting Corporation | author3-link = Australian Broadcasting Corporation | title = Don Spencer's Australian Animals | year = 1989 | url = http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/28971739 | publication-date = 1989 | publisher = ABC Enterprises for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. [[National Library of Australia]] | isbn = 978-0-642-12841-6 | access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref>
*{{cite book |last1 = Spencer |first1 = Don |last2 = Caswell |first2 = Allan |last3 = Australian Broadcasting Corporation |author3-link = Australian Broadcasting Corporation |title = Don Spencer's Australian Animals |year = 1989 |publisher = ABC Enterprises for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation |location = Sydney, NSW |isbn = 0-64212-841-3 }}<ref name="NLA Book2">{{Citation |author1 = Spencer, Don |author2 = Caswell, Allan |author3 = Australian Broadcasting Corporation |author3-link = Australian Broadcasting Corporation |title = Don Spencer's Australian Animals |year = 1989 |url = http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/28971739 |publication-date = 1989 |publisher = ABC Enterprises for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. [[National Library of Australia]] |isbn = 978-0-642-12841-6 |access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref>
*{{cite book | last = Spencer | first = Don | title = Don Spencer's More Songs from Feathers, Fur or Fins | year = 1989 | publisher = ABC Records | location = Sydney, NSW }}<ref name="NLA Book3">{{Citation | author1 = Spencer, Don | title = Don Spencer's More Songs from Feathers, Fur or Fins | publication-date=1989 | publisher = ABC Records. [[National Library of Australia]] | url = http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/35711160 | access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref>
*{{cite book |last = Spencer |first = Don |title = Don Spencer's More Songs from Feathers, Fur or Fins |year = 1989 |publisher = ABC Records |location = Sydney, NSW }}<ref name="NLA Book3">{{Citation |author1 = Spencer, Don |title = Don Spencer's More Songs from Feathers, Fur or Fins |publication-date=1989 |publisher = ABC Records. [[National Library of Australia]] |url = http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/35711160 |access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref>
*{{cite book | title = Don Spencer's Let's Have Fun | last = Spencer | first = Don | year = 1990 | publisher = Warner Chappell Music | location = North Sydney, NSW | isbn = 1-86362-023-0 }}<ref name="NLA Book4">{{Citation | title = Don Spencer's Let's Have Fun | url = http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/6319933 | last = Spencer | first = Don | year = 1990 | publication-date = 1990 | publisher = Warner Chappell Music. [[National Library of Australia]] | isbn = 978-1-86362-023-9 | access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref>
*{{cite book |title = Don Spencer's Let's Have Fun |last = Spencer |first = Don |year = 1990 |publisher = Warner Chappell Music |location = North Sydney, NSW |isbn = 1-86362-023-0 }}<ref name="NLA Book4">{{Citation |title = Don Spencer's Let's Have Fun |url = http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/6319933 |last = Spencer |first = Don |year = 1990 |publication-date = 1990 |publisher = Warner Chappell Music. [[National Library of Australia]] |isbn = 978-1-86362-023-9 |access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref>
*{{cite book | last1 = Spencer | first1 = Don | last2 = Macken | first2 = Clare | last3 = Australian Broadcasting Corporation | author3-link = Australian Broadcasting Corporation | others = Illustrated by Felicity Meyer | title = Don Spencer's Thumbs Up! Australia | year = 1993 | publisher = ABC Books | location = Sydney, NSW | isbn = 0-7333-0231-9 }}<ref name="NLA Book5">{{Citation | author1=Spencer, Don | author2=Meyer, Felicity | author3=Macken, Clare | author4 = Australian Broadcasting Corporation | author4-link = Australian Broadcasting Corporation | title=Don Spencer's Thumbs Up! Australia | year=1993 | url = http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/24590756 | publication-date = 1993 | publisher = ABC Books. [[National Library of Australia]] | isbn=978-0-7333-0231-2 | access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref>
*{{cite book |last1 = Spencer |first1 = Don |last2 = Macken |first2 = Clare |last3 = Australian Broadcasting Corporation |author3-link = Australian Broadcasting Corporation |others = Illustrated by Felicity Meyer |title = Don Spencer's Thumbs Up! Australia |year = 1993 |publisher = ABC Books |location = Sydney, NSW |isbn = 0-7333-0231-9 }}<ref name="NLA Book5">{{Citation |author1=Spencer, Don |author2=Meyer, Felicity |author3=Macken, Clare |author4 = Australian Broadcasting Corporation | author4link = Australian Broadcasting Corporation |title=Don Spencer's Thumbs Up! Australia |year=1993 |url = http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/24590756 |publication-date = 1993 |publisher = ABC Books. [[National Library of Australia]] |isbn=978-0-7333-0231-2 |access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref>
*{{cite book | last1 = Spencer | first1 = Don | last2 = Bryant | first2 = Nick | others = Illustrated by Glen Singleton | title = 1001 Cool Jokes with Don Spencer | year = 2000 | publisher = Hinkler Books | location = [[Dingley Village]] | isbn = 1-86515-182-3 }}<ref name="NLA Book6">{{Citation | author1 = Spencer, Don | author2 = Singleton, Glen | author3 = Bryant, Nick | title = 1001 Cool Jokes | year = 2000 | url = http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/44719997 | publication-date = 2000 | publisher = Hinkler Books. [[National Library of Australia]] | isbn = 978-1-86515-182-3 | access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref>
*{{cite book |last1 = Spencer |first1 = Don |last2 = Bryant |first2 = Nick |others = Illustrated by Glen Singleton |title = 1001 Cool Jokes with Don Spencer |year = 2000 |publisher = Hinkler Books |location = [[Dingley Village]] |isbn = 1-86515-182-3 }}<ref name="NLA Book6">{{Citation |author1 = Spencer, Don |author2 = Singleton, Glen |author3 = Bryant, Nick |title = 1001 Cool Jokes |year = 2000 |url = http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/44719997 |publication-date = 2000 |publisher = Hinkler Books. [[National Library of Australia]] |isbn = 978-1-86515-182-3 |access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref>
*{{cite book | last1 = Sharkey | first1 = Jane | last2 = Holland | first2 = Margaret | last3 = Spencer | first3 = Don | title = Sing and Learn Times Tables | year = 2005 | publisher = Hinkler Books | location = [[Dingley Village]] | isbn = 978-1-74121-930-2 }}<ref name="NLA Book7">{{Citation | author1 = Sharkey, Jane | author2 = Holland, Margaret | author3 = Spencer, Don | title = Sing and Learn Times Tables | year = 2005 | url = http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/20869796 | publication-date = 2005 | publisher = Hinkler Books | isbn = 978-1-74121-930-2 | access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref>
*{{cite book |last1 = Sharkey |first1 = Jane |last2 = Holland |first2 = Margaret |last3 = Spencer |first3 = Don |title = Sing and Learn Times Tables |year = 2005 |publisher = Hinkler Books |location = [[Dingley Village]] |isbn = 978-1-74121-930-2 }}<ref name="NLA Book7">{{Citation |author1 = Sharkey, Jane |author2 = Holland, Margaret |author3 = Spencer, Don |title = Sing and Learn Times Tables |year = 2005 |url = http://trove.nla.gov.au/work/20869796 |publication-date = 2005 |publisher = Hinkler Books |isbn = 978-1-74121-930-2 |access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref>
*{{cite book | last1 = Spencer | first1 = Don | others = Illustrated by Michelle Pike | title = Don Spencer's Don't Call Me a Koala Bear and Other Aussie Songs | year = 2011 | publisher = Five Mile Press | location = [[Scoresby, Victoria|Scoresby]] | isbn = 978-1-74300-135-6 }}<ref name="NLA Book8">{{Citation | author1 = Spencer, Don | author2 = Pike, Michelle | title = Don Spencer's Don't Call Me a Koala Bear and Other Aussie Songs | year = 2011 | publication-date = 2011 | publisher = Five Mile Press | url = http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/165916438 | isbn = 978-1-74300-135-6 | access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref>
*{{cite book |last1 = Spencer |first1 = Don |others = Illustrated by Michelle Pike |title = Don Spencer's Don't Call Me a Koala Bear and Other Aussie Songs |year = 2011 |publisher = Five Mile Press |location = [[Scoresby, Victoria|Scoresby]] |isbn = 978-1-74300-135-6 }}<ref name="NLA Book8">{{Citation |author1 = Spencer, Don |author2 = Pike, Michelle |title = Don Spencer's Don't Call Me a Koala Bear and Other Aussie Songs |year = 2011 |publication-date = 2011 |publisher = Five Mile Press |url = http://trove.nla.gov.au/version/165916438 |isbn = 978-1-74300-135-6 |access-date = 14 August 2013 }}</ref>


==References==
==References==
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{{DEFAULTSORT:Spencer, Don}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Spencer, Don}}
⚫
[[Category:1941 births]]
⚫
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Acoustic guitarists]]
[[Category:Acoustic guitarists]]
[[Category:Australian children's musicians]]
[[Category:Australian children's musicians]]
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[[Category:Australian singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:Australian singer-songwriters]]
[[Category:BBC television presenters]]
[[Category:BBC television presenters]]
⚫
[[Category:1941 births]]
⚫
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Musicians from Sydney]]
[[Category:Musicians from Sydney]]
[[Category:People from Tamworth, New South Wales]]
[[Category:People from Tamworth, New South Wales]]

Latest revision as of 14:30, 23 December 2024

For the English cricketer, see Don Spencer (cricketer).

Don Spencer
OAM
Spencer in 2011
Born
Donald Richard Spencer

(1937-03-22) March 22, 1937 (age 87)[1]
Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia
Children2, including Danielle
Musical career
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
  • musician
  • former TV presenter
  • writer
  • actor
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • guitar
Years active1962[2]–present
LabelsABC Records
Websitedonspencer.com.au

Donald Richard Spencer OAM (born 22 March 1937)[1] is an Australian singer-songwriter, musician, and former children's television presenter. He had a long tenure as a host on Play School on both the Australian version (1968–99) and the United Kingdom version (1972–88), one of only two presenters to work on both versions.[3]

In March 1963, his first single, "Fireball" – the theme tune to a UK TV science fiction series Fireball XL5 – reached No.32 on the UK Singles Chart. In 2002, Spencer established the Australian Children's Music Foundation. On Australia Day (26 January) 2007, he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) with the citation "for service to children's music and television as a songwriter and performer, and through the establishment of the Australian Children's Music Foundation". Spencer married Julie Horsfall, they have two children: Dean, a musician; and Danielle, an actress and singer, who was married to actor Russell Crowe between 2003 and 2018. In 2022, he celebrated his 60th year in the performing industry.

Early life

[edit]

Spencer was born in Tamworth to John Henry and Lillian May Spencer.[4] He attended Tamworth High School.[4] He played hockey as a teenager and competed in the Australian championships. At 17, he left Australia and travelled to Africa, where, in his 20s, he trained with the Kenyan hockey team, trying out for the Olympics. A chance meeting with locally-born, British singer-songwriter, Roger Whittaker, in Nairobi inspired Spencer to buy a guitar and start his musical career.[2]

Recording and performance career

[edit]

In the early 1960s, Don Spencer moved to London and became a solo singer-guitarist, supporting various acts such as The Rolling Stones, the Four Seasons, The Hollies and Marianne Faithfull.[5] His first single, "Fireball", was released on the His Master's Voice label; it was the closing theme song for the television science fiction series Fireball XL5, written by Barry Gray. In March 1963, it reached No. 32 on the UK Singles Chart.[6][7] Other singles included "Busy Doing Nothing", "Worried Mind", "Marriage Is for Old Folks", and a cover of The Beatles' 1965 song "In My Life". In 1964, he covered Brent Edwards' version of Johnny Madara and David White's track "Pride Is Such a Little Word".[8]

Television and radio

[edit]

Spencer started his successful broadcasting career in the United Kingdom. At the BBC he presented his own teenage pop show Gangway! for seven years. He co-hosted a radio program called Pop-In.[5] He later appeared in TV comedies such as Face It with Ronnie Barker.

Spencer returned to Australia and appeared on TV's Bandstand, briefly featured in series Sons and Daughters and Return to Eden and in the 1974 film Barry McKenzie Holds His Own.[9] In 1977, Spencer wrote his next single, "What's a Pommie?" The track was covered by fellow Australians Rolf Harris and Col Elliott.[10]

Play School: Children's entertainer

[edit]
Don Spencer (far right), with Simon Burke, Benita Collings, Andrew McFarlane, Eddie Perfect and Justine Clarke in 2016

Spencer is best known for his long tenure. as a children's entertainer, as both a presenter and recording artist, he joined the Australia TV series Play School in 1968 and the United Kingdom version of the same title in 1972.[4][11] He continued on both versions for 17 years,[4] the only male presenter to appear on both versions. One of his well-known phrases was "old magazines", which he used to effect when describing items used to make something.[11] During this period, he recorded and released albums, primarily through ABC Records over a 27 year period that helped to educate children, mostly about the many species of Australian animals, and they in turn have received awards for gold and platinum sales.[12][11] He continued on the Australian version until 1999.[4]

Music career

[edit]

At the APRA Music Awards of 1995, Spencer's track "Have a Beaut Day" was nominated for Most Performed Children's Work; it was co-written by Spencer with Allan Caswell.[13]

In 2002, Spencer established the Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF) as its inaugural CEO.[14][15] In 2007, he was awarded a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) on Australia Day (26 January) for "service to children's music and television as a songwriter and performer, and through the establishment of the Australian Children's Music Foundation".[16][17][18] In 2008, Spencer was awarded for Excellence in Community Support presented by Support Act Limited.[19][20]

In December 2010, the ACMF sponsored a supergroup, Peacebeliever, which recorded a cover version of Plastic Ono Band's 1969 single "Give Peace a Chance" for their charity.[21] Alongside Spencer, fellow vocalists include Katie Noonan, Blue King Brown, Tim Freedman, Newton Faulkner, and Omara Portuondo.[21] In July 2013, Spencer announced the ACMF's 11th annual National Kids Songwriting Competition, which is open to school-aged children from four to eighteen years old. Spencer said, "We want kids to unleash their creativity and engage with learning in a fun way ... Music can give kids really positive self expression and is a great tool for improving literacy levels".[15]

As of 2023, Spencer continues to record and perform with his latest release a musical adaption, based on Rudyard Kipling poem "If".[22]

Personal life

[edit]
Spencer with his daughter Danielle in 2011

Don Spencer married Julie Horsfall, a caterer from Yorkshire.[23] They have two children: Dean and Danielle Spencer (born 16 May 1969).[18] Dean is a musician, while Danielle is an actress and singer, who was married to actor Russell Crowe from 2003 to 2018.[24]

Spencer resides in Darlinghurst, New South Wales.[25]

Discography

[edit]

Albums

[edit]
Title Details Certification
Don Spencer from Play School sings 21 Children's Favourites
  • Released: 1984
  • Label: J&B (JB 095)
Feathers, Fur or Fins
  • Released: 1985
  • Label: ABC Records (836 053–1)
  • Format: LP, Cassette
Hokey Cokey
(with Chloe Ashcroft & Carol Chell)
  • Released: 1985 (UK)
  • Label: BBC Records (REC 557)
  • Format: LP
Australian Animal Songs
  • Released: 1988
  • Label: ABC Records (836 054–1)
  • Format: LP, Cassette, CD
Australia for Kids
  • Released: August 1989
  • Label: ABC Records (838 415–1)
  • Format: LP, Cassette, CD
  • Peaked at number 77 on the ARIA charts.[27]
  • ARIA: Gold[26]
Let's Have Fun
  • Released: 1990
  • Label: ABC Records (846 596–1)
  • Format: LP, Cassette, CD
The Best of Don Spencer
  • Released: August 1991
  • Label: ABC Records
  • Format: LP, Cassette, CD
  • Peaked at number 110 on the ARIA charts.[27]
Walkabout
  • Released: April 1992
  • Label: ABC Records
  • Format: LP, Cassette, CD
  • Peaked at number 128 on the ARIA charts.[27]
Have a Beaut Day
  • Released: 1994
  • Label: ABC Records (814 447–2)
  • Format: CD
The Ultimate Collection
  • Released: 2007
  • Label: ABC Records (E-301402–2)
  • Format: 2×CD

Charting singles

[edit]
List of singles with selected chart positions
Title Year Peak chart positions
UK
[7]
"Fireball"/"I'm All Alone Again" 1962 32

Other singles

[edit]
List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions
Title Year Peak chart positions
AUS
[28]
"The Garden"
(as Australia Too) 		1985 22
"If" 2023 —
"Hold On To Your Dream"[29] 2024 —

TV and filmography

[edit]

Awards

[edit]

Tamworth Songwriters Awards

[edit]

The Tamworth Songwriters Association (TSA) is an annual songwriting contest for original country songs, awarded in January at the Tamworth Country Music Festival. They commenced in 1986.[30] Don Spencer won one award in that time.[31]

Year Nominee / work Award Result (wins only)
1995 "Pete the Lorikeet" by Don Spencer Children's Song of the Year Won

ARIA Music Awards

[edit]
Year Recipient(s) and nominee(s) Category Result Ref.
1989 Australian Animal Songs Best Children's Album Nominated
1990 Australia for Kids Nominated
1991 Let's Have Fun Nominated
1998 Australian Classics Nominated

AIR Awards

[edit]

The Australian Independent Record Awards (commonly known informally as AIR Awards) is an annual awards night to recognise, promote and celebrate the success of Australia's Independent Music sector.

Year Category Result Ref.
2024 Outstanding Achievement Award awarded [32]

Bibliography

[edit]

Books written or co-written by Don Spencer:

  • Spencer, Don; Caswell, Allen; Australian Broadcasting Corporation (1985). Feathers Fur or Fins. Woolloomooloo: Chappell & Intersong Music, Australian Broadcasting Commission. ISBN 0-94710-688-X.[33]
  • Spencer, Don; Caswell, Allan; Australian Broadcasting Corporation (1989). Don Spencer's Australian Animals. Sydney, NSW: ABC Enterprises for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. ISBN 0-64212-841-3.[34]
  • Spencer, Don (1989). Don Spencer's More Songs from Feathers, Fur or Fins. Sydney, NSW: ABC Records.[35]
  • Spencer, Don (1990). Don Spencer's Let's Have Fun. North Sydney, NSW: Warner Chappell Music. ISBN 1-86362-023-0.[36]
  • Spencer, Don; Macken, Clare; Australian Broadcasting Corporation (1993). Don Spencer's Thumbs Up! Australia. Illustrated by Felicity Meyer. Sydney, NSW: ABC Books. ISBN 0-7333-0231-9.[37]
  • Spencer, Don; Bryant, Nick (2000). 1001 Cool Jokes with Don Spencer. Illustrated by Glen Singleton. Dingley Village: Hinkler Books. ISBN 1-86515-182-3.[38]
  • Sharkey, Jane; Holland, Margaret; Spencer, Don (2005). Sing and Learn Times Tables. Dingley Village: Hinkler Books. ISBN 978-1-74121-930-2.[39]
  • Spencer, Don (2011). Don Spencer's Don't Call Me a Koala Bear and Other Aussie Songs. Illustrated by Michelle Pike. Scoresby: Five Mile Press. ISBN 978-1-74300-135-6.[40]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b Robyn Doreian (24 April 2021). "'Planted the seed':The biggest influences in Don Spencer's colourful life". Sydney Morning Herald.
  2. ^ a b "Don Spencer & ACMF". IdeaLogical Pty Ltd. Archived from the original on 21 February 2009. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  3. ^ Williams, Sarah (15 October 2012). "How we made: Joy Whitby and Phyllida Law on Play School". The Guardian. Archived from the original on 30 October 2013. Retrieved 16 October 2012.
  4. ^ a b c d e Sullivan, Leanne (2009). "Spencer (Don)". Who's Who in Australia (45 ed.). North Melbourne: Crown Content. p. 1968. ISBN 978-1-74095-166-1.
  5. ^ a b "Don Spencer". ABC Music. Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). Archived from the original on 16 May 2013. Retrieved 15 August 2013.
  6. ^ "Don Spencer". Official Charts Company. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  7. ^ a b "Don Spencer – 'Fireball'". Chart Stats. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  8. ^ "'Pride' – Ray Brown & The Whispers (1965)". Where Did They Get That Song?. PopArchives (Lyn Nuttall). Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  9. ^ "Don Spencer". IMDb. Retrieved 11 March 2010.
  10. ^ "'What's a Pommie' at APRA search engine". Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA). Retrieved 15 August 2013.
  11. ^ a b c Throsby, Margaret (19 July 2011). "Don Spencer Hosted Play School on ABC TV for 28 Years". ABC Classic FM. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  12. ^ "Board members". Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF). Archived from the original on 20 June 2009. Retrieved 11 March 2010.
  13. ^ "Nominations – 1995". Australasian Performing Right Association | Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society. Retrieved 15 August 2013.
  14. ^ Fulton, Adam (2 August 2010). "Shaping Young Lives with the Gift of Music". Sydney Morning Herald. Fairfax Media. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  15. ^ a b "2013 National Kids Songwriting Competition Now Open". Australasian Performing Right Association | Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society. 17 July 2013. Retrieved 15 August 2013.
  16. ^ "Search Australian Honours: Spencer, Donald Richard". It's an Honour. Government of Australia. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  17. ^ "Local Heroes Honoured". Northern Daily Leader. Fairfax Media. 25 January 2007. Retrieved 14 August 2013.
  18. ^ a b Eliezer, Christie (30 January 2007). "Aussie Day". Christie Eliezer's Music Business News. TheMusic.com. Retrieved 11 March 2010.[permanent dead link‍]
  19. ^ Braithwaite, Alyssa (23 September 2008). "Don Spencer to Be Recognised for Services to Kids' Music" (PDF). Australian Associated Press (AAP). Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 February 2011. Retrieved 11 March 2010.
  20. ^ "Billy Thorpe Foundation Announced". Australasian Performing Right Association | Australasian Mechanical Copyright Owners Society. 29 September 2008. Retrieved 15 August 2013.
  21. ^ a b "Yoko Gives Aussies a Chance at Peace". ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC)). 1 December 2010. Retrieved 15 August 2013.
  22. ^ "Founder Don Spencer's New Release". 23 January 2023.
  23. ^ Ewbank, Tim; Hildred, Stafford (2001). Russell Crowe: The Biography. London: Carlton Books. p. 48. ISBN 1-84222-423-9.
  24. ^ Corcoran, Rachel (17 February 2010). "Mrs Russell Crowe Launches Her Singing Career". Daily Express. Northern & Shell. Retrieved 13 August 2013.
  25. ^ "Play School legend Don Spencer lends musical talent for kids". Daily Telegraph. 26 September 2017. Retrieved 4 July 2019.
  26. ^ a b c "ARIA Accreditations". ARIA. Retrieved 25 November 2021.
  27. ^ a b c "Don Spencer ARIA chart history received from ARIA in May 2024". ARIA. Retrieved 14 July 2024 – via Imgur.com. N.B. The High Point number in the NAT column represents the release's peak on the national chart.
  28. ^ Kent, David (1993). Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 (Illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 22. ISBN 0-646-11917-6. N.B. The Kent Report chart was licensed by ARIA between mid-1983 and 19 June 1988.
  29. ^ "DON SPENCER Releases New Single 'Hold On To Your Dream'". 18 February 2024.
  30. ^ "Tamworth Songwriters Association". Tamworth Songwriters Association Online. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  31. ^ "Tamworth Songwriters Association Past Winners". Tamworth Songwriters Association Online. Retrieved 23 March 2022.
  32. ^ "Genesis Owusu, Dan Sultan & Teen Jesus and the Jean Teasers Among the Winners at the 2024 Air Awards". The Note. 2 August 2024. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  33. ^ Spencer, Don; Caswell, Allen; Australian Broadcasting Corporation (1985), Feathers Fur or Fins, Chappell & Intersong Music in association with the Australian Broadcasting Commission. National Library of Australia, ISBN 978-0-947106-88-1, retrieved 14 August 2013
  34. ^ Spencer, Don; Caswell, Allan; Australian Broadcasting Corporation (1989), Don Spencer's Australian Animals, ABC Enterprises for the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. National Library of Australia, ISBN 978-0-642-12841-6, retrieved 14 August 2013
  35. ^ Spencer, Don (1989), Don Spencer's More Songs from Feathers, Fur or Fins, ABC Records. National Library of Australia, retrieved 14 August 2013
  36. ^ Spencer, Don (1990), Don Spencer's Let's Have Fun, Warner Chappell Music. National Library of Australia, ISBN 978-1-86362-023-9, retrieved 14 August 2013
  37. ^ Spencer, Don; Meyer, Felicity; Macken, Clare; Australian Broadcasting Corporation (1993), Don Spencer's Thumbs Up! Australia, ABC Books. National Library of Australia, ISBN 978-0-7333-0231-2, retrieved 14 August 2013
  38. ^ Spencer, Don; Singleton, Glen; Bryant, Nick (2000), 1001 Cool Jokes, Hinkler Books. National Library of Australia, ISBN 978-1-86515-182-3, retrieved 14 August 2013
  39. ^ Sharkey, Jane; Holland, Margaret; Spencer, Don (2005), Sing and Learn Times Tables, Hinkler Books, ISBN 978-1-74121-930-2, retrieved 14 August 2013
  40. ^ Spencer, Don; Pike, Michelle (2011), Don Spencer's Don't Call Me a Koala Bear and Other Aussie Songs, Five Mile Press, ISBN 978-1-74300-135-6, retrieved 14 August 2013
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