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was a Tasmanian-born journalist and musician who lived the final seven years of his life in Jazzer’s interests and hobbies were many and varied, and included people, stamp collecting, current affairs, table tennis, reading, raising poultry and gardening, particularly growing fresh vegetables. His musical taste was broad. Jazzer could listen to any type of music, from country to classical, rock to jazz. Some of his favourite artists were Fats Waller, John Lennon, Dire Straits, Hank Williams.
He always got a huge buzz out of performing in a band, and was happiest sitting behind his drumkit, either taking the lead vocal or harmonising. Public speaking became a passion during his time in Tamworth after he joined Toastmasters International. The natural performer found a stage he adored within that communications and self-improvement organisation, where he achieved the highest possible rank of Distinguished Toastmaster.
He originally came to Tamworth from Melbourne at the invitation of Max Ellis and Gary Robertson, then general manager and sales manager of Radio 2TM’s marketing arm, BAL Marketing. His role was to transform the annual Australasian Country Music Capital News into a monthly publication.
During 1983 at a time he was seriously battling cancer, Jazzer wrote The Book of Australian Country Music, published by Berghouse, Floyd & Tuckey in 1984. While working at The Northern Daily Leader newspaper in Tamworth, he was approached by Marilyn Morrow, Gary Newell and Graham Myer from Kmart to assist them in running a country music talent quest during the annual Festival in January. He hosted the quest each year until his death.
Jazzer received the Country Music Capital Award golden guitar for services to the country music industry in January 1987. He died at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre in Melbourne on May 30, 1987. The following January, 1988, with the permission of Jazzer’s partner, Anna Rose, the quest became known as the Kmart-Jazzer Smith Memorial Talent Quest. It continued to be held each year in the Kmart complex with a number of resident hosts including Vic Lanyon and the most recent and current host, Greg Williams. It’s come a long way since that first year in the middle of the ladies’ fashion department in Kmart. Held for years in a shopping centre, the Jazzer Quest has finally found a permanent home at The Pub, thanks to the Douglas family.
In January, 2004, the quest was missing - and much missed - from the Festival calendar. That was to become the most significant year yet in the quest’s history.
Joan Douglas made the offer to host the quest at The Pub, then set about ensuring its success by obtaining sponsorship to cover the huge costs involved. Currently we welcome the Bundaberg Rum company on board. Peter Harkins, from Cheapa Music in Peel St, Tamworth, has secured sponsorship from two music companies and Greg Williams has agreed to act as compere. The Bundaberg Rum Jazzer Quest has finally come of age – long after its 21st birthday!
The 2010 Bundaber Rum Jazzer Quest will be on from Monday 18th - Friday 22nd of January at: The Pub, 99 Gunnedah Road, Tamworth (02) 6765 4875
Please direct ALL inquiries and entry forms to:
www.thepub.com.au
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