Don Spencer

Biography Early life Spencer was born in Tamworth during the depression era in 1937 to John Henry and Lillian May Spencer and attended Tamworth High School He attended Tamworth High School.

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 Four Seasons, The Hollies and Marianne Faithfull. 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".

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. 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. In 1977, Spencer wrote his next single, "What's a Pommie?" The track was covered by fellow Australians Rolf Harris and Col Elliott.

Play School: Children's entertainer

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. He continued on both versions for 17 years, He continued on the Australian version until 1992 with guest appearance's in 1999, 2016 (for the 50th anniversary) and 2024.

In 2002, Spencer established the Australian Children's Music Foundation (ACMF) as its inaugural CEO. 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". In 2008, Spencer was awarded for Excellence in Community Support presented by Support Act Limited.

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. 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".

Personal life

Don Spencer married Julie Horsfall, a caterer from Yorkshire. They have two children: Dean and Danielle Spencer (born 16 May 1969).

Spencer resides in Darlinghurst, New South Wales.

Discography Albums Title Details CertificationDon Spencer from Play School sings 21 Children's FavouritesReleased: 1984 Label: J&B (JB 095) Formar: LPFeathers, Fur or FinsReleased: 1985 Label: ABC Records (836 053–1) Format: LP, Cassette ARIA: Gold ARIA: Gold Let's Have FunReleased: 1990 Label: ABC Records (846 596–1) Format: LP, Cassette, CDThe Best of Don SpencerReleased: August 1991 Label: ABC Records Format: LP, Cassette, CD Peaked at number 110 on the ARIA charts "The Garden"(as Australia Too) 1985 22 "If" 2023 "Hold On To Your Dream" 2024

TV and filmography Bandstand – television series Barry McKenzie Holds His Own (1974) King's Men – television series (1976) Sons and Daughters – television series (1982) Return to Eden – television series (1986) A Country Practice – television series (1991) Play School – UK television series (1972–86)

Awards Tamworth Songwriters Awards 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. Don Spencer won one award in that time. (wins only) 1995 "Pete the Lorikeet" by Don Spencer Children's Song of the Year

APRA Music Awards Year Nominated works Award Result Ref 1995 "Have a Beaut Day" Most Performed Children's Work "Stand Up"

ARIA Music Awards Year Recipient(s) and nominee(s) Category Result 1989 Australian Animal Songs Best Children's Album 1990 Australia for Kids 1991 Let's Have Fun 1998 Australian Classics

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.

2024 Outstanding Achievement Award