Yvonne Barrett

Yvonne Frances Barrett (19462 September 1985) was an Australian pop singer. She reached the top 60 Kent Music Report singles chart with her cover versions of "You're the One"/"Little People", in October 1965. She released other singles in that, and the following, decade. Barrett also appeared on TV shows in the 1960s and 1970s. She became a session singer and performed on the club circuit. Barrett married Hoang Van Truong, a Vietnam War veteran, in December 1983; the couple separated in the following year. Truong was found guilty of Barrett's 1985 murder and was sentenced to life imprisonment without parole, in August 1986.

Biography

Yvonne Barrett was the daughter of Ted and Sheila Barrett, and was raised with two siblings. The family lived in Braybrook, Victoria. Barrett started ballet lessons at the age of two and a half.

In January 1957 she performed in the pantomime, Jack and Jill, at the Princess Theatre, Melbourne. In 1963 she joined the cast of Swallow's Juniors, a children's TV talent contest and entertainment show on HSV7. She took singing lessons in her mid-teens, which led to musical theatre including, The Sound of Music, in the role of Louisa von Trapp, at the Princess Theatre in October 1961. She subsequently appeared in Carnival!, Wild Cat and Stop the World – I Want to Get Off. backed by her rendition of Chloee Harris' "Little People", in October 1965. In December Barrett, along with fellow TV personalities, Ian Turpie, Tommy Hanlon Jr and Pat Carroll, entertained Australian troops during the Vietnam War. They were "the first Government-sponsored entertainment team" to visit the Australian troops in Vietnam. appeared in July 1966 and was followed by "Don't Bother Callin'" in October; Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, described the singles as, "minor hits in Melbourne." Barrett was presented with a Việt Cộng flag during one of her two tours. Australian pop music newspaper, Go-Set (not related to Go!! Show or Go!! Records), published an annual poll of their readers, which included female-based categories, where she was listed at No. 7 Girl Vocal (1966), No. 6 Top Girl Singer (1967), No. 7 Female Vocal (1969), No. 5 Girl (1970), No. 6 Best Girl Vocal (1971) and No. 6 Female Vocalist (1972). In 1970 she released a single, "Lu" (originally by Laura Nyro), which featured her big voice with a brassy jazz-rock, Blood Sweat & Tears arrangement.

Although not achieving further chart success she retained popularity due to live appearances, and being on national TV shows, Uptight and Happening 70-72. She performed "Always Something There to Remind Me" and Rare Earth's, "Get Ready". During the 1970s she moved into session work and club appearances,

Barrett's funeral was held at Christ the King Catholic Church, Braybrook, Victoria. It was attended by Australian show business celebrities including, Bert and Patti Newton. Patti posted a condolence notice in The Age, "What wonderful times to remember of growing up together." Barrett was buried at Altona Memorial Park, Victoria.

Discography

Singles

"Little People" / "You're the One" (October 1965) – Go!! Records KMR No. 58, 1970 herself Girl Vocal 5th