Australia mourns the loss of two icons: Football legend John Schultz and rock pioneer Judy Cannon
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Australia is mourning the loss of two iconic figures who left an indelible mark on their respective fields.
The nation has bid farewell to an Australian football legend whose skills on the field inspired countless fans and aspiring athletes. Simultaneously, the music world is grieving the passing of a beloved Australian rock icon whose electrifying performances and timeless hits defined an era.
These two legends, each a symbol of excellence in their domains, will be deeply missed by all who admired their extraordinary talents and contributions.
The Australian Rules Football community is in a state of mourning as it bids farewell to one of its most revered figures, John Schultz, who has passed away at the age of 85.
Schultz, a name synonymous with the Western Bulldogs (formerly Footscray Football Club), left behind a legacy that has touched the hearts of fans and players alike.
John Schultz's illustrious career spanned the late 1950s and 1960s, a period during which he became a household name for his formidable presence on the field.
His dedication and skill were rewarded in 1960 when he received the prestigious Brownlow Medal, an accolade reserved for the fairest and best player in the Australian Football League (AFL) during the regular season.
Schultz's impact on the game was not limited to his on-field prowess. He was a true gentleman of the sport, earning the affectionate nickname ‘Gentleman John’ for his sportsmanship and demeanour.
His career with the Bulldogs was nothing short of remarkable, with 188 games under his belt and an impressive 24 appearances representing Victoria.
The Bulldogs honoured Schultz's contributions by naming him in the back pocket of the club's Team of the Century, a testament to his enduring influence and the high regard in which he is held.
His connection to the club was further cemented when he had the honour of presenting the premiership cup to the 2016 captain Easton Wood and coach Luke Beveridge, a poignant moment that linked the club's rich history with its contemporary success.
The Western Bulldogs acknowledged the loss of their legend with a heartfelt statement, reflecting on his achievements and the indelible mark he left on the club.
‘Vale John Schultz. The club would like to pay tribute to one of our greats, John Schultz, who has passed away at the age of 85,’ the Bulldogs said.
‘“Gentleman John” played 188 games for FFC and represented Victoria 24 times, winning a Brownlow in 1960, All-Australian honours in 1961, and five club best and fairest awards.’
Tributes have poured in from all corners of the football world.
Peter Le Grand, former Melbourne Racing Club and Mayor of Waverley, shared his personal memories of Schultz, saying, ‘Today the Bulldogs have lost a legend and a magnificent man in John Schultz.’
‘I saw him play nearly every game and never a poor one. I loved him as a friend and magnificent player, my all-time favourite. RIP John, with Elaine and your brother Robert. Thanks for the memories.’
Andrew Gigacz, who was behind the scenes during the Bulldogs' 2016 triumph and author of the book Against All Odds, also paid homage to Schultz.
‘Sad to hear we've lost one of Footscray's finest, John Schultz,’ Gigacz said.
‘Chatted to Schultz a few times in my work with the Western Bulldogs, and I've just finished writing his bio for a new club history (out next year). Lived up to his “Gentleman John” moniker in every way. A huge loss.’
Meanwhile, the Australian music scene has lost one of its pioneering spirits, Judy Cannon, who passed away in Ballarat, Victoria, on August 29 at 84 after a long illness.
Born in Melbourne in 1939, Cannon's influence on rock and roll, particularly for female artists in Australia, is a testament to her trailblazing spirit and indomitable talent.
Cannon, who mingled with renowned figures such as Jimi Hendrix, Johnny O'Keefe, and Cliff Richard, is survived by her daughters Cass and Denny.
Her longtime friend, actress Coral Drouyn, honoured Judy as Australia's pioneering female rocker, praising her as a ‘unique’ and genre-defying artist.
‘She was a one-off as a person and she certainly laid the groundwork for so many artists that followed,’ Drouyn shared.
‘She broke down that glass ceiling, and she was the first female rocker in Australia. She was special, and she lived life to the fullest.’
‘All of the female singers who have done well over the past 50 years have to thank the woman who broke the ground for them more than 60 years ago,’ she continued.
Judy Cannon's journey began in the early 1950s, performing at local dances in Coburg Town Hall and Preston Town Hall.
She landed a record deal but was directed by her label to release pop songs, including her track ‘The Very First Day I Met You’.
In the late 1950s, she rose to fame with the Melbourne band The Thunderbirds, releasing a series of popular pop songs before discovering her true passion.
Cannon defied expectations and followed her true love for rock and roll, quickly becoming a household name in the Australian music scene.
Inspired by musical legends like Elvis Presley and Johnny Ray, she supported Cliff Richard and the Shadows during their Australian tour in 1961.
She was then encouraged to move to England to pursue international success as a female rock star after making a significant impact in Australia.
In England, Cannon secured a regular TV role on Terry O'Neill's One O'Clock and even performed for British royals, Princess Margaret and Princess Anne.
During her 13 years in England, she also worked as a session singer and was a backing vocalist on Jimi Hendrix's hit ‘Hey Joe’.
Cannon was well-known for her close friendship with iconic Australian rock star Johnny O'Keefe, with whom she frequently collaborated over the years.
‘[O'Keefe] liked me because I was the only female singer who could make the audience scream,’ she recalled in 1997.
She was a regular on the 1960s TV show Six O'Clock Rock, hosted by O'Keefe, where she showcased her vocal talents.
Her friend Drouyn shared that the broadcasters initially hesitated to feature Judy on television, fearing she was ‘too wild’.
Following a successful singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, she shifted from rock and roll to musical theatre in London.
She performed in several West End productions, including Gypsy, Guys and Dolls, and Bordello.
After a brief return to Australia in the 1960s, Cannon permanently relocated back to Down Under in 1977.
She had a short stint on the popular long-running children's TV show Play School before transitioning to a successful career as a real estate agent on the Gold Coast and in Ballarat.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family, friends, and relatives of John Schultz and Judy Cannon during this difficult time. May they rest in peace.
To our readers, we invite you to share your memories of John Schultz and Judy Cannon. Have you ever seen them play or perform live? Share your stories with us in the comments below.
The nation has bid farewell to an Australian football legend whose skills on the field inspired countless fans and aspiring athletes. Simultaneously, the music world is grieving the passing of a beloved Australian rock icon whose electrifying performances and timeless hits defined an era.
These two legends, each a symbol of excellence in their domains, will be deeply missed by all who admired their extraordinary talents and contributions.
The Australian Rules Football community is in a state of mourning as it bids farewell to one of its most revered figures, John Schultz, who has passed away at the age of 85.
Schultz, a name synonymous with the Western Bulldogs (formerly Footscray Football Club), left behind a legacy that has touched the hearts of fans and players alike.
John Schultz's illustrious career spanned the late 1950s and 1960s, a period during which he became a household name for his formidable presence on the field.
Australia mourns the passing of Australian Rules Football legend John Schultz at 85. Credit: Instagram / Western Bulldogs
His dedication and skill were rewarded in 1960 when he received the prestigious Brownlow Medal, an accolade reserved for the fairest and best player in the Australian Football League (AFL) during the regular season.
Schultz's impact on the game was not limited to his on-field prowess. He was a true gentleman of the sport, earning the affectionate nickname ‘Gentleman John’ for his sportsmanship and demeanour.
His career with the Bulldogs was nothing short of remarkable, with 188 games under his belt and an impressive 24 appearances representing Victoria.
The Bulldogs honoured Schultz's contributions by naming him in the back pocket of the club's Team of the Century, a testament to his enduring influence and the high regard in which he is held.
His connection to the club was further cemented when he had the honour of presenting the premiership cup to the 2016 captain Easton Wood and coach Luke Beveridge, a poignant moment that linked the club's rich history with its contemporary success.
The Western Bulldogs acknowledged the loss of their legend with a heartfelt statement, reflecting on his achievements and the indelible mark he left on the club.
‘Vale John Schultz. The club would like to pay tribute to one of our greats, John Schultz, who has passed away at the age of 85,’ the Bulldogs said.
‘“Gentleman John” played 188 games for FFC and represented Victoria 24 times, winning a Brownlow in 1960, All-Australian honours in 1961, and five club best and fairest awards.’
Tributes have poured in from all corners of the football world.
Peter Le Grand, former Melbourne Racing Club and Mayor of Waverley, shared his personal memories of Schultz, saying, ‘Today the Bulldogs have lost a legend and a magnificent man in John Schultz.’
‘I saw him play nearly every game and never a poor one. I loved him as a friend and magnificent player, my all-time favourite. RIP John, with Elaine and your brother Robert. Thanks for the memories.’
Andrew Gigacz, who was behind the scenes during the Bulldogs' 2016 triumph and author of the book Against All Odds, also paid homage to Schultz.
‘Sad to hear we've lost one of Footscray's finest, John Schultz,’ Gigacz said.
‘Chatted to Schultz a few times in my work with the Western Bulldogs, and I've just finished writing his bio for a new club history (out next year). Lived up to his “Gentleman John” moniker in every way. A huge loss.’
Meanwhile, the Australian music scene has lost one of its pioneering spirits, Judy Cannon, who passed away in Ballarat, Victoria, on August 29 at 84 after a long illness.
Born in Melbourne in 1939, Cannon's influence on rock and roll, particularly for female artists in Australia, is a testament to her trailblazing spirit and indomitable talent.
Cannon, who mingled with renowned figures such as Jimi Hendrix, Johnny O'Keefe, and Cliff Richard, is survived by her daughters Cass and Denny.
Her longtime friend, actress Coral Drouyn, honoured Judy as Australia's pioneering female rocker, praising her as a ‘unique’ and genre-defying artist.
The music world grieves the loss of pioneering Australian rock icon Judy Cannon, who passed away at 84. Credit: X / Herald Sun
‘She was a one-off as a person and she certainly laid the groundwork for so many artists that followed,’ Drouyn shared.
‘She broke down that glass ceiling, and she was the first female rocker in Australia. She was special, and she lived life to the fullest.’
‘All of the female singers who have done well over the past 50 years have to thank the woman who broke the ground for them more than 60 years ago,’ she continued.
Judy Cannon's journey began in the early 1950s, performing at local dances in Coburg Town Hall and Preston Town Hall.
She landed a record deal but was directed by her label to release pop songs, including her track ‘The Very First Day I Met You’.
In the late 1950s, she rose to fame with the Melbourne band The Thunderbirds, releasing a series of popular pop songs before discovering her true passion.
Cannon defied expectations and followed her true love for rock and roll, quickly becoming a household name in the Australian music scene.
Inspired by musical legends like Elvis Presley and Johnny Ray, she supported Cliff Richard and the Shadows during their Australian tour in 1961.
She was then encouraged to move to England to pursue international success as a female rock star after making a significant impact in Australia.
In England, Cannon secured a regular TV role on Terry O'Neill's One O'Clock and even performed for British royals, Princess Margaret and Princess Anne.
During her 13 years in England, she also worked as a session singer and was a backing vocalist on Jimi Hendrix's hit ‘Hey Joe’.
Cannon was well-known for her close friendship with iconic Australian rock star Johnny O'Keefe, with whom she frequently collaborated over the years.
‘[O'Keefe] liked me because I was the only female singer who could make the audience scream,’ she recalled in 1997.
She was a regular on the 1960s TV show Six O'Clock Rock, hosted by O'Keefe, where she showcased her vocal talents.
Her friend Drouyn shared that the broadcasters initially hesitated to feature Judy on television, fearing she was ‘too wild’.
Following a successful singing career in the 1950s and 1960s, she shifted from rock and roll to musical theatre in London.
She performed in several West End productions, including Gypsy, Guys and Dolls, and Bordello.
After a brief return to Australia in the 1960s, Cannon permanently relocated back to Down Under in 1977.
She had a short stint on the popular long-running children's TV show Play School before transitioning to a successful career as a real estate agent on the Gold Coast and in Ballarat.
To our readers, we invite you to share your memories of John Schultz and Judy Cannon. Have you ever seen them play or perform live? Share your stories with us in the comments below.
