Known for his down-to-earth personality, protruding teeth, and classical songs such as “The Sheik of Scrubby Creek”, “You Can Keep Your Wimmln, I’ll Stick to My Beer” and “I’m My Own Grandpa”, Chad Morgan is easily one of Australia’s most loved country singers and guitarists. He has been married twice and is the father of three children: Allan, Chad Jr., and Janelle.
Chad possibly knew he was made for the stage when he decided to learn the guitar on his own. Despite the challenges he faced growing up, he finally proved his points with several recognitions and awards to his name.
Chad Morgan Was Married Twice
Pam Mitchell
Chad Morgan’s first wife was Pam Mitchell, a fellow singer. albeit not so famous. There are no details on how the pair met and when their relationship started. However, it’s recorded that they got married in 1957.
The pair were together for many years which saw the birth of their three children, Allan, Chad Jr., and Janelle. While not so much is known about his first marriage, sources report that they got divorced as Mitchell couldn’t put up with his drinking problems. Needless to say, Chad battled alcoholism for several years.
Joanie Chad
Joanie and Chad first met as in-laws since she was married to one of his cousins whom he didn’t get along with so well. The marriage wasn’t a great one as Joanie always seemed unhappy.
The pair would cross paths severally but maintained boundaries until one of Chad’s birthday nights. From what we gathered, he made his move to her and expressed that though he was uncertain about how he fell for her, he was sure that they would be together someday before walking away.
Four days after that, Joanie also confirmed that the feelings they shared were mutual. This would then see them get married on September 14, 1985, in a ceremony that was witnessed by close friends and family members.
After over 3 decades of being together, Joanie sadly passed away in 2017. Since then, Chad has remained unmarried. He recalls the 34 years they spent as a couple as the happiest years of his life.
Here are 7 Interesting Facts about the Australian Singer and Guitarist
1. Chad Morgan was raised by his Grandparents
Chad Morgan was born Chadwick Williams Morgan on February 11, 1933, and he’s 91 years old at the moment. The eldest of 14 children, he was raised in Wondai, Queensland, by his grandparents Eva and Bill Hopkins, who lived their lives away from the spotlight. Nonetheless, he wrote a song about his aboriginal heritage, which he titled “The Ballad of Bill and Eva“.
Chad’s parents have also maintained their privacy. What is known however is that his mother is Ivy and his father Dave, a timber and cane cutter.
In 1945 after the death of Chad’s grandfather, he moved to Scrubby Creek alongside his grandmother to live with his parents and siblings.
2. He juggled several jobs as a youth
Chad Morgan left school at the age of 14 and got involved in menial jobs. Like his father, he found work cutting timbers and later began to work on cattle farms near Rockhampton.
It was while working at the farm that he started composing his songs and also trying out Australian slang, such as “sheilas”, “drongos”, “dills”, and “geezers” which would later give his songs a unique blend.
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3. Chad was discovered through Australia’s Amateur talent contest
It’s possible that Chad’s talent would have only been within the confines of his hometown if he had not participated in Australia’s Amateur Hour. He made it to the radio talent contest where he sang his original song “The Sheik of Scrubby Creek” and made it to the final stage.
At the time, his musical interest was no surprise since his grandparents played accordion and fiddle while his parents were amateur musicians.
As a child, he began his practices on mandolin and guitar which he built while living with his grandparents. It was later that his grandmother got him his first guitar.
4. Chad Morgan’s career has spanned over 7 decades
The Australian singer began his career professionally while completing his national service obligation in the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). It was at the same time that he signed with Regal Zonophone Records, a subsidiary of the EMI.
In 1952, he recorded the song that had brought to the spotlight “The Sheik of Scrubby Creek” together with “You Can Keep Your Wimmln and I’ll Stick to My Beer”.
Since then, he has become a force in the industry and is even considered the only original country music artist in Australia according to Tex Morton. As you would find, many artists including Col Elliott and John Williamson have impersonated him in their shows.
Chad’s career as a country music singer and guitarist has spanned over 70 years which has seen him collaborate with several artists such as Slim Dusty, the All-Star Western Show, and the Chad Morgan Show. He has released 18 studio albums and has had platinum and gold album sales.
Aside from singing, his personality and talent have also led him to appear in films such as “Newsfront” and “Dimboola.”
5. His recognition and awards
Chad’s popularity and comedic talent have made him one of Australia’s most beloved country music artists and he has received several awards and recognition. In 1987, he was inducted into the Australian Roll of Renown at the Country Music Awards of Australia.
Additionally, he was awarded an Order of Australia Medal (OAM) on Australia Day in 2004 for his service to country music.
6. Chad Morgan once made a dentist appointment to fix his protruding teeth
One thing you’ll easily notice about Chad Morgan is his protruding teeth. While this has since become a signature part of his appearance, the singer used to be tormented by it.
According to him, he once fixed an appointment to have his protruding teeth removed, as he was often teased about them. However, on the day of the appointment, the farm truck broke down, and he was unable to make it to the dentist. Looking back, he reflects that he was glad he never made another appointment.
7. He was a victim of a death hoax
Chad Morgan has been a victim of a death hoax not once but twice. The first time was over a decade ago when the 4GY radio station announced that he was dead. This news spread life throughout social media and calls from his family members began to flood in. The news almost caused his sister Helen a heart attack. She revealed that the news left her devasted. According to her;
“My heart was going thump, thump, thump. I got a terrible shock.”
Even though the station later apologized publicly for the rumor. Chad was unhappy about the announcement and decided to release a documentary “I’m Not Dead Yet” which was filmed in 2011.
The second time rumors of his death made waves was sometime in 2018. The news wasn’t traced to any source but was everywhere on social media. Again, the iconic singer refuted the news.
