Richard Wilkins' emotional tribute to fallen star Renée Geyer
Legendary Australian soul and jazz singer Renée Geyer has been remembered in a moving tribute from Richard Wilkins.
Renée died at the age of 69 following complications from hip surgery, with her family telling supporters in a statement via Renée’s record label that “it was discovered that Renée also had inoperable lung cancer … she was in no pain and died peacefully amongst family and friends.”
Richard, who spent time with Renée throughout his career in entertainment, recalled what the talented singer was like one-on-one, naming her a “great talent”.
Renée’s husky vocals provided a soundtrack for many Australians during the '70s and '80s, after Renée launched her solo career with a self-titled album in September 1973.
"She was just part of that Australian music collective from the seventies and eighties, and she never really embraced the industry," Wilkins told 9Honey Celebrity, “she did it on her own terms. She was just a true artist, really.”
“She would be very positive and aggressive about her work,” he said, recalling how Renée would reach out to him over his response to her new releases, “and I loved her for that.”
Renée’s talent and drive saw her awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2018 Australian Women in Music Awards, and inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2005. In 2013, Renée made history when she became the first woman to be inducted into the Music Victoria Hall of Fame.
Of her legacy, Richard shared his opinion that "hers was a voice for the ages and in a different time and a different place, she should have been a global superstar.
“Us oldies love her and respect her. Whenever I've been asked over the years 'Who are the best singers in Australia or the best voices?' I'll obviously always include people like John Farnham and Tina Arena, and Renee Geyer was always one of my favourite picks.
"She was always on my top 10 and will remain there."
Friends and fans took to social media to share their grief, and to honour Renée alongside Wilkins.
“Renée Geyer. A game changer. A soul diva. My sister in song,” wrote fellow singer Marcia Hines, “heartfelt condolences to her family and friends, and to the Australian music industry as a whole who have just lost a person who possessed one of the greatest voices I have ever heard.”
Meanwhile, Midnight Oil’s Peter Garrett reflected on performing with Renée at a charity event, paying tribute to the star with his tweet, “she blew the roof off. One of the very best voices we ever had the privilege to hear.”
Oh dear, big loss. Condolences to family, friends, fans. Sang with Renee at a charity show back in the day, of course she blew the roof off. One of the very best voices we ever had the privilege to hear. ‘Renee Geyer dies aged 69 https://t.co/92ml2WEQwy via @ABCaustralia
— Peter Garrett (@pgarrett) January 17, 2023
“Renée was irrepressible, cheeky and loyal and her musical legacy speaks for itself, with her performing and recording career spanning five decades,” her family shared in their statement, echoing sentiments from across the globe, “(she) lived her life as she performed — on her own terms and to the fullest. Beloved and respected, she was a force of nature and a national treasure, and her passing leaves a giant void in the Australian music industry.”
Images: RCA Victor / Twitter