Legendary Australian music producer and manager, Glenn Wheatley, has died following complications from COVID-19, aged 74.
Mr Wheatley, who launched the careers of John Farnham and Delta Goodrem passed away in a Melbourne hospital yesterday.
He had been a central figure in Australia’s music industry for more than 40 years after getting his start as a musician in the 1960s rock band, The Master Apprentices.
In a statement posted to their Facebook page, The Masters Apprentices said they were “deeply saddened” to hear of his death.
“He has left his mark forever on Australian Music,” the band said.
“We will miss him greatly. Our deepest sympathies to his wife Gaynor, son Tim and daughters Samantha and Kara.
“Always a Masters Apprentice! With thoughts, memories and love — Brian, Mick, Gavin, Rick, Craig and Bill.”
The Brisbane-born Wheatley managed the hugely successful Little River Band in the 1970s – the first Australian-based band to achieve multi-platinum record sales in the USA.
He then went on to manage his close friend, John Farnham, famously mortgaging his own house to bankroll the singer’s 1986 album, Whispering Jack – the singer’s most popular album of his career and still the highest-selling album in Australia by an Australian artist.
He remained Farnham’s manager up until his death. Wheatley was also responsible for launching the career of pop singer and The Voice host, Delta Goodrem as a teenager.
Well-known Channel Nine entertainment reporter, Richard Wilkins, shared his grief in a tweet last night.Â
“Gutted… what a man… what a life,” Wilkins tweeted.
Wheatley is survived by his wife Gaynor Martin and their three children.
