Legendary Australian musician, Doug Parkinson has died suddenly at his home on Sydney’s northern beaches, aged 74.
Mr Parkinson’s publicist, Lionel Midford confirmed the “saddest news” last night, describing him as a “legendary recording artist with a powerful and soulful voice”.
“Doug Parkinson passed away suddenly at home,” he said in a statement.
“Doug Parkinson was widely considered one of the most unusual and influential singer/songwriters in the history of contemporary music.”
Mr Parkinson formed Strings and Things and, in the 1960s, The Questions, which went on to support The Who and Small Faces on tour.
He earned worldwide fame in 1969 after he formed Doug Parkinson in Focus, recording a cover of The Beatles’ Dear Prudence.
The rocker’s son, Daniel Parkinson, told The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age on Monday night that his father was “one of the greatest professional musicians of this country”.
“He had, I think, an especially high standard of music – playing and proficiency,” he said.
“He was very demanding in terms of what he expected from musicians and what he gave out on stage. He was always an absolute professional … that’s the thing I’ll remember about him.”
The performer had a number of upcoming shows planned for various states including at the Thebarton Theatre in Torrensville, South Australia on Thursday.
He is survived by his wife, Suzie, and their sons, Daniel and John.
