Play School star and celebrated jazz musician Judy Bailey has passes away aged 89.
The Auckland-born artist passed away in Willoughby, Sydney on Friday, leaving behind a legacy filled with music, teaching and television.
Bailey began learning music when she was just 10 years old. By 16, she had earned a diploma from Trinity College London. She moved to Sydney in 1960 and became part of the city’s busy jazz scene, playing at the famous El Rocco club.
She went on to appear on all three major TV networks, performing with Tommy Tycho’s Orchestra on Channel Seven, John Bamford’s Orchestra on Channel Nine, and Jack Grimsley’s Orchestra on Channel 10.
In 1973, Bailey helped set up the jazz studies program at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, a role she cared about deeply. She also worked on the ABC’s Radio Kindergarten program, which led to her role on Play School, where she became a familiar and loved face.
Over the years, she directed the Sydney Youth Jazz Ensemble, toured Southeast Asia with Musica Viva, and was the musical director for the Sydney Opera House’s Bennelong jazz series.
Her work was recognised with many awards, including the Order of Australia Medal in 2004, the APRA Jazz Composition Award, and induction into the Australian Jazz Bell Hall of Fame in 2014.
Tributes have poured in from fellow musicians, with Musician Virna Sanzone writing: “I’m one of probably thousands of musicians lucky enough to have been mentored, nurtured and championed by Judy. Her generosity, energy and positivity seemed to be boundless.”
“I met Judy in 1996 when I was as green as could be. Two years later, I was singing as part of her trio at the Opera House. She lovingly threw me in the deep end so many times in my early days as a singer, and I can’t thank her enough for that,” she continued.
“Judy taught us all so much. For one thing, I can safely say I owe a lot of my inner musical world to Judy. She taught people to listen, to really hear, deeply. What a precious gift for any musician.”
Melbourne musician Grant Windsor wrote: “One of Australia’s greatest jazz ambassadors, pianists, composers and educators of all time. An inspiration to everyone who met her.”
Judy Bailey is survived by her children, Chris and Lisette.
Image: Seven/ Facebook
