Eric Bogle
b. 1944
Australian
Summary
Eric Bogle is an Australian Scottish-born folk singer/songwriter who emigrated to Australia at the age of 25 in 1969. He became one of Australia’s best-known war-themed peace activists and eventually channeled his passion for activism through music.
Bogle is best known for his song And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda (1971), which was named in 2001 as one of the APRA Top 30 Australian songs of all time. To mark the 50th Anniversary of the work in 2021, Wise Music has commissioned classical arrangements to be created by Australian composer and arranger Joseph Twist, including a large orchestral and choral arrangement and a chorus with piano accompaniment.
And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda has been covered by many notable musicians and has been translated into various languages over the years. Performed at a multitude of international events, And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda has been recognised as a timeless song which continues to challenge and de-glorify the concept of war.
Bogle has written songs that have become Australian classics, covering a wide range of subjects and themes. His extensive catalogue also includes comedic, satirical and protest songs, as well as serious songs about the human condition, which have been recorded by the likes of Joan Baez, Mary Black, Donovan, Slim Dusty, John Williamson, Billy Bragg, The Pogues, The Furies, and many more.
In 1987, Eric Bogle was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his service to the performing arts as a songwriter and singer. He was also awarded a peace medal from the U.N. for his efforts to promote peace and racial harmony through his music.
Biography
Eric Bogle is an Australian Scottish-born folk singer/songwriter who emigrated to Australia at the age of 25 in 1969. He became one of Australia’s best-known war-themed peace activists and eventually channeled his passion for activism through music.
Bogle is best known for his song And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda (1971), which was named in 2001 as one of the APRA Top 30 Australian songs of all time. To mark the 50th Anniversary of the work in 2021, Wise Music has commissioned classical arrangements to be created by Australian composer and arranger Joseph Twist, including a large orchestral and choral arrangement and a chorus with piano accompaniment.
And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda has been covered by many notable musicians and has been translated into various languages over the years. Performed at a multitude of international events, And The Band Played Waltzing Matilda has been recognised as a timeless song which continues to challenge and de-glorify the concept of war.
Bogle has written songs that have become Australian classics, covering a wide range of subjects and themes. His extensive catalogue also includes comedic, satirical and protest songs, as well as serious songs about the human condition, which have been recorded by the likes of Joan Baez, Mary Black, Donovan, Slim Dusty, John Williamson, Billy Bragg, The Pogues, The Furies, and many more.
In 1987, Eric Bogle was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in recognition of his service to the performing arts as a songwriter and singer. He was also awarded a peace medal from the U.N. for his efforts to promote peace and racial harmony through his music.