Paul Kelly named 2015 recipient of JC Williamson Award

Singer/songwriter Paul Kelly has been tapped to received the JC Williamson Award, Live Performance Australia’s (LPA) prestigious annual award for outstanding contribution to the enrichment of Australian live entertainment and performing arts culture.

The JC Williamson Award goes to those who have shaped the future of Australia’s live performance industry for the better.

Kelly will presented with the award at the 15th annual Helpmann Awards ceremony, which will be held at the Capitol Theatre in Sydney on Monday 27 July.

“Mr Kelly’s prolific career is extensive and reflects his passion and commitment to creating, performing, and producing music over more than three decades,” said Evelyn Richardson, LPA Chief Executive.

“During the past 35 years, Mr Kelly has come to be recognised and respected as one of Australia’s most accomplished songwriters and performers, with many of his songs now lodged deeply into the Australian psyche.

“His commitment to mentoring and supporting younger artists is legendary as is his engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander musicians and communities.

“He has been lauded as a poet and storyteller who captures the essence of what it is to live in this country with all its complexities and foibles.”

Kelly’s career spans more than 35 years. He has recorded 20 studio albums, several film soundtracks, two live albums, and has written a critically acclaimed memoir.

“Live performance is the crucible, the nitty gritty, where you make mistakes and find the stuff that works. So this is an important award to be a part of. Thank you to all involved,” said Mr Kelly.

Kelly joins the ranks of previous JC Williamson Award recipients, including Dame Joan Sutherland OM AC DBE, Barry Humphries AO CBE, Michael Gudinski AM, John Farnham AO, Kylie Minogue OBE, and Graeme Murphy AM.

The Helpmann Awards Ceremony, including the presentation of the JC Williamson Award® to Mr Kelly, will be broadcast live on Foxtel Arts, Monday 27 July at 7.30 pm, and presented on the set of Les Miserables in Sydney.

Tickets to the ceremony are now available here.