John Schumann
John Schumann AM | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | John Lewis Schumann |
| Born | 18 May 1953 North Adelaide,South Australia, Australia |
| Genres | Rock,Australian folk |
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1975–current |
| Labels | ABC Music Larrikin CBS Epic Columbia Sony |
| Website | schumann |
John Lewis Schumann[1]AM(born 18 May 1953)[2]is an Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist fromAdelaide.[3]He is best known as the lead singer for thefolkgroupRedgum,with their chart-topping hit "I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green)",a song exploring the psychological and medical side-effects of serving in the Australian forces during theVietnam War.The song's sales assisted Vietnam Veterans during the 1983 Royal Commission into the effects ofAgent Orangeand other chemical defoliants employed during the war.[3]Schumann was anAustralian Democratscandidate in the 1998 federal election, narrowly failing to unseat Australian Foreign MinisterAlexander Downerfor theDivision of Mayo.[4]
Since 2005 he has been performing as part ofJohn Schumann and the Vagabond Crew,including fellow ex-Redgum memberHugh McDonald.[5]
Biography
[edit]1975–1985: Redgum
[edit]Schumann was born on 18 May 1953[2]and attendedRostrevor College,[6]and thenFlinders Universitystudying philosophy, English and drama for his Bachelor of Arts.[7]In 1975 he contributed to a radical politics in art project, convened by ProfessorBrian Medlinwith fellow students Michael Atkinson and Verity Truman. The three students went on to form political folk bandRedgumand began performing in local pubs and campuses. An 'underground recording' of their music was made at theAustralian Broadcasting Corporation(ABC) studios in Adelaide by Darc Cassidy – the tapes went on to become popular on campuses across Australia and on independent radio. Chris Timms (also from Flinders University) joined the group in 1976 and they toured to Melbourne as a part-time group. Schumann was by then teaching English and Drama at Marion High School and performing on weekends and school holidays. By December 1980, they decided to become a full-time band. Schumann wrote their biggest hits including "Long Run", "The Last Frontier", "I Was Only Nineteen" (March 1983) and "I've Been to Bali Too" (1984).[1]In 1985 Redgum toured overseas performing at major festivals across England and Europe including the Edinburgh Festival and in war torn Belfast in Northern Ireland. The band had a strong following in Scandinavia. He has now written a picture book with the lyrics of "I was only Nineteen"[citation needed].And has got a book coming out about police mental health[citation needed].
1985–1993: Early solo music career
[edit]Schumann left Redgum (late 1985) due to continual pressure to tour and to spend more time with his young family in the Adelaide Hills returned to teaching at Reynella East Primary School.[8]He embarked upon a solo career withCBS,where he released several records, includingEtched in Blue(1987), and a children's record,Looby Loo(1989).[9]The 1987 single "Borrowed Ground" fromEtched in Bluewas given theAustralasian Performing Right Association(APRA) Most Performed Australasian Country Work Award in 1988.[10]In 1992 he recorded a single forSonytitled "Eyes on Fire", this was followed by an album forColumbia Recordsin 1993,True Believers.[9]
1998–2001: Political career
[edit]Schumann used his public profile and became involved in social justice issues: rallying against Queensland's PremierJoh Bjelke-Petersen;the 'Save The Franklin River' campaign including as a member of Gordon Franklin & the Wilderness Ensemble (contained members ofGoannaand Redgum) to record a single "Let the Franklin Flow" in 1983[9]and seeking justice and compensation for Vietnam Veterans in the 1980s and 1990s.
In 1998 Schumann accepted an appointment as the chief of staff for the then leader of theAustralian Democrats,Meg Lees.He stood against Australian Foreign MinisterAlexander Downerfor theDivision of MayoinAdelaide,winning 22.4% of the primary vote to Downer's 45.6%, taking the vote to preferences. After the distribution ofpreferences,Downer held the seat 51.7% to Schumann's 48.3%. Despite coming close to winning the seat, Schumann decided not to contest the seat in the 2001 election, citing a number of reasons including family commitments and the Democrats' decision to remove Lees as party leader in favour ofNatasha Stott Despojain April 2001.[4]
2001–current: later career
[edit]Schumann is a co-director of Schumann & Associates – a communications, public relations and consultancy company. He speaks on issues of social justice and Australian identity to universities and companies. In 2008 Flinders University recognised him as a distinguished alumnus for his contribution to Australian music and social justice. He is not affiliated with any political party.
In 2005 Schumann invited a number of musicians (including ex-RedgummembersHugh McDonaldand Michael Atkinson) to play and sing on an album,Lawson,which comprises songs Schumann wrote based on poems by Australian poetHenry Lawson.Lawsonwas credited toJohn Schumann and the Vagabond Crewand released by ABC Music.
Schumann and Redgum were bought back to public attention in 2006 when Australian hip-hop groupThe Herdcovered "I Was Only 19"with Schumann supplying some vocals. On 18 August 2006, John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew performed inVũng Tàu,Vietnam, to mark the 40th anniversary of theBattle of Long Tân.[3]The concert was broadcast nationally by ABC radio.[11]
In 2007 John Schumann and The Vagabond Crew provided the music for a stage play,Lawson,starringMax CullenasHenry Lawson.After refusing to appear live on the 1980s ABC music-TV show,Countdown,Schumann appeared in theCountdown Spectacular 2concert series in Australia in August and September 2007. He sang the Redgum hit "I Was Only 19" only. From late 2007, John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew have appeared at major music festivals around Australia. Schumann signed a new multi-album deal withABC MusicandBehind the Lines,an album of songs related to Australians at war, was released in August 2008.
Schumann has performed for Australian forces overseas several times. In December 2009 he visitedEast Timorto play forAustralian and New Zealandtroops stationed there,[12]in September–October 2011 he played for Australian troops in Afghanistan[13]and in July 2013 he played for Australian troops and Australian Federal Police in theSolomon Islands.[14]
In 2011 Schumann worked with the Defence department on "Dents in the Soul", a project designed to help soldiers deal withpost traumatic stress disorder.[15]
In 2015, Schumann recorded "Kokoda – Only The Brave Ones", a duet withLee Kernaghanfor his albumSpirit of the Anzacs.[16]
In 2015 he was commission by the Australian Army to write "Every Anzac Day", a song about aboriginal soldiers who served in the Australian military. It was released in April 2015 ahead of the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.[17]It was released with "Anzac Biscuits" as a B-side.[18]
Personal life
[edit]Schumann met Denise 'Denny' Storen in 1981 and they later married. She is the sister of Vietnam veteran Mick Storen, whose recollections inspired "I Was Only Nineteen".[19]The couple have a son and a daughter.
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| AUS [20][21] | ||
| Etched in Blue | 63 | |
| John Schumann Goes Looby-Loo: A Collection of Songs for Little Kids |
|
116 |
| True Believers |
|
— |
| Lawson (as John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew) |
|
— |
| Behind the Lines (as John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew) |
|
— |
| Ghosts and Memories (as John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew) |
|
— |
Compilation albums
[edit]| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Portrait: The Very Best of John Schumann |
|
| Gelignite Jack – The John Schumann Collection |
|
Charting singles
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| AUS [20][21] | |||
| "Borrowed Ground" | 1987 | 91 | Etched in Blue |
| "Eyes on Fire" " | 1992 | 123 | True Believers |
Awards
[edit]Order of Australia
[edit]In 2014, Schumann was awarded the Medal of theOrder of Australia(OAM) in the2014 Australia Day Honoursfor "service to music, and to the veteran community".[22]In 2022, Schumann was appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the2022 Australia Day Honoursfor "significant service to the veteran community, to music, and to the community".[23]
ARIA Music Awards
[edit]| Year | Nominated works | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1989 | John Schumann Goes Looby-Loo | Best Children's Album | Nominated |
Country Music Awards of Australia
[edit]TheCountry Music Awards of Australia(CMAA) (also known as the Golden Guitar Awards) is an annual awards night held in January during theTamworth Country Music Festival,celebrating recording excellence in the Australian country music industry. They have been held annually since 1973.[24]
| Year | Nominee / work | Award | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1984 | "I Was Only 19" (written by John Schumann) performed by Redgum | Top Selling Song of the Year | Won |
| APRA Song of the Year | Won |
Footnotes
[edit]- ^ab"Australasian Performing Right Association".APRA.Archived fromthe originalon 5 December 2007.Retrieved6 November2007.
- ^ab"The Advertiser 19 May 1953 Page 18".National Library of Australia.19 May 1953.Retrieved23 January2013.
- ^abcTuoi, Tre (6 September 2006)."John Schumann – an artist of anti-war songs".VietNamNet Bridge. Archived fromthe originalon 28 March 2007.Retrieved6 November2007.
- ^abKirk, Alexandra (4 July 2001)."John Schumann will not stand at next elections".Australian Broadcasting Corporation.Retrieved24 April2008.
- ^Lawson album websiteMain page
- ^https://assets.cdn.thewebconsole /S3WEB4578/images/Week-6-Term-3-Newsletter-2016.pdf[bare URL PDF]
- ^"Songlines: Eric Bogle and John Schumann in concert and conversation".catalogue.National Library of Australia.22 December 2009.Retrieved20 March2010.
- ^Is Redgum Still Relevant? John Schumann reflects before he brings the songs back to QLD
- ^abc"John Schumann".Australian Rock Database.Magnus Holmgren. Archived fromthe originalon 14 December 2007.Retrieved6 November2007.
- ^"Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) 1988 Awards".APRA.Archived fromthe originalon 23 July 2008.Retrieved22 May2008.
- ^"Radio National: 40 years on – Long Tan".ABC.Retrieved21 January2008.
- ^FacebookFacebook album
- ^Soundcloud websiteJohn Schumann talks about his November gig with the Vagabond Crew in CanberraRetrieved on 5 January 2012
- ^Department of DefenseOne last show before curtain draws on Operation ANODE 26 July 2013
- ^ABC websiteWar and the damage done: The music of John SchumannRetrieved on 5 January 2012
- ^ABC shopSpirit of the Anzacs (Deluxe)Retrieved 25 March 2015
- ^Mosley, Lisa and Pianegonda, EliseMusician who penned Vietnam war anthem 'I Was Only 19' pays tribute to Indigenous soldiers in new song 18 April 2015ABC NewsRetrieved 20 April 2015
- ^John Schumann websiteDiscographyRetrieved 28 August 2015
- ^Schumann, John (August 2006)."I Was Only 19 – The John Schumann Story"(PDF).John Schumann. Archived fromthe original(PDF)on 19 July 2008.Retrieved24 April2008.
- ^abKent, David(1993).Australian Chart Book 1970–1992(illustrated ed.). St Ives, N.S.W.: Australian Chart Book. p. 266.ISBN0-646-11917-6.
- ^ab"Bubbling Down Under Week Commencing 31 August 1992".Bubbling Down Under.Retrieved31 August2024.
- ^"Mr John Lewis Schumann".Australian Honours Search Facility.Commonwealth of Australia.Retrieved25 January2022.
- ^"Australia Day 2022 Honours List".The Sydney Morning Herald.Nine Entertainment Co. 25 January 2022.Retrieved25 January2022.
- ^"Past Award Winners".Archived fromthe originalon 25 October 2020.Retrieved2 November2020.
External links
[edit]- John SchumannOfficial Website
- John Schumann In VietnamABC Radio
- Redgum Lyrics ArchiveOnline collection of Redgum and John Schumann lyrics
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