Jack O’Hagan sings Along the Road to Gundagai
In his only filmed performance, broadcaster, singer, composer and performing artist Jack O’Hagan recites his most famous composition 'Along the Road to Gundagai’ (1922).
This performance was filmed for part of Frank Thring’s series of variety shorts called Efftee Entertainers (1931).
Summary by Poppy De Souza.
O’Hagan appears a little wooden in his performance, at first standing awkwardly on stage with two backup pianists accompanying him. He is much more comfortable towards the end of his recital where he sings his last three numbers seated at the piano.
Australian tenor Peter Dawson’s 1931 recording of O’Hagan’s 'Along the Road to Gundagai’ has been included in the foundation list of the NFSA’s Sounds of Australia public registry of sound recordings. The registry celebrates the unique and diverse recorded sound culture and history of Australia.
Notes by Poppy De Souza.