Born in Fitzroy, Victoria in 1875, Florrie Forde was an early star of popular music in Australia. She sailed for England in 1897 and debuted in the London music halls later that year.

Forde made her first recording in 1903 and by 1936 had recorded over 700 songs.

During the First World War she became well known for patriotic songs like ‘Pack Up Your Troubles in Your Old Kit-Bag’ and ‘It’s A Long Way To Tipperary’. She died in 1940, shortly after entertaining troops at a naval base in Scotland.