Aussie country music legend Lee Conway dead at 85

Australian music star Lee Conway has died, aged 85.

The beloved musician, who rose to fame in the 1970s, is considered a pioneer in Australian music with hits like Wanted Man and All I Want To Do In Life, with many calling him Australia’s answer to Johnny Cash.

The musician died peacefully at his Queensland home following a short battle with illness. The news was broken by his friend and comedian, Col Elliott, who announced the death on social media.

“Lee and I first met in the early ‘70s, we entertained the inmates at Pentridge,” Col wrote, referring to a joke between the pair.

“An incredible talent as a singer and songwriter ... such a distinctive voice. We wrote together and spent much time recording and touring. RIP my friend.”

Conway was born in Poland in 1940, but moved to Australia aged three. The family moved to Fitzroy, Victoria, where his career began.

In 1970, he hit the music scene with his breakout hit Wanted Man, which soared up the Aussie charts due to widespread airplay and Conway’s unique sound.

He went on to have a hit album, The Stories We Could Tell, which was honoured with a number of awards from the Australian Federation of Broadcasters on its release.

As the years went on, Conway had international success with his single All I Want To Do becoming a hit in the US and Canada.

A career highlight was when Conway performed alongside legends like Waylon Jennings, Loretta Lynn and Bobby Bare at the International Festival of Country Music.

He performed until 2015.

Conway is survived by his wife Christine Howard, who was crowned Miss Australia in 1967.