James Reyne is widely revered as one of Australia’s most cherished singer-songwriters. Alongside recording multiple platinum albums and captivating audiences nationwide with his live performances, James has engaged in a diverse array of projects. These include hosting the inaugural season of Dig TV on ABC 2 and contributing material to two children’s books: Mr Froggy Went A Courtin’ and Save the Bones for Harry Jones.
James’ songwriting prowess, coupled with his distinct vocal style, has allowed him to transcend the fleeting trends of the music industry and firmly establish himself within Australia’s musical tapestry. He is celebrated for his unique blend of wit, introspection, and musical innovation.
James Reyne’s musical journey began in the 1980s when he co-founded the band Australian Crawl. With his prolific songwriting and distinctive voice, James propelled the band to the forefront of the Australian music scene, achieving chart-topping success. All albums released by Australian Crawl reached the Top 5 and garnered numerous accolades, including multiple awards for James as the country’s top male vocalist. His song "Reckless" further solidified his reputation as a leading songwriter.
Following the band's disbandment in 1986, James ventured to the USA and Europe before returning to Australia in 1988. His debut solo album, which bore his name, achieved triple platinum status and featured three top 10 singles. Subsequent albums such as Hard Reyne and Electric Digger Dandy continued his successful solo career.
James has collaborated with prominent Australian musicians like Daryl Braithwaite, Jef Scott, and Simon Hussey. In 1986, he recorded The Whiff of Bedlam in the US with renowned producer Stewart Levine. James remains active in both performing and recording, with albums including And The Horse You Rode In On and Every Man A King.
Throughout his illustrious career, James Reyne has showcased his versatility by appearing in a variety of theatrical productions, films, television dramas, and concert events. His contributions to the arts have cemented his status as a multifaceted and enduring figure in Australian entertainment.
