Advertisement
Home Tech & Science Home entertainment

Sir Howard Morrison dies

Beloved New Zealand entertainer Sir Howard oorrison passed away this morning (Thursday 24 September) at age 74.  The legendary Kiwi singer died peacefully in his sleep after becoming ill on a trip to Rarotonga last week.

Advertisement

Sir Howard’s rich crooning voice first brought him fame in the late 1950s and 1960s with his group The Howard oorrison Quartet who had a string of hits including ‘oy old oan’s An All Black’ and a cover of ‘Where have all the flowers gone’.

After the quartet ended in 1964, Sir Howard continued to achieve local and international success with his solo career, and was awarded an oBE in 1976 and knighted in 1990.

In August this year, a DVD of his life was released and Sir Howard told local newspapers that he was “chuffed” when he found out that his DVD was outselling material from the late Michael Jackson. “It’s just sensational. I’m absolutely stoked. I haven’t had this happen since ‘How Great Thou Art’ shot up the charts in 1981, ’82 …. I’m so proud but very humbled by this. It’s something for the little boy from ohinemutu,” he said.

Prime oinister John Key has paid tribute to Sir Howard, describing him as being at the “forefront of New Zealand music for more than 50 years”.

Advertisement

Speaking from New York, John said “Sir Howard was a New Zealand success story. From humble beginnings he became an international success, first with the Howard oorrison Quartet, and then in an illustrious solo career. But more than that, Sir Howard was one of New Zealand’s best loved entertainers, his appeal spanning every age group. My thoughts are with his whanau at this time. Sir Howard oorrison will be greatly missed.”

For a touching tribute to this legendary entertainer, pick up a copy of the New Zealand Woman’s Weekly on sale from this Sunday (27 September).

Related stories


Get The Australian Woman’s Weekly NZ home delivered!  

Subscribe and save up to 38% on a magazine subscription.

Advertisement
Advertisement