‘We’re in shock’: Aussie music legend Doug Parkinson dies suddenly, aged 74

Australian music great Doug Parkinson has passed away suddenly at his home. He was 74.

Parkinson’s publicist Lionel Midford announced the news on Monday night. “Just received the saddest news that Doug Parkinson, the legendary Australian recording artist with a powerful and soulful voice, passed away suddenly at home,” Midford said in a statement, 7News reports. “Doug Parkinson was widely considered one of the most unusual and influential singer/songwriters in the history of contemporary music.”

Parkinson’s son Daniel told The Daily Telegraph, the family believed the death was “heart related”. “We are just in shock, just trying to deal with it and navigate through this,” he told the publication.

Parkinson, who had a successful career spanning more than five decades, first started out in 1969 with the band In Focus. He went on to feature in several more bands until he launched his solo career in the mid-1970s. Some of his biggest hits include his version of The Beatles’ 1968 classic ‘Dear Prudence’, which was followed up by his own hit ‘Without You’.

Fellow Australian musician Troy Cassar-Daley was one of the first to pay tribute to Parkinson, writing on Twitter, “Man RIP Doug Parkinson, you moved my soul brother, thank you.”

Man RIP Doug Parkinson you moved my soul brother thank you xx pic.twitter.com/JcMRXzVjWu

— Troy Cassar-Daley (@troycassardaley) March 15, 2021

Meanwhile, singer and television presenter David Campbell tweeted, “Just heard the news about Doug Parkinson passing away. An enormous vocalist and a man who worked continually in his career. Another huge loss for the Australian music industry. Doug’s version of ‘Dear Prudence’ matched The Beatles’. Vale.”

Fans have also shared their condolences, with Twitter user @AlbiePatts commenting, “Slowly, inevitably, the great voices of my youth are falling silent. RIP Doug. You really will be missed.” And @BopgirlPat added, “RIP Doug Parkinson. The first time I heard him sing with the Focus just blew me away.”

Parkinson is survived by his wife Suzie and sons John and Daniel.