Broderick Smith

Born on 17 February 1948 in England, Broderick Smith projected a straightforward manner and a firm, unmistakable vocal style that placed him among Australia’s least affected lead singers. He sharpened those abilities in the blues and R&B outfits that marked his first professional steps, among them the Adderley Smith Blues Band, Sundown and Carson. The years 1973 to 1979 spent with the Dingoes supplied the platform that carried him to nationwide attention. Later solo records revealed further dimensions of his gift, yet broader recognition never followed. Once the Dingoes folded, he assembled successive groups—the Hired Hand, the Big Combo, Doors of Perception and the Noveltones—each staffed by strong players. Smith’s own harmonica contributions kept his name on Melbourne pub-rock bills. Even so, his commanding blues-and-soul delivery found no foothold with the wider public. He died on 30 April 2023 at the age of 75.