Jack O’Hagan was a great admirer of the legendary Bert Newton (23 July 1938 – 30 October 2021).
And Bert was a great admirer of Jack O’Hagan. Bert started as a junior announcer in radio at age fifteen and noticed that many of the ‘Australian Compositions’ that the station was required to play to meet their local music quota were penned by Jack O’Hagan. He was intrigued by Jack’s prolificacy and talent.
Later in life, he often interviewed Jack live on air during his radio shows on 3DB and was tremendously complimentary. The two formed quite a bond. Bert was a generous soul and there is a litany of stories of his kindness to others and support of those in the entertainment industry.
In 1980, Bert very kindly brought 3-year-old Matthew Newton to visit Jack at Florence Nightingale Hospital in Brighton. Matthew had sung ‘Along the Road to Gundagai’ on Bert’s New Faces TV show but Jack had missed it. Little Matthew belted out Jack’s song, the first song he learnt, on his ukulele in a private concert for Jack who was absolutely thrilled.
Ref: Family snapshots
Jack O’Hagan passed away on 15 July 1987. Bert broadcast a tribute show for him on 3DB the very next day and said,
‘The legacy he leaves behind is a great one, an amazing character, you can pigeonhole him quite easily, Australia’s best and best-known composer.’
Bert was also very generous when interviewed for Jack’s biography, soon to be published. His comments are featured throughout.
When Bert passed away, Melbourne mourned. He given a State Funeral on 12 November 2021 at St Patrick’s Cathedral, East Melbourne.
Vale Bert Newton. Gentleman Entertainer.
Bert's Way:
A showbiz legend's life in pictures, as shared at the state funeral. click here.
