Doug Parkinson Passes Away, Age 74: 'The World Will Have Far Less Melody'

Much-loved Australian musician Doug Parkinson has passed away at age 74. 

Parkinson passed away at his home in Sydney's Northern Beaches with publicist Lionel Midford confirming the news with a statement. 

"Just received the saddest news that Doug Parkinson, the legendary Australian recording artist with a powerful and soulful voice. He passed away suddenly at home," read the statement. 

"Doug Parkinson was widely considered one of the most unusual and influential singer-songwriters in the history of contemporary music."

Born in 1946, Parkinson was known for acts like Strings & Things, Doug Parkinson In Focus, Fanny Adams, and The Questions, who toured with The Who and Small Faces. 

Parkinson would tour alongside acts like Bob Marley, Paul Jones, The Temptations, Renee Geyer, Billy Thorpe, Max Merritt, The Four Tops and more throughout his extensive career. 

It was in 1969 that Parkinson would find his breakthrough hit though, recording a cover of The Beatles' Dear Prudence which gave him his first chart success. 

He would go on to have hits with tracks like Without You, Everlasting Love, The Sun Ain't Gonna Shine (Anymore) and I'll Be Around. 

In addition to his successful recording career, Parkinson also had an extensive history in musical theatre, appearing in productions like Tommy, Jesus Christ Superstar, Buddy, Grease, The Wizard Of Oz and more. 

Parkinson was still heavily involved in music and was currently touring his Doug Parkinson Celebrates The Music Of Van Morrison show. He also found a new generation of fans too, when Donni 1 & Simon Grey's remixed his classic I'll Be Around in 2006. 

Jesus Christ Superstar co-star Marcia Hines is among those paying tribute to Parkinson saying, "Not only will the Australian music industry be sad to hear of your passing my friend, the world will have far less melody without you here to sing for us any longer. What a man, what a gift.

"Sending much love to Susie, your boys and all of your family, friends and fans. Rest In Peace."

"Man RIP Doug Parkinson you moved my soul brother thank you xx," said Troy Cassar-Daley in a post last night, while David Campbell called Parkinson "an enormous vocalist" whose "version of Dear Prudence matched the Beatles".