The Parkes Elvis Festival kicked off its Silver Jubilee by celebrating an Australian music pioneer. This year a plaque dedicated to Digby “Dig” Richards was unveiled on the Elvis Wall of Fame, cementing his position as an Australian music legend. Dig Richards was a rock and roll singer who rose to fame as the lead singer of the R’Jays. His impressive career as a singer, actor, and television presenter was tragically cut short by his death in 1983, aged just 42 years.
His younger brother Doug Richards was among the dignitaries and celebrated guests to posthumously honour the performer. “It’s just fantastic that Digby has been finally recognised,” he said. “Dig was one of the very first rock and roll singers in this country.” Many of Digby’s former friends and collaborators attended the star-studded event, including Little Pattie, Rob E.G., Lucky Starr and Leon Isackson. “It’s lovely after all this time that Dig’s remembered,” Leon said. “A lot of people have forgotten, but he was such a pioneer.”
“He was one of the great 60s entertainers,” said Lucky Starr. “It’s wonderful he will be on the wall with his friends.” More than one hundred fans braved the scorching heat for the ceremony, which was officiated by Parkes Mayor Ken Keith OAM, but none were prouder than Luke Digby Khan who paid tribute to the grandfather he never met. “It’s a real privilege to be here for this ceremony,” he said.
By Raen Fraser