Ted Egan, Australian Music Icon, Dies Aged 93

Australian folk music icon Ted Egan has died aged 93 at his home in Alice Springs, his family have confirmed in a statement.

“It is with sadness, but also great pride that Nerys Evans and the Egan family marks the passing of our beloved partner, Dad, grandfather, great grandfather and best mate Ted Egan,” the statement said.

“Ted passed peacefully at home this morning as was his wish. We shared Ted with Territorians, Australians and the wider world. He lived a big and very generous life, spanning 93 years.”

Egan was a legend among the Australian music scene, having released 30 folk albums, his first in 1969. He also authored 17 books in his lifetime, created a six-part television series on Australia, worked as the NT's administrator, and was a co-host on The Great Outdoors.

He was also known as a vocal supporter of Aboriginal land rights during the '60s and '70s, immortalised in his song "Gurindji Blues" with former Australian of the Year Galarrwuy Yunupingu.

Egan was inducted into the Australian Roll of Renown in 1995, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Golden Guitar Awards, and again from the National Folk Festival.

Country and folk stars across the country have paid tribute to him in various social media posts.

Golden Guitar-winner Matt Scullion described him as "my hero and good mate". He wrote: “I feel so fortunate to have known him and to have spent time with him last year when we recorded and shot the video for my song ‘Beer Box Man’. For three special days we swapped stories and songs around the dinner table and he even took my wife Sharon and I four wheel driving in his old cruiser.

“Yes we will miss you Ted, long live the legacy of 'The Outback Song Man'.”

Country performer Beccy Cole wrote that she is "heartbroken", posting: "Vale Ted. I’m heartbroken. Such a good human."