Australia's folk music icon Judith Durham Dies at 79

Judith Durham, an Australian folk music legend who rose to popularity around the world as The Seekers' lead singer, has passed away. She was 79.

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Durham passed away on Friday night at Melbourne's Alfred Hospital from complications brought on by a chronic lung condition.

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At the age of 19, she made her debut recording. She gained recognition after joining The Seekers in 1963.

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The quartet eventually sold 50 million records, making them the first Australian band to have significant chart and sales success in the UK and the US.

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Durham started a solo career in 1968 but later collaborated with The Seekers on new recordings.

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Prime Minister Anthony Albanese called Durham "an Australian icon and a national treasure" in his tributes to the adored singer.

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Premier Dan Andrews of her own Victoria claimed that Durham had dominated the music industry both domestically and internationally.

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The band, The Seekers, became one of Australia's biggest chart successes because to her distinctive voice and commanding presence on stage, he claimed.

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