Lee Conway dead: Country music icon dies as friend shares tear-jerking tribute

A country music legend has died at their home, it's been confirmed. Lee Conway had battled a short illness leading up to his death, aged 85. The Polish-born musician who lived in , known for his hits including Wanted Man and All I Want To Do In Life, died at his home in Queensland.

Comedian Col Elliott said: "Lee and I first met in the early '70s, we entertained the inmates at Pentridge. An incredible talent as a singer and songwriter ... such a distinctive voice. We wrote together and spent much time recording and touring. RIP my friend. My thoughts are with you Shanina. Sending love. Col and Kaz."

"So sad, I have thought about him often over the years. RIP Lee. Fond memories," said one fan. A second added: "I'm so sorry for your loss. My sincerest condolences." "So sorry to hear Col Elliott. May he rest in peace," added another. "Another great Australian performer gone. Sadly we learnt this week of the passing of the Australian Country music star,' one devastated fan began. One of the kings of Australian country music," said another.

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The late musician was widely known as Australia's version of Johnny Cash. Despite being born in Poland, Lee and his family moved to Australia when he was three, setting up roots in Fitzroy, where his career took off. Having worked with Sweet Peach Records and Blue Pie Publishing as a songwriter, he was one of Australia's most respected musicians.

Although Australia isn't known for its country music, the star became a key figure following the release of his breakout track, Wanted Man, which was released in 1970 and was instantly catapulted to fame after radio star John Laws featured the track heavily on his national radio programme.

Keeping up his success, his album The Stories We Could Tell went on to be widely recognised, picking up Best Single, Best Album and Best Song in a historic sweep at the Australian Federation of Broadcasters Awards. While he was loved and adored in Australia, his music also saw him take to the stage in America.

Jerry Lee Lewis instantly fell in love with Lee's work and invited him to perform at the International Festival of Country Music – performing alongside the likes of Loretta Lynn, Rick Nelson, Bobby Bare and Waylon Jennings as he proudly waved the Australian flag.

Elsewhere, Lee also had success in the and won Most Promising Performer of Great Britain at the London Palladium in the 1970s. In the same decade, he reached Number three on the US and Canadian country music charts for his single, All I Want to Do In Life, just below Johnny Cash and Glen Campbell.

Having grown up in Australia, Lee's music also touched Queen Elizabeth, as he was invited to perform for her on the Royal Command Gala Performance in front of the late Head of the Commonwealth and , Duke of Edinburgh. Following the performance, the late Duke who never minced his words asked Lee: "Do you gargle with gravel?"

In 1980, personal problems, as well as problems with his management team threatened Lee's career but he was able to come out triumphant and returned to Australia with his best selling album, Big Iron.

His last release came in 2000, a two-CD set titled Lee Conway: Country Classics, while a compliation album, I Just Didn't Hear: The Early Roads (1969-1973) was released in 2015. In the same year, Lee also retired after having continued to perform locally.

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