Jean Stafford
Country music artist (TAS)
Jean Stafford is an Australian country music icon whose remarkable voice and long‑standing contribution have shaped Australia’s country music landscape. Born in Latrobe and raised in Meander, she discovered her love of music through a transistor radio tuned to Launceston’s 7LA. From these early beginnings, she rose to become one of the nation’s most celebrated country performers.
Jean made her first public appearance at age 12 on the ShowTime program on TNT‑9 Launceston. After developing her craft in local halls and hotels, she won a 7LA talent quest that led to a contract with Hadley Records. Her debut solo album arrived in 1974, with What Kind of Girl Do You Think I Am earning her the first of three Golden Guitar awards.
Over her six‑decade career, Jean has collected more than 100 awards, including gold and platinum albums and number one singles across Australia, the United States, Europe and New Zealand. In 1989 she was crowned Australia’s Queen of Country Music, and she remains internationally recognised as the Golden Voice of Country.
A respected collaborator, Jean has performed alongside artists including Kitty Wells, Smoky Dawson and Jimmy Little, and became a familiar presence on Ray Martin’s Midday program during the 1980s. Her influence was honoured in 2008 with her induction into the Country Music Roll of Renown.
