Col Joye: Iconic Australian Rock Pioneer and Bee Gees’ Mentor Passes Away at 89

## Remembering Col Joye: A Music Pioneer

Col Joye, a legendary figure in Australian music and the first local pop star to reach No. 1, has passed away at the age of 89. Known for his significant contributions to the industry, Joye was also responsible for signing The Bee Gees to his record label in the early 1960s.

## Early Life and Career

Born Colin Jacobsen, Joye made his mark in the early rock ‘n’ roll scene with his band, the Joy Boys. He began his musical journey in 1957 with the KJ Quintet, a group formed by his brother Kevin Jacobsen.

During a performance at the Manly Jazzerama, they whimsically chose the name Col Joye and the Joy Boys—a decision they acknowledged regretting later. They regularly performed in Bankstown, eventually gaining wider recognition.

## Breakthrough Hits

The Joy Boys released their first record in 1958, an EP titled *Joyride*. Their significant breakthrough came in 1959 with the hit single “Bye Bye Baby,” which soared to No. 1 on the Sydney charts. Following this success, they had three additional top-ten hits and became fixtures on television shows like *Bandstand* and *Six O’Clock Rock*.

Years later, Joye revisited his classic track, performing “Bye Bye Baby” on *RockWiz* to introduce it to fresh audiences.

## Innovations and Collaborations

In the 1960s, Joye revolutionized the music scene by establishing Joye Enterprises, Joye Music, and the ATA label and talent agency. Together with his sister Carol, he ventured into concert promotion, gaining further recognition.

Joye was pivotal in discovering one of music’s biggest acts—The Bee Gees. He first spotted the Gibb brothers in Surfers Paradise in 1961 and signed them to Joye Music. They later provided backing vocals for his 1963 single “Starlight of Love.”

## Lasting Impact

One of Joye’s notable singles, “Heaven is my Woman’s Love,” topped national charts in 1973. His contributions to Australian music were formally recognized in 1988 when he was inducted into the inaugural ARIA Hall of Fame alongside industry greats like Dame Joan Sutherland and Johnny O’Keefe.

In the early 2000s, Joye participated in the “Long Way to the Top” live concert tour, performing with iconic artists. He also made significant contributions to the National Film and Sound Archive, donating over 1,200 items.

The ARIA honored Joye’s multifaceted impact, with CEO Annabelle Herd stating, “Col Joye made a remarkable contribution to Australian music for more than six decades,” emphasizing his role in fostering local artistry during a time dominated by international acts.

Joye’s legacy in the Australian music scene will undoubtedly be cherished by many. How do you remember the contributions of Col Joye to Australian music?