PBS is saddened by the passing of Renée Geyer. A huge personality in the Australian music industry across five decades, Renée leaves behind an unparalleled legacy and will be sorely missed.
PBS has had a long relationship with Renée Geyer. Even as recently as 2021, she contributed vocals to what would be Pierre Baroni’s final studio production – a version of the theme song to his program Soulgroove’66. The track featured Renée Geyer on vocals, Jake Mason (Cookin’ on 3 Burners) on organ, Danny Farrugia on drums and Yuri Pavlinov on bass (The Bamboos), and was released on 7” vinyl by Soul Messin’ Records as a fundraiser for PBS.
Many PBS announcers and listeners will be affected by the news of Renée’s passing, including The Afterglow’s Lyndelle Wilkinson.
“Today we learned that Renée Geyer sadly passed away at the age of 69. Too young. It's devastating news. Her career spanned over five decades covering all genres of music including jazz, blues, soul, pop, swing and reggae proving her talent was limitless. A mesmerising singer, prolific songwriter, acclaimed producer, and author who was inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2005, the Music Victoria Hall of Fame in 2013 and won a 'Lifetime Achievement Award' in 2018 at the Australian Women in Music Awards.
“I was lucky enough to speak with her during PBS' Radio Festival on air one year and she was very clear about the importance of following your passion and staying true to who you are as an artist and the grit it takes to back yourself. She would know. A huge career and a full life - we only can wonder what more she had of herself to share if she was not so soon taken from us. Her music - for me and no doubt so many of us - feels like a direct conversation with her, that you are hearing her from her very core. Her tone, that sound - when you hear that voice - you know that it's Renée playing.
“No doubt many programs on PBS FM will pay tribute to her over the coming days and weeks to come, showing how far reaching her talent was. We are so sad here at PBS and send love to her family, her band, her friends and all the music lovers grieving today who have been touched by her talent.”
- Lyndelle Wilkinson, The Afterglow 5pm-7pm Wednesdays PBS 106.7FM
All at PBS send Renée’s family, friends and fans love at this difficult time.
A number of PBS programs will pay tribute to Renée over the coming days, check back here for links to listen back and share the music that she leaves behind.
Listen to The Afterglow's tribute to Renée Geyer on January 18 here.
Listen to Soul Time's tribute to Renée Geyer on January 18 here.
Listen to Radio City's tribute to Renée Geyer on January 19 here.
