IT takes real talent and survival skills to last in the music world.
In Australia, piano man Jade Hurley has proved to be a true survivor, having firmly established himself as one of the country's leading artists.
Hurley continues to perform steadily, and his latest tour schedule is booked well into the year.
His popularity extends much further than Australia, though, having recently returned from Thailand and Singapore where he played two private shows.
With his feet firmly planted back on home soil, Hurley will play a series of shows in the Hunter this month, first appearing at Belmont 16ft Sailing Club on Saturday night.
He will also perform at Singleton Bowling Club on April 16 and Telarah Bowling Club on April 22.
Punters will have the chance to take a nostalgic journey through Hurley's back catalogue.
It all began in the late '50s after Aussie rock'n'roll legend Johnny O'Keefe saw Hurley win a talent contest in the beer garden of a Sydney hotel.
The following week, O'Keefe introduced him on national television during Six O'Clock Rock and his career took off from there.
Often described as Australia's King of Country Rock, he has continually enjoyed success with every one of his albums having achieved gold, platinum or double platinum sales.
Today his stage show continues to captivates fans of all ages.
It includes stomping versions of classics like Old Time Rock'n'Roll, Running Bear, Oh Boy, Peggy Sue, Lucille, Great Balls of Fire, Runaway and Sweet Little Sixteen. As well as being a headline act in his own right, Hurley has toured with greats such as Johnny Cash, Don Williams and, of course, O'Keefe.
It was the late Cash who once stated that Hurley was the best act he had ever worked with.
He was quoted in the Irish press as saying, ``If I wasn't who I am, I would find it very hard to follow him on any stage anywhere in the world. He's one hell of a showman and entertainer''.
Tickets to Hurley's shows are on sale now at the venues.
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