The Seekers are an Australian pop folk quartet, originally formed in Melbourne in 1962.
The original Seekers comprised Athol Guy, Keith Potger, Bruce Woodley and Ken Ray. After a year with the above line-up, Athol Guy recruited Judith Durham as the new lead singer and it was this formation that won international success.
Their debut single was the traditional historic Australian bush ballad from 1894, “Waltzing Matilda”, which appeared in November and reached the Melbourne “Top 40” singles chart.
In 1965 the single “I’ll never find another you” reached No.1 in Britain, Australia and all around the world.
The Seekers had created history as the first Australian group to crack the American charts and the UK ‘beat’ scene had been turned on its ear by these clean-cut Aussies. The Seekers were named ‘Best New Group’ at the ‘Top Of The Pops Awards’.
Also in 1965, the group had made the acquaintance of a young American folksinger living in London named Paul Simon. The Seekers’ fourth single, a cover of Simon’s “Someday one day” only got to number 11 in early 1966, but it was Simon’s first British success as a songwriter, and his first success as a composer separate from the work of Simon & Garfunkel.
In July 1968, Durham announced that she was leaving the Seekers to pursue a solo career and the group disbanded.
She had a minor UK hit in 1967 with “Olive tree”, and her 1973 album “Here I am” contained songs by Rod McKuen, Nilsson and Elton John, as well as some folksy and jazz material.
From 1972, Guy, Potger and Woodley planned on reforming the Seekers without Durham. By 1975 they had recruited Louisa Wisseling, a semi-professional folk singer formerly with Melbourne group the Settlers. They had a top 10 Australian hit with the Woodley-penned “The sparrow song”.
A 1990 car crash left Durham severely injured, but in 1994, the original members of the group, including Durham, re-formed and played more than 100 concerts.
The Seekers has continued to tour throughout the world and in 2000 recorded their first studio album for 30 years “Future Road”.
In May 2013 Durham suffered a brain hemorrhage which diminished her ability to read and write not only visual language but also musical scores. During her convalescence she made progress to rebuild those skills. Her singing ability was never affected.
Growing up as a teenager in the 60,s in the North West of England I used to listen to all of their music on my elder brothers transistor radio.
Wherever the Seekers are now I would like to say thank you . You gave me a great deal of pleasure with your music.
Only found this great band in 2020; where’ve I been, what a great outfit!
So sorry to read about Judith’s illness, fabulous voice and front woman.
Thank goodness there’s still a ton of footage around to brighten up another admirer in the wet and windy North West of England
Astonishing group really. So pleasing to so many people. And astonishing longevity. Tom Springfield wrote sensational songs for them. Hope they have all had happy and fulfilled lives.
Growing up in northern Virginia, still in the primary grades, I listened to my big sister’s transistor radio in the morning while we got ready for school. I’ve always loved “George Girl” and I’ll Never Find Another You.” I didn’t know anything about The Seekers as a group. Judith Durham – what a wonderful voice! Now I want to listen to more of The Seekers’ music.
Such lovely comments above, too. I echo their sentiments.
I’ve loved The Seekers my entire life. I’m lucky that I share the same age parameters. I never get tired of their music. I can not recall a single day in decades that I haven’t listened to some musical creation of the group. Love the music and love the individuals who are The Seekers.. Thank you
I remember this group as a teenager in the 60″s. I have just found them once again. I enjoy there music especially Judith;s voice. There music takes me back to a time I loved and remember. The 60’s would have been excellent if it had not been for the war in Viet Nam. I listen to the Seekers via You Tube.,
One of the best groups out there.
Just love them.
Whatever happened to Louisa Wisseling? She seems to have vanished into thin air?
I get the impression that they’re going out of their way to pretend she never existed. She’s effectively been air-brushed out of their history, which I find rather sad. The 2 albums they released with her as lead singer were amongst their very best and Bruce Woodley’s song-writing was at its peak during this time (the single, “The Sparrow Song” is the biggest selling self-composed Seekers song ever released). These 2 albums titled, “The Seekers” and “Giving And Taking” should have been re-released on CD. Until they bring them (and Louisa Wisseling) back into their story, their history is incomplete.
Sadly the world lost her in 1978 shortly after leaving the Seekers owing to an illness. Her father concreted our holiday home driveway in West Rosebud only 2 weeks after her passing, when my dad said leave it for awhile her said no it’s ok i want to keep busy and continued with the work.
My husband and myself went to see the seekers at the saga gateshead in 2013 it was one of the best shows we have ever seen everyone singing along
When it was the last song I don’t think there was a dry eye in the place
With the lockdown in place ever Saturday night Alan and myself have a drink and put some old times CDs on and when we hear some of the songs it’s lovely to think back in time A big thank you to you all take care xx
As a teen in the late 60’s, I heard the seekers sing Georgie girl and another you many times in my busy life. It wasn’t my favorite kind of sound back in those days. But fast foreword to 2021 and I came across them on you tube. Many memories of my youth came back as I listened and watched them sing and I searched for every video I could find of them. What a wonderful sound they have and I’m sorry I didn’t pay attention to them sooner. Thank you to each and everyone of the Seekers.
I , like many baby boomers , truly loved and appreciated the unique beautiful sound of “The Seekers.” Am glad they are all still around and hopefully performing. Much thanks for all your beautiful music.
I love the music the beautiful sound of Judith Durham and The Seekers what a band out of 1960s in Australia I have bought the studio CD’s and studio records the studio LP records and other records I even bought most of the 45rpm singles terrific songs.
This group during my days as a teenager were the best, what a treasure! I went to a military college. My senior year I played “There will never be another you”probably every day. Judith Durham had an incredible voice. I am sorry she had her medical issue. She is a treasure, the group is a treasure!
I mostly just knew Georgy Girl. I had no idea of the other songs and sounds of the group. I’m not a baby boomer and quite frankly I believe in some ways born in the wrong generation.
I just want to say that Judith has an amazing voice (I’m also a soprano vocalist (mostly do instruments: flute, woodwinds, rhythm guitar) but uh, I’m not that lol!) but am in awe of so many things that I hear. The arrangements of the voices, the instruments is profound. I feel like it’s like another world. Big fan of this work.
If I had a supergroup in my head, I would want Athol to be my bassist and vocalist, which is competing with Paul McCartney (I’m lefty myself!) and this is extremely high praise. Paul was always tops for me. Then I learned of these folks! From my understanding Athol was heavily involved in many great things after 1967/68 too and I just admire that. He is admirable himself. I just wanted to write this somewhere I guess where someone might understand.
Cheers from Canada!
The Seekers produced wo of the most beautiful love songs I have ever heard. The first, ” I’ll Never Find Another You,” “”became the symbol of the love I shared wiih my wife of 64 years,, who sadly died a year ago this month. The other song is one I just discovered recently. ,” I Am Australian”. As I listened to Bruce and Judith singing, I realized that they shared a love for their native land just as passionately as I did for Martha. I play both these song every day.”
Nostalgia! I love it! Having heard “ I am Australian”” makes me wonder why haven’t WE a similar song? Im proud of being BRITISH and of my country.
Robin