John Schumann
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2023}}
{{Use Australian English|date=January 2012}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = John Schumann
{{post-nominals|country=AUS|AM}}
| image =
| caption =
| image_size = 150
| background = solo_singer
| birth_name = John Lewis Schumann
| alias =
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1953|5|18|df=y}}
| birth_place = North Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| death_date =
| instrument =
| genre = Rock, Australian folk
| occupation = {{hlist|Musician|singer|songwriter|guitarist|politician}}
| years_active = 1975–current
| label = ABC Music
Larrikin
CBS
Epic
Columbia
Sony
| associated_acts = Redgum, John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew, Hugh McDonald
| website ={{URL|schumann.com.au}}
}}
John Lewis Schumann{{cite web |url=http://www.apra.com.au/cms/worksearch/worksearch.srvlt?action=workSearch |publisher=APRA |title=Australasian Performing Right Association |accessdate=6 November 2007 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071205184453/http://www.apra.com.au/cms/worksearch/worksearch.srvlt?action=workSearch |archivedate=5 December 2007}} {{post-nominals|country=AUS|AM}} (born 18 May 1953) is an Australian singer-songwriter and guitarist from Adelaide.{{cite web |last=Tuoi |first=Tre |url=http://english.vietnamnet.vn/lifestyle/2006/09/609456 |title=John Schumann – an artist of anti-war songs |publisher=VietNamNet Bridge |date=6 September 2006 |accessdate=6 November 2007 |url-status=dead |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070328171626/http://english.vietnamnet.vn/lifestyle/2006/09/609456/ |archivedate=28 March 2007}} He is best known as the lead singer for the folk group Redgum, with their chart-topping hit "I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green)", a song exploring the psychological and medical side-effects of serving in the Australian forces during the Vietnam War. The song's sales assisted Vietnam Veterans during the 1983 Royal Commission into the effects of Agent Orange and other chemical defoliants employed during the war. Schumann was an Australian Democrats candidate in the 1998 federal election, narrowly failing to unseat Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer for the Division of Mayo.{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/pm/stories/s323580.htm |title=John Schumann will not stand at next elections |last=Kirk |first=Alexandra |date=4 July 2001 |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |accessdate=24 April 2008}}
Since 2005 he has been performing as part of John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew, including fellow ex-Redgum member Hugh McDonald.Lawson album website [http://www.henrylawson.com.au/ Main page] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190328175952/http://henrylawson.com.au/ |date=28 March 2019 }}
Biography
=1975–1985: Redgum=
{{main|Redgum}}
Schumann was born on 18 May 1953{{cite web |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-page3962979?zoomLevel=1 |title=The Advertiser 19 May 1953 Page 18 |publisher=National Library of Australia |date=19 May 1953 |accessdate=23 January 2013}} and attended Blackfriars Priory School, and then Flinders University studying philosophy, English and drama for his Bachelor of Arts.{{cite web |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.cs-ma-an45017174 |title=Songlines: Eric Bogle and John Schumann in concert and conversation |work=catalogue |publisher=National Library of Australia |date=22 December 2009 |accessdate=20 March 2010}} In 1975 he contributed to a radical politics in art project, convened by Professor Brian Medlin with fellow students Michael Atkinson and Verity Truman. The three students went on to form political folk band Redgum and began performing in local pubs and campuses. An 'underground recording' of their music was made at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) studios in Adelaide by Darc Cassidy – the tapes went on to become popular on campuses across Australia and on independent radio. Chris Timms (also from Flinders University) joined the group in 1976 and they toured to Melbourne as a part-time group. Schumann was by then teaching English and Drama at Marion High School and performing on weekends and school holidays. By December 1980, they decided to become a full-time band. Schumann wrote their biggest hits including "Long Run", "The Last Frontier", "I Was Only Nineteen" (March 1983) and "I've Been to Bali Too" (1984). In 1985 Redgum toured overseas performing at major festivals across England and Europe including the Edinburgh Festival and in war torn Belfast in Northern Ireland. The band had a strong following in Scandinavia. He has now written a picture book with the lyrics of "I was only Nineteen" {{citation needed|date=February 2020}}. And has got a book coming out about police mental health {{citation needed|date=February 2020}}.
=1985–1993: Early solo music career=
Schumann left Redgum (late 1985) due to continual pressure to tour and to spend more time with his young family in the Adelaide Hills returned to teaching at Reynella East Primary School.[https://thepineapple.net.au/2023/02/09/is-redgum-still-relevant-john-schumann-reflects-before-he-brings-the-songs-back-to-qld/ Is Redgum Still Relevant? John Schumann reflects before he brings the songs back to QLD] He embarked upon a solo career with CBS, where he released several records, including Etched in Blue (1987), and a children's record, Looby Loo (1989).{{cite web |work=Australian Rock Database |title=John Schumann |url=http://hem.passagen.se/honga/database/s/schumannjohn.html |publisher=Magnus Holmgren |accessdate=6 November 2007 |url-status=usurped |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071214212313/http://hem.passagen.se/honga/database/s/schumannjohn.html |archivedate=14 December 2007}} The 1987 single "Borrowed Ground" from Etched in Blue was given the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) Most Performed Australasian Country Work Award in 1988.{{cite web |url=http://www.apra.com.au/awards/music/winners1988.asp |title=Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) 1988 Awards |publisher=APRA |accessdate=22 May 2008 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080723045303/http://apra.com.au/awards/music/winners1988.asp |archivedate=23 July 2008}} In 1992 he recorded a single for Sony titled "Eyes on Fire", this was followed by an album for Columbia Records in 1993, True Believers.
=1998–2001: Political career=
Schumann used his public profile and became involved in social justice issues: rallying against Queensland's Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen; the 'Save The Franklin River' campaign including as a member of Gordon Franklin & the Wilderness Ensemble (contained members of Goanna and Redgum) to record a single "Let the Franklin Flow" in 1983 and seeking justice and compensation for Vietnam Veterans in the 1980s and 1990s.
In 1998 Schumann accepted an appointment as the chief of staff for the then leader of the Australian Democrats, Meg Lees. He stood against Australian Foreign Minister Alexander Downer for the Division of Mayo in Adelaide, winning 22.4% of the primary vote to Downer's 45.6%, taking the vote to preferences. After the distribution of preferences, Downer held the seat 51.7% to Schumann's 48.3%. Despite coming close to winning the seat, Schumann decided not to contest the seat in the 2001 election, citing a number of reasons including family commitments and the Democrats' decision to remove Lees as party leader in favour of Natasha Stott Despoja in April 2001.
=2001–current: later career=
Schumann is a co-director of Schumann & Associates – a communications, public relations and consultancy company. He speaks on issues of social justice and Australian identity to universities and companies. In 2008 Flinders University recognised him as a distinguished alumnus for his contribution to Australian music and social justice. He is not affiliated with any political party.
In 2005 Schumann invited a number of musicians (including ex-Redgum members Hugh McDonald and Michael Atkinson) to play and sing on an album, Lawson, which comprises songs Schumann wrote based on poems by Australian poet Henry Lawson. Lawson was credited to John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew and released by ABC Music.
Schumann and Redgum were bought back to public attention in 2006 when Australian hip-hop group The Herd covered "I Was Only 19" with Schumann supplying some vocals. On 18 August 2006, John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew performed in Vũng Tàu, Vietnam, to mark the 40th anniversary of the Battle of Long Tân. The concert was broadcast nationally by ABC radio.{{cite web |url=http://www.abc.net.au/rn/features/longtan/default.htm |title=Radio National: 40 years on – Long Tan |publisher=ABC |accessdate=21 January 2008}}
In 2007 John Schumann and The Vagabond Crew provided the music for a stage play, Lawson, starring Max Cullen as Henry Lawson. After refusing to appear live on the 1980s ABC music-TV show, Countdown, Schumann appeared in the Countdown Spectacular 2 concert series in Australia in August and September 2007. He sang the Redgum hit "I Was Only 19" only. From late 2007, John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew have appeared at major music festivals around Australia. Schumann signed a new multi-album deal with ABC Music and Behind the Lines, an album of songs related to Australians at war, was released in August 2008.
Schumann has performed for Australian forces overseas several times. In December 2009 he visited East Timor to play for Australian and New Zealand troops stationed there,Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=179500&id=21370556006 Facebook album] in September–October 2011 he played for Australian troops in AfghanistanSoundcloud website [https://soundcloud.com/overheard-productions/john-schumann John Schumann talks about his November gig with the Vagabond Crew in Canberra] Retrieved on 5 January 2012 and in July 2013 he played for Australian troops and Australian Federal Police in the Solomon Islands.Department of Defense [http://www.defence.gov.au/defencenews/stories/2013/jul/0726.htm One last show before curtain draws on Operation ANODE 26 July 2013]
In 2011 Schumann worked with the Defence department on "Dents in the Soul", a project designed to help soldiers deal with post traumatic stress disorder.ABC website [http://www.abc.net.au/local/audio/2011/04/20/3197024.htm War and the damage done: The music of John Schumann] Retrieved on 5 January 2012
In 2015, Schumann recorded "Kokoda – Only The Brave Ones", a duet with Lee Kernaghan for his album Spirit of the Anzacs.ABC shop [https://shop.abc.net.au/products/lee-kernaghan-spirit-of-the-anzacs-deluxe-cd Spirit of the Anzacs (Deluxe)] Retrieved 25 March 2015
In 2015 he was commission by the Australian Army to write "Every Anzac Day", a song about aboriginal soldiers who served in the Australian military. It was released in April 2015 ahead of the 100th anniversary of the Gallipoli landings.Mosley, Lisa and Pianegonda, Elise [http://www.abc.net.au/news/2015-04-18/song-pays-tribute-to-indigenous-soliders-ahead-of-anzac-day/6403098 Musician who penned Vietnam war anthem 'I Was Only 19' pays tribute to Indigenous soldiers in new song 18 April 2015] ABC News Retrieved 20 April 2015 It was released with "Anzac Biscuits" as a B-side.John Schumann website [http://www.schumann.com.au/john/anzacbiscuits.html Discography] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924095159/http://www.schumann.com.au/john/anzacbiscuits.html |date=24 September 2015 }} Retrieved 28 August 2015
Personal life
Schumann met Denise 'Denny' Storen in 1981 and they later married. She is the sister of Vietnam veteran Mick Storen, whose recollections inspired "I Was Only Nineteen".{{cite web |url=http://www.schumann.com.au/john/articles/i_was_only_19.pdf |title=I Was Only 19 – The John Schumann Story |last=Schumann |first=John |publisher=John Schumann |date=August 2006 |accessdate=24 April 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080719152612/http://schumann.com.au/john/articles/i_was_only_19.pdf |archive-date=19 July 2008 |url-status=dead}} The couple have a son and a daughter.
Discography
{{see also|Redgum}}
=Studio albums=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ List of studio albums, with selected details and chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Album details ! scope="col" colspan="1" | Peak chart positions |
| scope="col" style="width:3em; font-size:90%"| AUS {{cite book |last=Kent |first=David |authorlink=David Kent (historian) |title=Australian Chart Book 1970–1992 |edition=illustrated |publisher=Australian Chart Book |location=St Ives, N.S.W. |year=1993 |isbn=0-646-11917-6 |page=266}}{{cite web|url= https://www.bubblingdownunder.com/2024/08/week-commencing-31-august-1992.html | title=Bubbling Down Under Week Commencing 31 August 1992 |website=Bubbling Down Under|access-date=31 August 2024}} |
|---|
| scope="row" | Etched in Blue
| | 63 |
| scope="row" | John Schumann Goes Looby-Loo: A Collection of Songs for Little Kids
|
| 116 |
| scope="row" | True Believers
|
| — |
| scope="row" | Lawson (as John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew) |
| — |
| scope="row" | Behind the Lines (as John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew) |
| — |
| scope="row" | Ghosts and Memories (as John Schumann and the Vagabond Crew) |
| — |
=Compilation albums=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ List of compilation albums, with selected details ! Title ! Details |
| scope="row" | Portrait: The Very Best of John Schumann
|
|
|---|
| scope="row" | Gelignite Jack – The John Schumann Collection
|
|
=Charting singles=
| class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center"
|+ List of singles, with selected chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Title ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Year ! scope="col" colspan="1" | Peak chart positions ! scope="col" rowspan="2" | Album |
| scope="col" style="width:3em; font-size:90%"| AUS |
|---|
| scope="row" | "Borrowed Ground"
| 1987 | 91 | Etched in Blue |
| scope="row" | "Eyes on Fire""
| 1992 | 123 | True Believers |
Awards
=Order of Australia=
In 2014, Schumann was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in the 2014 Australia Day Honours for "service to music, and to the veteran community".{{cite web |title=Mr John Lewis Schumann |url=https://honours.pmc.gov.au/honours/awards/1149420 |website=Australian Honours Search Facility |publisher=Commonwealth of Australia |access-date=25 January 2022}} In 2022, Schumann was appointed Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in the 2022 Australia Day Honours for "significant service to the veteran community, to music, and to the community".{{cite news |title=Australia Day 2022 Honours List |url=https://www.smh.com.au/national/australia-day-2022-honours-list-20220125-p59r53.html |access-date=25 January 2022 |work=The Sydney Morning Herald |publisher=Nine Entertainment Co |date=25 January 2022}}
=ARIA Music Awards=
| class="wikitable" |
| Year
! Nominated works ! Award ! Result |
|---|
| 1989
|John Schumann Goes Looby-Loo |{{nominated}} |
=Country Music Awards of Australia=
The Country Music Awards of Australia (CMAA) (also known as the Golden Guitar Awards) is an annual awards night held in January during the Tamworth Country Music Festival, celebrating recording excellence in the Australian country music industry. They have been held annually since 1973.{{cite web |url=https://www.country.com.au/awards/past-award-winners |title=Past Award Winners |accessdate=2 November 2020 |archive-date=25 October 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201025171148/https://country.com.au/awards/past-award-winners |url-status=dead}}
{{awards table}}
|-
|rowspan="2"| 1984
|rowspan="2"| "I Was Only 19" (written by John Schumann) performed by Redgum
| Top Selling Song of the Year
| {{won}}
|-
| APRA Song of the Year
| {{won}}
|-
{{end}}
Footnotes
{{Reflist}}
External links
- [http://www.schumann.com.au/ John Schumann] Official Website
- [http://www.abc.net.au/rn/musicdeli/stories/2006/1799067.htm John Schumann In Vietnam] ABC Radio
- [http://redgumlyrics.weebly.com/ Redgum Lyrics Archive] Online collection of Redgum and John Schumann lyrics
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Schumann, John}}
Category:Australian Democrats politicians
Category:Australian folk singers
Category:Australian male singers
Category:Australian male songwriters
Category:Flinders University alumni
Category:Australian people of German descent
Category:Musicians from Adelaide