Kamahl papers and music manuscripts

fonds

1964-1999

Textual Records, Manuscript Notated Music, Clippings, Objects, Badges

9582848

15.84 metres of textual material (4 boxes and 35 outsize boxes)
1 tiepin

Kandiah Kamalesvaran AM (1934- ), better known by his stage name Kamahl, was born in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, to Ceylonese Tamil and Malaysian Indian Hindu parents. He went to Adelaide, South Australia, in 1953 to receive a higher education at King's College (later renamed Pembroke School). He moved to Sydney under the encouragement of Rupert Murdoch. He was a finalist in the Sydney Eisteddfod Sun Aria in 1966. Kamahl married an Indo-Fijian woman, Sahodra, in 1967. They have two children, Rajan and Rani.

Kamahl co-wrote and sang the theme song for the feature film 'Journey out of darkness' and also appeared in the film, acting as an Aboriginal Australian. His first album, 'A Voice to Remember', was released in Australia in 1967. Since then, he has released more than 30 albums internationally for Philips, EMI, Mercury, Festival, Dino, Reader's Digest and ABC Music, earning over 100 gold and platinum records. His most popular charting singles were 'Sounds of goodbye' (in 1969) and 'The elephant song' (in 1975).

He has performed at the London Palladium, Carnegie Hall and the Sydney Opera House, as well as pubs and clubs throughout Australia. His successful career in the Australian music industry has spanned decades, including television and film appearances and concerts. He was a popular guest on 'Hey Hey It's Saturday'. From 1982-1984, Kamahl won three Australian Entertainment Mo Awards in recognition of his achievement in live entertainment in Australia. In 1994 he was made a Member of the Order of Australia, and in 2004 he was awarded an Australian Centenary Medal.

Reference:
https://www.kamahl.com/

SERIES 1
Kamahl personal papers

SERIES 2
Music manuscripts of orchestral song accompaniments arranged for Kamahl

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