Country music legend Smoky Dawson dies aged 94

THE man dubbed "Australia's first cowboy", country music legend Smoky Dawson has died after a short illness, aged 94. Dawson earned national fame with his radio show The Adventures of Smoky Dawson, which was broadcast for 10 years from 1952.

His first recording I am a Happy Go Lucky Cowhand was made in 1942 and he continued performing in Australia and the United States right up until his death.

His latest DVD featuring new performances was completed just this month.

Dawson was awarded an MBE in 1978 and admitted to the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2005.

He also taught horse riding on his ranch outside Sydney, and counted yodelling, whip cracking, knife throwing, acting among his many skills.

He is survived by his wife Dot.