Australian Rock Of Ages: Number 10 - Claire Humphrys

The Life and Time Stories of Australian Musicians, Performance Artists and those who commenced their their contributed to the Australian Music industry from the 1950’s through to the 1970’s.

Australian Rock of Ages is a series of interviews conducted with artists, entrepreneurs, managers. Those who promoted and contributed to the Australian Music Industry. All were born in Australia or settled in Australia during the halcyon years of the late 1950’s through to the late 1970’s.

We present a different story each month.

This program features the story of Claire Humphrys.

Baby Boomer Claire, was born in Melbourne in 1946.

australian rock of ages: number 109 - claire humphrys — A very young Claire [CLICK to enlarge]

As we will learn over the four programs, she is a strong-willed woman who has achieved in her own right. Yet, she also shared a journey with an icon of Australian music in the 1960’s.

Claire openly shares some of her early life giving us an insight into the woman she would become.

rock of ages: claire humphrys – part 1 — A young Claire with her step-father. [CLICK to enlarge]

However, she also became the woman behind one of Australia’s most loved singers of the 1960’s – Gerry Humphrys.

Gerry eventually became the front man for one of Australia’s most remarkable groups – The Loved Ones.

Certainly, as you would expect, Claire discusses her life with Gerry at some length. She shares many fond memories and shares stories never before told.

Yet it would be a big mistake to believe her life only revolved around Gerry, as we will learn.

Because of her love of art and her studies, Claire became involved in the Melbourne Arts scene of the early 1960’s.

Rock of Ages: claire humphrys – part 2 — Claire, the Arts student at Swinburne institute of Technology in the 1960’s. [CLICK to enlarge]

In part 2 of her story we learn of the amazing circumstances, that led her to meeting a young swarthy gypsy-looking boy. Delving deeply into the world of the Arts – painting, photography and music, it became her world.

It was in this world she met a boy that swept Claire off her feet. He was a young man who was destined to eventually become her husband. He was also destined to be an absolute icon of Australian music in the 1960’s.

His name? Gerry Humphrys and at this time he was part of what was one of Melbourne’s top Jazz bands. They were, the Red Onions Jazz band.

In part 3 of Claire’s story we learn a lot more about Gerry Humphrys and how he formed the iconic Loved Ones!

australian rock of ages: part 3- claire humphrys — 1967 and version two of the Loved one’s with Left to right: Kim Lynch; Rob Lovett; Gavin Anderson; Treva Richards (sitting) and Gerry

Claire holds nothing back and almost the entire program involves her and Gerry and the roller-coaster ride when Gerry fronts The Loved Ones. The Loved Ones became immensely popular and recorded some classic hit tracks, still played today.

Life is a whirlwind of gigs, parties and memorable moments such as their marriage. Incidentally we also learn of just how the group decided upon the name – The Loved Ones.

rock of ages: claire humphrys – part 3 — Claire and Gerry’s wedding day. [CLICK to enlarge]

There are many “up’s”, but with those “up’s” came as many “downs”! Things start to slide uncontrollably down hill for her, Gerry and the Loved One’s. As we listen, we are privy to stories never told before and we are, listening to living history.

Part 4 of the story of Claire ties up many loose ends to her story. She introduces us to her life after Gerry and her separated.

Being married to Gerry meant having to share him with a myriad of fans, as the groups fame grew. In fact as that fame grew, so did the stresses.

Now with a child to consider, and with the demons Gerry carried, Claire had to make the heartbreaking decision to separate in order to survive.

rock of ages: claire humphrys – part 4 — Rebecca, Gerry and Claire in their local park in South Yarra. [CLICK to enlarge]

So it is that Claire openly shares how she regained control of her life. it’s a story of how she returned to the things that were important to her.

australian rock of ages: part 4 - claire humphrys — Claire and her grandson. [CLICK to enlarge]

When interviewed, Claire was 70 years of age. Her life has been full but even now, she is certainly not sitting around doing nothing. She continues to have gallery showings and works hard to contribute to her community.

It’s apparent that even though she has led a full, active and sometimes turbulent life, it has been a full life. It’s certainly is one where she is happy with the choices she has made.