The Four Kinsmen
OriginAustralia
Years active1962–2009
LabelsHis Master's Voice
Past membersBernard Mahony, Adrian Mahoney, Peter Fay, George Fay, Spencer Whiteley, Robert Pearson, Allan Morrison, George Harvey, Graham Wilson, Scott Radburn,

The Four Kinsmen were an Australian vocal group formed in 1962 and become stalwarts of Australia's live performance circuit in the later part of the twentieth century and hold the record for the most Mo Awards wins.[1]

History

In 1962, Bernard and Adrian Mahony joined with brothers Peter and George Fay to form The Four Kinsmen. Their first TV appearance was on the Kevin Dennis Auditions in July 1963. After appearing on the show multiple times, they went on to win and were given a spot-on Graham Kennedy's In Melbourne Tonight.[2]

In 1964 they released their first single, "The Sphinx Won’t Tell"/"The Last Leaf", recorded at Television City in Melbourne, it reached number 10 on the Melbourne 3DB chart.[2]

More success followed before the group decided to leave for England and were given a three-month season with Dave Allen at a theatre restaurant. Whilst in England, the group worked with Engelbert Humperdinck, Des O'Connor, Val Doonican, Benny Hill and Moorecombe and Wise. While in England they released three singles and they did a pantomime season along with the New Vaudeville Band.[2]

In 1968 the group returned to Australia and gaining work on the club scene in Sydney.[2]

In 1975 they won their first Mo Award. By 1976, Bernard Mahony left the group and was replaced by Spencer Whiteley. Bernard Mahoney died in 1978. In 1980 Peter Fay left and he was replaced by Alan Morrison who was soon replaced by George Harvey. In 1982, Spencer Whiteley left and was replaced by Robert Pearson. Adrian Mahony left and was replaced by Graham Wilson.[2] In 1986 the last original member George Fay left and was replaced by Scott Radburn.[2]

George Fay died from motor neurone disease, shortly after.

The Four Kinsmen carried on touring around the world until 2009.[2]

A documentary about the group is scheduled for an Australian debut in late 2022.[3]

Discography

Albums

List of albums with selected details
Title Details
The Four Kinsmen
  • Released: 1971
  • Label: His Master's Voice (OCSD 7681)
  • Format: Vinyl
Our Own Kind of Music
  • Released: 1972
  • Label: His Master's Voice (SOELP 9930)
  • Format: Vinyl
Live & Well
  • Released: 1974
  • Label: His Master's Voice (SOELP 10183)
  • Format: Vinyl
The Very Best of The Four Kinsmen
  • Released: 1976
  • Label: Axis (AXIS-6279)
  • Format: Vinyl
Two Sides of the Four Kinsmen
  • Released: 1983
  • Label: TFK Productions (YPRX-2116)
  • Format: Vinyl, cassette
The Four Kinsmen
  • Released: 1991
  • Label: Springbrook (DEX 262 CDE)
  • Format: CD, cassette

Awards

Mo Awards

The Australian Entertainment Mo Awards (commonly known informally as the Mo Awards), were annual Australian entertainment industry awards. They recognise achievements in live entertainment in Australia from 1975 to 2016. They won 25 awards in that time.[4]

Year Nominee / work Award Result (wins only)
1975 Themselves Vocal Group of the Year Won
Themselves Act of the Year Won
1976 Themselves Best Vocal Group of the Year Won
1977 Themselves Vocal Group (3 of More) of the Year Won
1978 Themselves Vocal Group (2 of More) of the Year Won
1978 Themselves Vocal Group (2 of More) of the Year Won
1981 Themselves Vocal Group of the Year Won
1981 Themselves Vocal Group of the Year Won
1985 Themselves Vocal Group (2 of More) of the Year Won
1986 Themselves Vocal Group (2 of More) of the Year Won
Themselves Daily Telegraph Readers Award - Group of the Year Won
1987 Themselves Vocal Group (2 of More) of the Year Won
1988 Themselves Best Group of the Year Won
1989 Themselves Cabaret Group of the Year Won
1991 Themselves Variety Performer of the Year Won
Themselves Variety Group of the Year Won
1992 Themselves Variety Performer of the Year Won
Themselves Variety Group of the Year Won
1993 Themselves Variety Performer of the Year Won
Themselves Variety Group of the Year Won
1995 Themselves Variety Performer of the Year Won
Themselves Variety Group of the Year Won
1996 Themselves Variety Group of the Year Won
1997 Themselves Variety Group of the Year Won
1998 Themselves Variety Group of the Year Won

References

  1. ↑ "Reunited after a six-year break". Central Western Daily. 31 January 2007. Retrieved 5 March 2022.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 "THE FOUR KINSMEN". History of Aussie Music. 2013. Retrieved 5 March 2022.
  3. ↑ "The Four Kinsmen Documentary". The Four Kinsmen Documentary. Retrieved 5 March 2022.
  4. ↑ "MO Award Winners". Mo Awards. Retrieved 5 March 2022.
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