John Schumann OAM

John Schumann OAM achieved national recognition as the lead singer and songwriter of the political folk band Redgum, particularly for their chart-topping hit ‘I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green)’ in March 1983. Schumann co-founded Redgum in 1975, where his powerful songwriting provided a poignant look into the psychological and medical aftermath of the Vietnam War on Australian soldiers. This seminal song played a significant role in assisting Vietnam veterans during the 1983 Royal Commission into Agent Orange. Prior to Redgum becoming a full-time band in late 1980, Schumann balanced his musical pursuits with a career teaching English and Drama at Marion High School.

Schumann’s tenure with Redgum included writing other significant songs such as ‘Long Run,’ ‘The Last Frontier,’ and ‘I’ve Been to Bali Too.’ The band expanded their reach internationally in 1985, touring extensively and performing at major festivals across England and Europe, including the Edinburgh Festival and in Belfast. After departing Redgum in late 1985, Schumann embarked on a solo career with CBS, releasing albums such as ‘Etched in Blue’ (1987) and the children’s record ‘Looby Loo’ (1989). His 1987 single ‘Borrowed Ground’ earned him the Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA) Most Performed Australasian Country Work Award in 1988. He continued his solo work with Sony in 1992, releasing ‘Eyes on Fire,’ followed by the album ‘True Believers’ (1993) with Columbia Records.

His latest album with The Vagabond Crew, ‘Ghosts and Memories,’ was released in 2018. In 2022, Schumann’s significant contributions were further recognized with his appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).