Mildred Geraldine Joy Kirkpatrick, known by her stage name of Joy McKean, was an Australian country music singer-songwriter and wife and manager of Slim Dusty. Her daughter is a country singer and musician Anne Kirkpatrick.
Joy McKean husband
McKean met Slim Dusty in 1951, six years before he became the first Australian to have an international No 1 with A Pub With No Beer. Joy McKean, got married to her husband Slim Dusty and it was the beginning of their lifelong collaboration as musicians.
Aside from being a singer on her own, she also became her partner’s manager for over 50 years and they collaborated on dozens of songs together.
Joy McKean children
Joy McKean and Slim Dusty had two children together: Anne Kirkpatrick and David Kirkpatrick. Both of their children have followed in their parent’s footsteps and become accomplished singer-songwriters.
Joy McKean parents
McKean was known as the Queen of Australian country music, Joy McKean was born in Singleton in the Hunter Region, New South Wales on 14 January 1930. As an infant, McKean lived on the dairy farm belonging to her mother’s family. McKean father was a country school teacher and the family moved around to several regional centers during her youth.
Australian music pioneer Joy McKean has passed away, aged 93.
The multi-award-winning songwriter, musician and wife of the late Slim Dusty, passed away surrounded by family, after a long battle with cancer. #9News
MORE HERE: https://t.co/D31Oh6E9ao pic.twitter.com/ePv8JA8ZUH
— 9News Australia (@9NewsAUS) May 26, 2023
Her mother and their father, who was a steel guitar player, encouraged an interest in different types of music, including country performers Jimmie Rogers and the Carter Family.
Joy McKean siblings
Joy McKean has a sister named Heather McKean, who is also an Australian singer.
