Australian Singers Ep.24 Patty Markham

The Patty Markham Story is both a mystery and a tragedy. A mystery because so much of her early life, and her life post-1964, is unknown. A tragedy because here was a young woman with a beautiful voice and the prospect of a long and successful career who it seems just vanished.   Patty Markham had three 45 singles on the Rex label, followed by four on the Festival label, in the years 1960 to 1962. There was also an EP which comprised two of her Festival label 45s, including her biggest hit, “Blue Star”.  Media references, particularly the Teenager’s Weekly (a supplement of The Australian Women’s Weekly), detail that Patty was in high demand for Club and TV appearances. One column in December of 1962, reports that Patty was to marry a Sydney singer, Len Taylor in February of 1963. Both planned to continue their singing careers. I like several others, have no idea as to what happened post-1964. Except for “Blue Star”, I’ve used my copies of the original 45s. There will be some ‘crackling’.