| Jack O'Hagan | |
| Background: | solo_singer |
| Birth Name: | John Francis O'Hagan |
| Birth Date: | 1898 11, df=y |
| Birth Place: | Fitzroy, Victoria, Australia |
| Occupation: | Singer, songwriter, radio personality |
| Instrument: | Vocals |
| Years Active: | 1916–1961 |
John Francis O'Hagan (29 November 189815 July 1987) was an Australian singer-songwriter and radio personality.[1]
O'Hagan was born as John Francis O'Hagan, in Fitzroy, a suburb of Melbourne. He was the son of Pat O'Hagan, a hotelkeeper and Alice née Quinlan. He went to school at St Patrick's College and then later at Xavier College in Melbourne. His first job in the music business was at Allans Music in Melbourne – he played sheet music for potential customers.[2] When radio was introduced to Australia, he was one of the first to broadcast for 3LO, and later on 3AW.
Between 1916 and 1961, O'Hagan wrote over 600 songs, more than 200 of which were published.[2] Some of O'Hagan's well-known songs are:
His music and lyrics for the stage include the musical The Flame of Desire, which premiered at Melbourne's Apollo Theatre in October 1935.[4]
In the 1940s and 1950s, O'Hagan wrote many radio commercials and campfire songs. However, the combination of the rising popularity of rock and roll and television ended his career.[5]
Despite writing songs about the town, O'Hagan first visited Gundagai in 1956 when he was guest of honour at the centenary celebrations of the town.[6]
O'Hagan was awarded the OBE in 1973.[2]