It is with much sadness that we share with you the news that broadcaster Paula Langlands has passed on to the great gig in the sky.
A much admired and respected Presenter here at Eastside Radio, her commitment to the station spanned four different decades while her weekly show Jazz Made In Australia was broadcast all around the country via the Community Radio Network for 20 years and continues to this day. The carefully researched program was loved by many listeners and broadcasters and wonderfully supportive of countless latest releases of Australian Jazz and improvised music.
In addition, Paula was a past Board Director and winner of the 2010 Marg Barry Award Winner for outstanding contributions as a volunteer. She was also a presenter of another longstanding and loved program Personalities in Jazz and acknowledged for 30 years of service with the rare and coveted Star Award in 2020.
“Thanks to Paula Langlands for her indispensable work on the “Broadcasters” and “Radio Stations” sections. I’m indebted to Paula for convincing me of the value of a separate “Radio Stations” section, which provides details of all the radio stations we could find in Australia that broadcast jazz programs” Eric Myers 1998 Australian Jazz Directory
Outside of the station Paula was a wonderful professional jazz singer, in demand with both Sydney and Melbourne jazz scenes as well as on television, stage, nightclubs, cabaret and revue. As a member of the Music Board on the Australian Council for the Arts Paula helped develop and support infrastructure for jazz activity and performance in the state of Victoria. Before that she was a regular performer over a period of ten years on The Graham Kennedy Show across numerous production numbers.
Paula also graced the silver and small screen and had many notable acting roles on television including Homicide, Ricky & Pete and the much lauded Prisoner. Her other love was teaching vocal technique and interpretation using the Great American Songbook repertoire.
Fiercely independent across all elements of performance and production, Paula Langlands was a woman of indomitable spirit and never afraid to stand up for her self and what was right. Underneath this tough exterior was a kind and compassionate person, loyal and on occasion, if required, apologetic for any misunderstanding. Once you had earned her respect you had her unwavering support, particularly as an emerging musician. Her participation on award panels such as the National Jazz Awards at Wangaratta gave her access to the next generation of jazz and she offered to promote them on her shows as well as generously give any helpful advice or direction based on decades in the business.
For me personally, she was a kind soul wrapped in a competitive strength, no doubt needed to survive as a woman in jazz many years ago.
Thank you for you’ve given Paula, not only to Eastside Radio, but to Community Radio around this country and to the next generations of jazz musicians who continue to compose and perform ‘Jazz Made In Australia’.
Vale Paula Langlands May 2023
Tony Smythe – Managing Director – Eastside Radio
A service for Paula is being held at Manning’s Rozelle @ 12pm on Thursday 1 June 2023
