Keith Potger, a longtime friend of Judith Durham, felt a deep sense of loss as he remembered his “little sister.” As a part of The Seekers, the iconic band that captured the hearts of millions, Potger had witnessed Durham’s remarkable journey. Though he had known for years that she had not been in the best of health, her resilience often brought her back from the brink. But on August 4th, the news came that her condition had taken a turn for the worse.
“I had planned to drive down to Melbourne, but that Friday, I received another call,” Keith shared, speaking from his home in Braidwood, nestled in the NSW Southern Tablelands. “Judith’s sister handed her the phone so I could speak with her just hours before she passed. Athol and Bruce had that chance too. There’s no way to express how meaningful it was to say our goodbyes then.”
That final phone call was nothing short of an emotional eulogy, a living tribute to the bond they had shared. In their last exchange, they expressed love for each other, reflecting on the incredible journey they’d experienced together. The following day, on August 5th, Judith Durham passed away at the age of 79 from a long-standing lung condition.
Keith, who had known Judith for decades, recalled the first time he heard her sing in a Melbourne coffee bar in 1962. “From the very first note, I knew we were witnessing the start of something extraordinary. She was in a league of her own, matching us, the other members, with her powerful yet precise voice.”
Alongside Keith, Athol Guy, and Bruce Woodley, Judith’s voice elevated The Seekers to fame. The band’s harmonious blend of 12-string guitar, double bass, and rich vocals quickly captivated audiences across Australia and beyond, leading to hits like I’ll Never Find Another You, Georgy Girl, and The Carnival is Over. They became Australia’s most beloved group, filling concert halls worldwide, from the Royal Albert Hall to packed auditoriums at home.
The Seekers achieved unparalleled success and recognition, including being named Australians of the Year in 1967. But in 1968, Judith left the band to pursue a solo career. Despite their separation, the band reunited in 1992 for a memorable concert in Melbourne. Their reunion was a triumph, drawing an audience of over 200,000 people. Over their career, The Seekers sold more than 50 million records globally and continued touring into the 2000s.
In recognition of their contribution to music, each band member was named an Officer of the Order of Australia in 2014.
Keith fondly recalls a signed photo Judith gave him in the mid-80s, a cherished memento that still holds a place on his wall. “It’s a very different-looking Judith from the public image,” he said. “But that photo represents the special, enduring friendship I had with her.”
Now living in the picturesque town of Braidwood with his partner, Elizabeth Hawkes, Keith continues to perform. At 81, he plays his 12-string guitar as a “wandering minstrel,” keeping the spirit of The Seekers alive. His upcoming performances at Bungendore’s Carrington Inn will pay tribute to Judith, blending Seekers classics with his solo work.\
“Every time I perform our songs, they take on a special meaning,” Keith reflected. “The grief of her loss is always there, but the memories we shared are what I focus on. She was more than a bandmate; she was family. And like family, we will miss her deeply.”
Keith’s tribute to Judith is not just a musical one; it’s a heartfelt remembrance of a lifelong friendship, a celebration of the memories that will live on forever.
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