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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders both past and present.

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Rick Carey, WA

1998 (printed 2004)
John Elliott

type C photograph on paper (sheet: 60.7 cm x 50.6 cm, image: 50.0 cm x 33.0 cm)

Rick and Thelma Carey comprise Australian country music's most famous double act, Rick and Thel. The couple began performing together as The Sliprail Swingsters in 1949. After marrying in 1952 they scored a recording contract with EMI. Among their best-loved songs were the tear-jerker "Fourteen Red Roses for Jenny" and the novelty songs "He's a - She's a" and "I'll Take the Dog." In the 1950s they toured Australia with the famous All Star Western Show, also featuring Chad Morgan and Kevin King. On that tour Rick developed his famed comic character Cousin Ratsack. The Rick and Thel Show, with its blend of music and comedy, was a favourite on the Australian country scene in the 60s and 70s, but the pair went off the road when Thel was diagnosed with cancer in the early 1980s. After her death in 1998 Rick retired from the public eye, although he has recently made a handful of one-off appearances. In 1985 Rick and Thel were inducted into the Australian Country Music Federation's Roll of Renown.

Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Gift of the artist 2005
© John Elliott

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. Works of art from the collection are reproduced as per the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). The use of images of works from the collection may be restricted under the Act. Requests for a reproduction of a work of art can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

Artist and subject

John Elliott (age 47 in 1998)

Rick Carey (age 71 in 1998)

Subject professions

Performing arts

Donated by

John Elliott (19 portraits)

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The National Portrait Gallery acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and to Elders past and present. We respectfully advise that this site includes works by, images of, names of, voices of and references to deceased people.

This website comprises and contains copyrighted materials and works. Copyright in all materials and/or works comprising or contained within this website remains with the National Portrait Gallery and other copyright owners as specified.

The National Portrait Gallery respects the artistic and intellectual property rights of others. The use of images of works of art reproduced on this website and all other content may be restricted under the Australian Copyright Act 1968 (Cth). Requests for a reproduction of a work of art or other content can be made through a Reproduction request. For further information please contact NPG Copyright.

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