Jimmy Little Remembered At Opera House Memorial

The 75-year-old musician's family and friends hosted a special tribute at the famous landmark to remember the late star, who passed away last month (Apr12).

The service included poignant tributes from Little's relatives, including his niece Esther Cohen, who read the lyrics to his song Waterloo, and his grandson James Henry, who was given a standing ovation after playing Yorta Yorta Man, backed by the star's band, the Jimmy Little Trio.

Little's opera star niece Deborah Cheetham also performed Australia's national anthem, and there were tributes from New South Wales Premier Barry O'Farrell, Little's daughter Frances Peters Little, and musician Brendan Gallagher, who told the audience, "My God, that man could sing... Velvety smooth with great reserves of power and exquisite phrasing. Jimmy would summons the magic in the room and take his adoring public out of there with him to somewhere beautiful."

The memorial was set to be followed by a free tribute concert featuring artists including rocker Paul Kelly, singer/songwriter Archie Roach and entertainer Col Joye.