Jon English: ‘Six Ribbons’ Singer and ‘Against the Wind’ Actor

If you grew up in Australia in the 1970s and 80s, Jon English’s voice was likely part of the soundtrack. Whether belting out Six Ribbons on the radio or starring as the rebellious convict in Against the Wind, he was a constant presence.

Born: 26 March 1949, Hampstead, London ·
Died: 9 March 2016, age 66 ·
Occupations: Singer, songwriter, musician, actor ·
Famous role: Robert in Against the Wind (1978) ·
Hit song: Six Ribbons (1979)

Seven key facts, one pattern: Jon English’s career blended self-written hits with acting roles in a way that few Australian entertainers have managed.

The pattern: his career was built on self-written hits and acting roles, a combination few Australian entertainers have managed.

What happened to Jon English?

Cause of death

Jon English died on 9 March 2016 at the age of 66. According to ABC News (Australian public broadcaster), the cause was complications following surgery. Wikipedia (public encyclopedia) also reports this as the official cause. The surgery was reportedly for a hip replacement, though the exact details of the complication have not been publicly elaborated by his family.

Date and place of passing

He died in Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia, according to IMDb (film database). The date was 9 March 2016, just 17 days short of his 67th birthday.

Legacy and memorials

After his death, tributes poured in from fans and fellow artists. The Australian music community held a memorial concert in Sydney in June 2016, featuring performances of his hits. A biography written by Jeff Apter, Behind Dark Eyes: The True Story of Jon English, was released on 26 March 2021, as reported by The Music (Australian music news). The book offers a detailed look at his life and career.

Did Jon English write his own songs?

Self-written hits like ‘Six Ribbons’

Yes. Jon English wrote many of his own songs. Wise Music Creative (music publishing company) confirms that Six Ribbons was written by Jon English alone. It remains his most successful single. Other self-penned tracks include Handbags and Gladrags, Turn The Page, and Hollywood Seven, all listed by Wise Music Creative.

Co-writing credits

He also collaborated with other songwriters. For example, the song Get Your Love Right was co-written. His discography shows a mix of original compositions and covers, but his own writing accounts for the bulk of his notable work.

Songwriting style

English’s songwriting leaned toward storytelling, often with a theatrical flair. He described his process as intuitive, drawing from the characters he played on stage. The result was a catalog that felt both personal and performance-ready.

What is Jon English’s most famous role?

Role as Robert in ‘Against the Wind’

His most famous role is widely considered to be the convict Robert in the 1978 ABC TV miniseries Against the Wind. Wise Music Creative (music publishing company) states he played the lead role. The series was a major production about the early days of Australia and earned high ratings.

Other notable TV roles

He also appeared in the TV series All Together Now as Bobby Rivers (1991), as well as guest spots on shows like The Sullivans and G.P.. IMDb (film database) lists these alongside his stage work.

Stage musical performances

English was a fixture in Australian theatre. He played Judas Iscariot in Jesus Christ Superstar for more than 700 performances, then returned in 2012 as Pontius Pilate (Wise Music Creative). He also performed the role of the Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance over 1,000 times, according to Wikipedia (public encyclopedia).

Did Jon English sing ‘Against the Wind’?

Theme song for the series

Yes, Jon English sang the theme song for Against the Wind. The song, also titled Against the Wind, was written for the miniseries. Wise Music Creative (music publishing company) notes that the soundtrack included the hit Six Ribbons as well, but the title theme is closely associated with English’s performance.

Contribution to soundtrack

He not only sang but also contributed to the instrumental score. The miniseries’ soundtrack album features several English compositions and vocal tracks, cementing his role as both star and composer.

Performance style

His rendition of the theme song is a folk-rock anthem that matches the epic scope of the series. Fans often cite it as a highlight of his vocal work.

Was Jon English a smoker?

Evidence from interviews

Some anecdotal reports and fan recollections suggest that Jon English smoked cigarettes. However, no official confirmation from a primary source such as an interview transcript or biography has been found. The biography Behind Dark Eyes may address it, but specific details have not been publicly circulated.

Health implications

Given that his cause of death was surgical complications, smoking is not listed as a contributing factor in any verified source. ABC News (Australian public broadcaster) and BBC News (UK public broadcaster) both report only the surgery complication.

Public perception

The question arises because several photos from the 1970s show English holding a cigarette, typical of the era’s cultural norms. But without a direct statement from family or a reliable source, the claim remains unverified.

Timeline

• 1949 – Born in Hampstead, London (Wikipedia)
• 1961 – Moved to Australia with family (Wise Music Creative)
• 1970s – Began music and acting career
• 1978 – Starred in miniseries Against the Wind (Wise Music Creative)
• 1979 – Released Six Ribbons (Wise Music Creative)
• 1984 – Played Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance (Wikipedia)
• 1991 – Appeared in TV series All Together Now (IMDb)
• 2016 – Died on 9 March at age 66 (BBC News)

“Jon English’s most successful song is Six Ribbons.”

Wise Music Creative (music publishing company)

“Jon English is known for All Together Now, Against the Wind, and The Pirates of Penzance.”

IMDb (film database)

For Australian fans and music lovers who grew up with his work, Jon English’s story is a reminder that genuine versatility can sustain a decades-long career. Whether on the theatre stage or behind a microphone, he carved a path that few have matched. The choice for modern entertainers is clear: specialise, or follow English’s example of blending writing, singing, and acting into a single, authentic voice.

Frequently asked questions