Don Spencer has been awarded the Order of Australia by her majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
Spencer, of Darlinghurst in Sydney, received the award "for service to children's music and television as a songwriter and performer, and through the establishment of the Australian Children's Music Foundation".Don Spencer, the father of Danielle Spencer, is also the father-in-law of Russell Crowe.
He is best known for the long-running children's television show Play School, which is screened in Australian and the United Kingdom.
Prior to his television career, Spencer was a performer. In 1963, he had a hit song in the UK with the theme to Fireball XL5. As a 60s pop star, Spencer toured the UK three times with the Rolling Stones, and supported acts such as Marianne Faithfull, The Hollies and The Four Seasons.
He had his own pop show on television in the 60s which featured guests such as Tom Jones, The Animals and Cilla Black.
He also starred in the Barry Humphries movie 'Barry McKenzie Holds His Own' as well as Ronnie Barker's comedy 'Let's Face It'.
In 2002, Don founded the Australian Children's Music Foundation. The charity develops creativity and imagination with the love of music. The foundation uses the power of music to help children inspire their lives.
The Order of Australia began in 1975 when Queen Elizabeth II established the honor to recognize Australian citizens for their personal achievements and meritorious service.
