SA MUSIC HALL OF FAME WELCOMES TWO JAZZ ICONS

Two of South Australia’s finest jazz figures, Kym Bonython AC, AO, DFC, AFC and Kym Purling, are being inducted into the South Australian Music Hall of Fame at Adelaide Town Hall.

Kym Bonython AC, AO, DFC, AFC (Posthumous Inductee)

Kym Bonython’s contribution to Adelaide’s cultural life is unmatched. A musician, broadcaster, promoter, entrepreneur, war veteran, gallery owner and councillor, he was a driving force in elevating Adelaide’s standing on the global stage.

In 1972, Music Maker magazine declared him “the person who has done most for jazz in Australia.” Bonython brought some of the world’s greatest performers to Adelaide, including Dizzy Gillespie, Count Basie, Dave Brubeck, the Glen Miller Orchestra, Ray Charles, Louis Armstrong, and Duke Ellington.

Expanding beyond jazz, he promoted major rock acts, most notably bringing Chuck Berry to Adelaide in 1973 and playing a role in the Beatles’ legendary 1964 Australian tour.

Bonython also gave back through civic service, sitting on Adelaide City Council and serving on boards including the Adelaide Festival, Australia Council for the Arts, Musica Viva, Australia Japan Foundation, and the SA Jubilee 150 Board. His legacy is woven into Adelaide’s identity as a city of music and culture.

Kym Purling

Kym Purling’s story is one of South Australian talent shining on the world stage. A graduate of the Elder Conservatorium of Music, he formed the Kym Purling Trio and became one of Adelaide’s most in-demand performers, averaging more than 250 shows per year during the 1990s.

In 1998 he moved to the United States, where he played the showrooms of the Las Vegas strip alongside Frank Sinatra Jr, David Cassidy, Buddy Greco and others. His career went on to span Broadway, international concert halls, and collaborations with global jazz greats.

Since returning to Adelaide in 2020, Purling has continued to enrich the local scene as a performer and musical director. His career exemplifies the reach and resilience of South Australian music.

A New Era for the SA Music Hall of Fame

Lord Mayor of Adelaide Dr Jane Lomax-Smith said: “Kym Bonython’s lifelong passion brought the brightest stars to Adelaide and made him a cultural force the likes of which our city has rarely seen.
Kym Purling’s international journey is a testament to the boundless reach of South Australian talent. This week we honour both men for their extraordinary contributions to music.”

The Hall of Fame exhibition is proudly presented by the City of Adelaide across two levels of Adelaide Town Hall. Featuring rare memorabilia, signed guitars, archival material, and the Honour Boards, the display is free to view weekdays from 9am–5pm.