James Valentine, Aussie Music Legend, Passes Away

0:00It's April 25th. Welcome in. This is Music News Today, where music meets AI. I'm Corey with the story. James Valentine, the saxophone is from the band Models, and a staple voice on ABC Radio, has passed away at 64. He opted for voluntary assisted dying at home, two years after his cancer diagnosis hit. Tributes keep rolling in from Australia's music scene, highlighting his smooth shift from stage to studio mic. Artists who share tours and sessions with him are sharing stories of his talent and warmth. Jimmy Barnes called out Valentine's sharp interviews and killer sax lines, saying he'd miss that gentle afternoon radio presence. Iva Davies from Ice House remembered their early 80s road days and how Valentine lit up their Code Blue album. I and excess chimed in too, reminiscing about the Australian made tour back in 86 and 87, plus his time with Afs and Friends. They praised his wit across music, TV, radio, and writing. Valentine hosted ABC's Afternoons on 7-0-2 Sydney

1:04for decades, building a huge following with his curious, easy style. Just recently, Australia's Governor General named him a member of the Order of Australia for his media and music work. His legacy lives on through his, wife, two kids, and all those daily listeners.