Biography

Jack Pledge grew up in San Antonio, Texas, where his father was an airforce officer. Graduating from High School in 1965, Jack was determined to be a pilot and fly fighter planes, but his ambition was squashed when he failed the physical.

The New Christie Minstrels, Peter, Paul & Mary and The Kingston Trio provided Jack with his earliest musical influences, until one day a friend gave him a Beatles album and music suddenly took on a whole new meaning.

At 21 his guitar playing was limited, so he took lessons, learning his trade inside out and becoming the accomplished singer, guitarist and songwriter he is recognised as today.

In December, 1970, his day job saw him transferred to Canada but nine months later saw him unemployed and alone, with no visible means of supporting himself. There followed a 5-week stint in Montreal as roadie to a rock 'n' roll band; when the band left, Jack stayed. Montreal brought his first professonal job at the age of 24, and for the next two years Jack was a folk singer, playing in all the local folk clubs between Montreal and Windsor. During this period he concentrated for up to ten hours a day on his songwriting and guitar playing.

In December, 1973, he arrived in Spain to take his folk music to the English speaking clubs of that country. February, 1974 saw him in Africa before his return to Canada where he played with a series of country/rock bands, the most noted being Jerry Palmer's Lovin' Country who for two years performed all over Canada.

In the late 70's Jack joined Sundown, a band who enjoyed a regular spot on a television news program, were much in demand for the Calgary Stampede and appeared on stage with Faron Young, Charlie Pride, Gary Buck, Ray Smith and Carol Baker.

Jack arrived in Australia in December, 1984 and since then has been a regular on the Sydney rock 'n' roll and country scene, both in a supporting role for such entertainers as Ian B. MacLeod, Lucky Starr, Anne Kirkpatrick, Lonnie Lee, Nev Nichols and Reg Lindsay, and as a solo performer in his own right.

In addition, Jack is a recognised songwriter with songs recorded by James Blundell, Ian B. MacLeod, Lee Brittan, Anne Montgomery, Alan Hawkins and Jim Cooper.