Author(s): Normie Rowe

Entertainment

At one time, Normie Rowe was Australia's biggest musical talent. In 1965, his songs 'Que Sera Sera' and 'Shakin' All Over' were number one hits around the country and the single on which they appeared was the bestselling Australian single of the 1960s. He produced a string of top 10 hits until, in 1968, his life was suddenly turned on its head - he was drafted into the army and shipped out to Vietnam. When he returned from the war, his pop career was virtually over, John Farnham and others having taken his place. The scars of battle had also left him with post-traumatic stress disorder, which remained undiagnosed for years, and was only exacerbated by the end of his marriage and the tragic loss of his eight-year-old son. He struggled to come to grips with his new life, but with characteristic courage, launched a comeback career as a television actor and became an acclaimed performer of musical theatre Through dizzying highs and deep lows, 'Smiley' has overcome break-ups, breakdowns and unexpected blows to become the beloved national treasure we know today.