Robie Porter, who has also produced some of the country’s biggest pop and rock acts, received the TV WEEK Logie Award, in 1964, for Special Award For Recording.
But, three years later, after Robie had left Australia for the US, it vanished.
“I was travelling around, so I gave it to my manager in New York to look after,” Robie, 75, tells TV WEEK. “He moved and left the Logie and my other awards in his basement. And, someone stole the lot!”
Now, TV WEEK has stepped in to make a Robie a replacement Logie.
“I’ve got to tell you, this is one of the best feelings I’ve ever had in this business,” Robie says of freshly minted Logie. “It’s a really big thrill for me.”
On Monday, Robie was honoured in the Queen’s birthday list, receiving an Order Of Australia medal for services to the music industry as a producer, writer and performer.
In the ‘60s, Robie – then known by his stage name Rob E.G – was a big star on the local music scene, with hits such as “When You’re Not Near”. The rising musician changed his name to Robie Porter and headed overseas, leaving his father, Maurie to pick up his Logie in 1964.
By 1967, Robie was co-hosting the US variety show, Malibu with Rick Nelson. And, two years later he starred in the US movie, Three with Charlotte Rampling and Sam Waterston, who would go on to star in Law & Order.
Despite his celebrity status, Robie never let fame go to his head.
“I was very happy it was happening, but I was never overawed by the situation,” Robie says of his time in America.
Later, Robie returned to Australia and became one of the country’s leading record producers. He produced rock band, Daddy Cool’s 1971 debut album, Daddy Who? Daddy Cool. The record featured the hit single, “Eagle Rock”.
Robie also produced music for Rick Springfield, who he also managed, Marcia Hines and one of the country’s highest-selling acts, Air Supply.
