Pioneering Australian singer who performed with rock star Johnny O’Keefe dies aged 69

Popular Australian singer Margaret McLaren died earlier this year at the age of 69.

The singer, born in Melbourne in 1954, became famous in the early 1970s as a backing singer for legendary Australian rock star Johnny O’Keefe.

She rose to national fame in 1973 when she sang a duet with O’Keefe entitled “Mockingbird”, which reached number eight on the Australian charts.

O’Keefe’s daughter Vicky announced the heartbreaking news of Margaret’s death in an Instagram post: “Very sad to hear of Margaret’s passing. She was such a vibrant, powerful singer alongside Dad and his band.”

Vicky added that McLaren was an important member of O’Keefe’s live band, The Stuart Park Group, adding that special something to their performances.

“Margaret was only 15 years old when she started singing with her father and I remember enjoying watching her perform with him.

“The duet by JOK and Margaret was absolutely fantastic and received more radio play than the competing version by Carly Simon & James Taylor, which came out at the same time.”

“Rest in peace. Our condolences to your family,” Vicky added.

Heartbroken fans quickly went online to express their condolences.

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“A beautiful woman, a wonderful friend and always a true joy to be around,” wrote one fan.

“She touched the lives of so many people with her overwhelming personality, infectious smile, amazing voice, kindness, warmth and great sense of humor,” wrote a second person.

McLaren became a popular touring musician in the 1980s, playing in countless pubs across Australia with her band Vocamotion.

Margaret leaves behind three children, John, Jesse and Holly, and seven grandchildren.