Blue Smoke

The people who introduced New Zealand to Blue Smoke are to be inducted into the Music Hall of Frame:

The singer, guitarist and song-writer who kickstarted New Zealand’s music industry with the release of the country’s first hit song Blue Smoke are to be inducted into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame.

This morning it was announced Pixie Williams, Ruru Karaitiana and Jim Carter will be honoured at this year’s Australasian Performing Rights Association’s Silver Scroll awards on 2 October.

The 1949 hit is recognised as the first record to be produced locally – from recording to pressing.

It sold 50,000 copies in two years, was covered by a string of big-name international musicians, and started the recording era here with a bang. . .