Let the Dance Begin

Jean Stafford (born 1 January 1950) is a country music singer and songwriter who rose to fame in the 1970s and 1980s known for her rich voice and traditional country style. Stafford has won numerous awards and accolades, earning her the title as “Australia’s Queen of Country Music.” Stafford has sold gold and platinum albums throughout her career, along with her hit song Someday I'll Take Home The Roses. In 1991, Stafford was awarded a ceremonial Key to the City of Nashville by Mayor Bill Boner, in recognition of her significant contributions to country music and her efforts in promoting cultural ties between Australia and the United States — Notably, Stafford is the only Australian to have received this distinction from Nashville. Stafford also received honorary Tennessean citizenship by the Tennessee Governor Ned McWherter, this honor awarded in recognition of her significant and outstanding service to country music. Stafford was the first and only female country music artist to have albums with high sales that led to her receiving two Aria nominations at the 1987 Aria Awards inauguration. Stafford has won four Golden Guitar awards and was inducted into the Country Music Awards of Australia's "Roll Of Renown" in 2008. Stafford was a regular guest on "Midday" a popular Australian television program on the Nine Network hosted by Ray Martin during the 1980s and 1990s with over 40 performances. Alongside midday, her numerous appearances on Australian television shows like "The Mike Walsh Show", "The Ernie Sigley Show" and "It's Country Today", Stafford holds the record for the most appearances by an individual female country music artist in Australian television history.