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Book of Life
A no-holds-barred memoir that charts the rise and fall - and rise - of one of Australia's most iconic music performers.
You think you know Deborah Conway? You think seeing her scowling and striding and smouldering in her music videos over the years means you know who Deborah Conway is? She figures you probably don't know the half of it.
If you have listened to any of Deborah's iconic songs and were curious about their origins; if you ever wondered what happened to that chick who covered herself in Nutella and was photographed shovelling cream cakes into her mouth; if you gave a nanosecond's thought to whose bare arse adorned the giant billboard ads for jeans in the 1980s and how much someone got paid to do that; if you liked Tracy Mann's vocals in Sweet and Sour but asked yourself, 'did she really sing them?'; if you thought Running On Empty was a classic before it became a cult phenomenon and need behind-the-scenes gossip, now's your chance to find out all this and so much more.
Conway pulls back the curtain on the fevered world of 1980s post-punk and the spectacular rise and fall and rise of one of the more obstreperous women in Australia's music industry, a woman who has straddled the high arts and the low without losing her footing or her mind. A woman who said no to the system and whose fierce independence has seen her produce her best work.
Welcome to the good, the bad and the ugly of an extraordinary life from the vantage point of a music insider (and outsider) with a deep need to tell the truth about it all.
You think you know Deborah Conway? You think seeing her scowling and striding and smouldering in her music videos over the years means you know who Deborah Conway is? She figures you probably don't know the half of it.
If you have listened to any of Deborah's iconic songs and were curious about their origins; if you ever wondered what happened to that chick who covered herself in Nutella and was photographed shovelling cream cakes into her mouth; if you gave a nanosecond's thought to whose bare arse adorned the giant billboard ads for jeans in the 1980s and how much someone got paid to do that; if you liked Tracy Mann's vocals in Sweet and Sour but asked yourself, 'did she really sing them?'; if you thought Running On Empty was a classic before it became a cult phenomenon and need behind-the-scenes gossip, now's your chance to find out all this and so much more.
Conway pulls back the curtain on the fevered world of 1980s post-punk and the spectacular rise and fall and rise of one of the more obstreperous women in Australia's music industry, a woman who has straddled the high arts and the low without losing her footing or her mind. A woman who said no to the system and whose fierce independence has seen her produce her best work.
Welcome to the good, the bad and the ugly of an extraordinary life from the vantage point of a music insider (and outsider) with a deep need to tell the truth about it all.
400 pages, Paperback
Published October 4, 2023
8 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
November 6, 2023
An engrossing story of a pop star with guts, who experienced success, then failure, then success again, and can now reflect on a fulfilling career pursued on her own terms. I was always a big Deborah Conway fan, but now even more so after reading this honest, funny, sad, and poignant story of love, music, and family.
December 18, 2023
As a writer you should be more careful with your words
December 26, 2023
A fun and laugh out loud (in places) read, she is quite a character.
January 22, 2025
Some of this was interesting to me but other parts, particularly the in depth explanations of Judaism didn’t resonate with me.
October 29, 2023
I loved this book. It is right up there with my favourite autobiographies. I listened to the audiobook which is narrated by the author and has musical additions which add to the prose in such a beautiful way. I was familiar with DoReMi as a teenager but have never really followed the career path of Deborah Conway but I am so pleased I listened to this - a very honest and beautifully written book about a life creating music and living amongst other creatives. A colourful family background also swirls through the memoir. I highly recommend this - and the audiobook if you can.
October 22, 2024
I have had this book in the back of my mind since seeing a review of it last year. I was a fan in the USA of DoReMi’s work, having secured their debut album as an import. Overall, a well writen book, if a bit disjointed at times, with some repeating.
I was aware of her solo career but had never knowingly heard her solo musical output. As a memoir she seems mostly open about her growing up in a religious but not observant Jewish family in Melbourne. And the fact that she had a rebellious streak from an early age. She couldn’t get out of the home fast enough and began her musical career early. At first she did some modeling work, finding she was in demand. She joined a cover band and got quite a kick out of singing and receiving some rewarding feedback from audiences. But it didn’t really pay the bills, while modeling did. Eventually, she found her musicial family in move to Sydney, where this small group became DoReMi. After a couple of single releases, the band got the attention of Michael Gudinski, and their first single on a big label became a hit, writen by Ms Conway.
She also wound up playing a major part in a film, that has became a cult classic: Running On Empty in 1983. The book then dives into the usual band shenanighans, the sex, drugs and alcohol, before it all came crashing down after a short life. Ms Conway then had a lot of false starts, and waiting around before being allowed to finally record her first solo album while living in London. Interspersed among the chapters are various song lyrics of her best songs - and many seem excellent in the reading. Later, her lifelong love of film and more specifically film music, she was asked to give permission for the film Touch to use her song “Into the Blue” and upon seeing the finished film in a cinema, she says she was immensely touched.
As I reached about 2/3’s of the way through the book, I came across the news that Ms Conway, strongly supported the Israel war against Hamas to the point of dismissing the huge causulty rates of children and woman, saying it is the Palestinians own fault. I did a bit of research on this to see if this was true. The first article I found had her professing that she was quoted out of context, but the second article I read was the complete transcript of the interview where she said just this and another article where she doubled down on this offering no solution to a decades old problem of the Palestians being kicked out of their homes and land which continues even now in the West Bank. After reading this, the next chapter I read in the book that she listens to the podcasts of Joe Rogan, who is one of the leading proponents of encouraging his listeners to bad male behavior, ie male toxicity. This despite her protestations throughout the book she is a feminist. And while saying the Palenstinians are to be blamed for the strife they are suffering now, not once did she profess to having visited Gaza or the West Bank on her three trips to Israel (the first being as a teenager, so didn’t have much choice, to be fair). Her later career has focused on creating music solely with her husband Willy Zieger, and being a producer - of a tour of female singer/songwriters, like a mini-Lillith Fair.
Overall, I was glad to have learned of her musical journey, but dismayed by her recent politics. I had been leaning to a 3 1/2 star review and upgrade to 4, but now just 3 stars.
I was aware of her solo career but had never knowingly heard her solo musical output. As a memoir she seems mostly open about her growing up in a religious but not observant Jewish family in Melbourne. And the fact that she had a rebellious streak from an early age. She couldn’t get out of the home fast enough and began her musical career early. At first she did some modeling work, finding she was in demand. She joined a cover band and got quite a kick out of singing and receiving some rewarding feedback from audiences. But it didn’t really pay the bills, while modeling did. Eventually, she found her musicial family in move to Sydney, where this small group became DoReMi. After a couple of single releases, the band got the attention of Michael Gudinski, and their first single on a big label became a hit, writen by Ms Conway.
She also wound up playing a major part in a film, that has became a cult classic: Running On Empty in 1983. The book then dives into the usual band shenanighans, the sex, drugs and alcohol, before it all came crashing down after a short life. Ms Conway then had a lot of false starts, and waiting around before being allowed to finally record her first solo album while living in London. Interspersed among the chapters are various song lyrics of her best songs - and many seem excellent in the reading. Later, her lifelong love of film and more specifically film music, she was asked to give permission for the film Touch to use her song “Into the Blue” and upon seeing the finished film in a cinema, she says she was immensely touched.
As I reached about 2/3’s of the way through the book, I came across the news that Ms Conway, strongly supported the Israel war against Hamas to the point of dismissing the huge causulty rates of children and woman, saying it is the Palestinians own fault. I did a bit of research on this to see if this was true. The first article I found had her professing that she was quoted out of context, but the second article I read was the complete transcript of the interview where she said just this and another article where she doubled down on this offering no solution to a decades old problem of the Palestians being kicked out of their homes and land which continues even now in the West Bank. After reading this, the next chapter I read in the book that she listens to the podcasts of Joe Rogan, who is one of the leading proponents of encouraging his listeners to bad male behavior, ie male toxicity. This despite her protestations throughout the book she is a feminist. And while saying the Palenstinians are to be blamed for the strife they are suffering now, not once did she profess to having visited Gaza or the West Bank on her three trips to Israel (the first being as a teenager, so didn’t have much choice, to be fair). Her later career has focused on creating music solely with her husband Willy Zieger, and being a producer - of a tour of female singer/songwriters, like a mini-Lillith Fair.
Overall, I was glad to have learned of her musical journey, but dismayed by her recent politics. I had been leaning to a 3 1/2 star review and upgrade to 4, but now just 3 stars.
May 21, 2025
I'm not a fan of Deborah Conway. Just wanted to get that out at the start for full disclosure. I read the book for a book club otherwise I would not have picked it up myself. That said, I ended up quite enjoying the book as a whole and even though I can't say I like Deborah's music (purely an issue of personal taste as she is a talented artist) I do respect her obvious creativity and the way she took charge of her career as she progressed and gained more knowledge and experience. I enjoyed the first part of the book about her 90's career because it took me back to this very unique time in Australian music history. I remember being a serious live music fan. Every week I would pick up all the street music press I could get my hands on from the uni bar or local pubs/venues and plan the gigs I would see each week. Here's a fantastic article on the Golden Age of free music street press
I saw hundreds of live gigs in the 90's at all kinds of pubs/clubs. There was a thriving scene which I now know I took for granted. Reading about this time was a mixture of joyous nostalgia and grief in knowing those days are gone forever (I should let em go but...10 points for guessing those lyrics ;) Instead of Do Re Mi and Deborah I was into darker heavier local flavours like Nick Cave, Lime Spiders, Psychotic Turnbuckles, Radio Birdman etc. The uni bar was my second home and the gigs were endless. What a time to be alive.
Anyway back to the book. I admire Deborah for her guts and her creativity. I love her relationship with Ziggy and how the demands of motherhood did not dampen her creative spirit. I admire how she seems to not want to label herself a victim of childhood abuse but still addresses the complexity of her parental relationships. I respect her connection to her faith. I didn't so much like a blindness to her ego and the other side of the story in the Israel/Palestine conflict. It was grating at times but then again, its her life and her story and she can write it any damn way she pleases - and she has. Three and a half stars for 90's nostalgia and respect for a strong creatrix.
I saw hundreds of live gigs in the 90's at all kinds of pubs/clubs. There was a thriving scene which I now know I took for granted. Reading about this time was a mixture of joyous nostalgia and grief in knowing those days are gone forever (I should let em go but...10 points for guessing those lyrics ;) Instead of Do Re Mi and Deborah I was into darker heavier local flavours like Nick Cave, Lime Spiders, Psychotic Turnbuckles, Radio Birdman etc. The uni bar was my second home and the gigs were endless. What a time to be alive.
Anyway back to the book. I admire Deborah for her guts and her creativity. I love her relationship with Ziggy and how the demands of motherhood did not dampen her creative spirit. I admire how she seems to not want to label herself a victim of childhood abuse but still addresses the complexity of her parental relationships. I respect her connection to her faith. I didn't so much like a blindness to her ego and the other side of the story in the Israel/Palestine conflict. It was grating at times but then again, its her life and her story and she can write it any damn way she pleases - and she has. Three and a half stars for 90's nostalgia and respect for a strong creatrix.
January 20, 2024
Interesting for anyone who was young in the 80s and loved their Aussie music. The quality of the writing wanes as the book proceeds as Deborah rushes to meet her deadline and in all honesty I just didn't find the second half of the book as interesting as she settles into domestic bliss with her longtime partner and their three daughters while still staying a singer-songwriter. For someone who was in long term relationships with Paul Kelly, Paul Hester and had an insider's knowledge of how and why Split Enz disbanded, I would have liked more. She is very honest, but I honestly got the impression of her as an adorable, big- hearted narcissist who to this day has no idea of the extent or scale to which many males' hearts were broken. The feminist in me says at least it was a woman doing it to a man - well, many men when it's so much more often the other way around. But I found it a bit difficult to like her. By far the most interesting character in the book was her father - a passive aggressive, unreasonable, overprotective and closeted gay man who had dreamt of a career in entertainment himself but bowed (understandably) to societal pressure to marry and pursue a law-related career. Even as I write this my attitude to Deborah softens as she had to watch her back every step of her childhood with him, build a hard shell around her for survival and this probably impacted her empathy. Those famous high cheekbones stood her in good stead as she had her pick of men and obviously found a great match with the man she would marry and is obviously a loving and devoted mum.
February 24, 2024
I'm a big fan of Deborah Conway's music, for which I thank the Internet, otherwise I would have heard very little of it, being largely unreleased in the U.S. Deborah got started in the 80's in an Australian band called Do Re Mi, that achieved success after the release of their first single Man Overboard. I believe I first became aware of them at 1985's Oz for Africa concert that was broadcast across the world. Deborah's voice certainly stood our, and as her memoir reveals, she knows how to use her voice and her words in more ways than singing.
An outspoken person who followed up her career with Do Re Mi as a solo artist. Her solo career started strong, but hit some stumbles after her first couple of albums, and she and her husband, guitarist/song-writer Willy Zygier eventually went independent, releasing their albums on their own. Deborah also dabbled in acting, appearing on stage as Patsy Cline, and in Peter Greenaway's film, PROSPERO'S BOOKS.
Because of how much I enjoy Deborah's music, I was hoping to enjoy her memoir just as much. Sadly, this was not the case. While it kept my attention, and Deborah is certainly an interesting subject, it didn't reach the heights of challenging moments that her music did. Still, It was entertaining, and I did learn about her very full life. And I realized that I didn't own her most recent two albums, which i promptly remedied by purchasing them.
An outspoken person who followed up her career with Do Re Mi as a solo artist. Her solo career started strong, but hit some stumbles after her first couple of albums, and she and her husband, guitarist/song-writer Willy Zygier eventually went independent, releasing their albums on their own. Deborah also dabbled in acting, appearing on stage as Patsy Cline, and in Peter Greenaway's film, PROSPERO'S BOOKS.
Because of how much I enjoy Deborah's music, I was hoping to enjoy her memoir just as much. Sadly, this was not the case. While it kept my attention, and Deborah is certainly an interesting subject, it didn't reach the heights of challenging moments that her music did. Still, It was entertaining, and I did learn about her very full life. And I realized that I didn't own her most recent two albums, which i promptly remedied by purchasing them.
January 8, 2025
Argh. I decided to read this because Deborah Conway is an Australian female music legend. I thought this book would feel inspiring and relatable. I was hoping for an insightful and introspective reflection into life in the industry as a rock n roll woman.
Instead, the book was ignorant and out of touch. She has had an extraordinary life but has absolutely no idea how to make her story interesting and palatable to the everyday reader (which is most people reading it, sorry we aren't all famous rock stars). I think she is very privileged but avoids acknowledging it in a way that felt uncomfortable. I felt the book itself was a shallow construction of herself, with no feeling of depth or truth. I kept waiting for this moment when she would look back and give some honest thoughts about her life and it just never came.
If you are going to right a biography and just want to write all the best parts of yourself and highlight yourself as a really interesting and amazing person... sure. But your book will be frustrating to read.
I don't know why I struggled so much with this book because I know people that really enjoyed it, maybe it's just because I don't find anything about her experiences or personality relatable. Anyway, I don't think I will ever write a review like this again because I have never felt this way about a book.
Instead, the book was ignorant and out of touch. She has had an extraordinary life but has absolutely no idea how to make her story interesting and palatable to the everyday reader (which is most people reading it, sorry we aren't all famous rock stars). I think she is very privileged but avoids acknowledging it in a way that felt uncomfortable. I felt the book itself was a shallow construction of herself, with no feeling of depth or truth. I kept waiting for this moment when she would look back and give some honest thoughts about her life and it just never came.
If you are going to right a biography and just want to write all the best parts of yourself and highlight yourself as a really interesting and amazing person... sure. But your book will be frustrating to read.
I don't know why I struggled so much with this book because I know people that really enjoyed it, maybe it's just because I don't find anything about her experiences or personality relatable. Anyway, I don't think I will ever write a review like this again because I have never felt this way about a book.
December 1, 2023
The honesty Deborah writes with is perfection. It must come from all the song writing and getting as close to truth as you can. I went to a an event for this book at our local bookstore Ink, where Deborah was interviewed by her friend and fellow singer Rebecca Barnard. It was a fun interview with Rebecca being quite hilarious and down to earth, culminating in Deborah, Willy and Rebecca singing a few incredible songs. I have never been a particular fan of Deborah’s music but I’ve really enjoyed listening to her tunes on Spotify as I read the book, I’ve found a few gems that I have put in my playlists, I’ve got a few things in common with Deborah. I grew up in Melbourne and lived in East Sydney Kilda as a young adult at the same time she was living there. My dad is Jewish. So a lot of the book felt familiar. I’ve learned a lot about the music industry though. The injustice of the contracts! Deborah really has had to hustle her whole life. So impressive and also sounds exhausting! Every chapter of the book is about the origins of a song, put together in a timeline charting Deborah’s life so far. Each chapter captivated me in some way.
March 25, 2024
My tip is to start this autobiography at the end and definitely to purchase the audiobook which Deborah narrates, sings songs (she is free of copyright to sing) - and refresh yourself with the entourage of who’s who from Australian and global music/media industry connections she forged as a rumbustious, Jewish, Gen X Melbournite. Conway, the same age as me, with children the same age as mine, achieved so much at a time when many women juggle childbirth, child rearing and working to keep a roof over their heads. Definitely, her story is an indictment of an industry that blanks Australian women, an Australian culture that continues to ignore female accomplishments and contributions. Conway has a vocabulary and turn of phrase much celebrated in her lyrics, that peppers her memoir. As a Melbournite, Gen Xer - I lament the missed opportunities to see her perform live (so far), but thrashed her String of Pearls album throughout my breastfeeding years. Great story and a privilege to glimpse inside the joyride that is her life.
September 14, 2024
“We were led into a living room with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city lit up like a Christmas tree, but our eyes were not drawn to the windows, the lights, the expansive indigo sky with the stars starting to appear; nope, we couldn't tear our eyes away from our host and his party guests, all in school uniforms like those worn at St Trinian's by the extra-naughty children with their torn skirts, ripped stockings, ball-hugging shorts, buttons straining over stomachs and breasts, blazers bulging with their expansive occupants, ties askew, straw hats and berets at rakish angles, painted-on freckles, lavish amounts of lipstick and come-hither mascara, all of them clutching a glass while already being as high as the hills we were standing on.
It was a surreal vision of Adelaide letting her hair down, like we'd been welcomed into a cult for the evening.
The parties when we arrived at later hours were usually extra fruity, but this one excelled itself; it wasn't difficult to entertain the overgrown class of 1982, but frankly I think we go the better show.”
It was a surreal vision of Adelaide letting her hair down, like we'd been welcomed into a cult for the evening.
The parties when we arrived at later hours were usually extra fruity, but this one excelled itself; it wasn't difficult to entertain the overgrown class of 1982, but frankly I think we go the better show.”
January 13, 2025
I bought Deborah's book a while ago when I spotted it at a book fair and have just completed reading it in a couple of days (sittings).
Deborah is someone that I have enjoyed the music of from her days in Do Re Mi to going solo with a bang with her first album String of Pearls. She is eclectic, interesting, joyous, inventive and long lasting when it comes to the Australian music scene and not because she has had number one hits or been a one hit wonder.
Her presence is enduring over time and her songs written with a deeper meaning that I have learnt a lot about in reading her story. Now it's a matter of catching her live in a show where I can round out my appreciation of her musical talent.
Such a great read!
Deborah is someone that I have enjoyed the music of from her days in Do Re Mi to going solo with a bang with her first album String of Pearls. She is eclectic, interesting, joyous, inventive and long lasting when it comes to the Australian music scene and not because she has had number one hits or been a one hit wonder.
Her presence is enduring over time and her songs written with a deeper meaning that I have learnt a lot about in reading her story. Now it's a matter of catching her live in a show where I can round out my appreciation of her musical talent.
Such a great read!
August 13, 2025
Great book. Beautifully written. I’ve seen so many of the bands Deb talks about - back in the day when you could go out on a weekend to any pub and see a band. Those were the days.
I love that she is aging gracefully and beautifully and is still singing up a storm with her powerful vocals.
I know that this book was released prior to 7 October 2023 so her observation about antisemitism being on the rise after 9/11 is nothing compared to what is happening now and what has happened to her and every other Jewish creative with mass cancellations etc. Her personal journey after 7 October would be an interesting addition.
I love that she is aging gracefully and beautifully and is still singing up a storm with her powerful vocals.
I know that this book was released prior to 7 October 2023 so her observation about antisemitism being on the rise after 9/11 is nothing compared to what is happening now and what has happened to her and every other Jewish creative with mass cancellations etc. Her personal journey after 7 October would be an interesting addition.
December 11, 2023
I could hear the melody as I read the lyrics and all the music wove into the story of life lived large.
Memoir and music history and an examination of what it means to be a woman, a creative woman, a woman who knew she could and so she did and is clearly still surprised by just how it all turned out!
A great book for those who love Deborah Conway’s music and for those who are intrigued by the world of music.
Don’t stop making those incredible songs, Deborah Conway. The stories you tell are beautiful.
Memoir and music history and an examination of what it means to be a woman, a creative woman, a woman who knew she could and so she did and is clearly still surprised by just how it all turned out!
A great book for those who love Deborah Conway’s music and for those who are intrigued by the world of music.
Don’t stop making those incredible songs, Deborah Conway. The stories you tell are beautiful.
April 3, 2024
I am big fan of Deborah Conway's, after all I went to four of her concerts in the 1990s. So I was excited to find her autobiography. It did not disappoint. It is mainly written around the ideas for her songs with the lyrics of the songs printed with the story behind them. Her career path is in chronological order but her childhood and personal life are written in terms of her relationships. It is an entertaining and interesting biography, especially if you're interested in the music industry, that shows a lot of introspection and honesty.
August 29, 2024
Loved it. Was lucky enough to see Deborah interviewed and play at the Perth Writers Festival before I had finished the book. It is a great tale on the trials and tribulations of being an artist, a mother, a daughter and a wife with all the ups and downs included, not just the “pretty bits”. Love her writing style it is open honest and frank, much like the woman herself. Great read for fans and beyond.
February 21, 2025
The audio book is read by the author, and includes playing several of her songs.
I was a minor fan of Do Re Mi, and I think we all heard "Its only the Beginning" at some point of our lives. Very interesting to read the 'behind the scenes' especially on how certain songs came about, evolved and eventually were released.
I was a minor fan of Do Re Mi, and I think we all heard "Its only the Beginning" at some point of our lives. Very interesting to read the 'behind the scenes' especially on how certain songs came about, evolved and eventually were released.
October 31, 2023
I listened to the fabulous Deborah Conway read her book. And loved it. She's always fascinated me and I loved learning more about her life. I now want to explore all the songs I've missed over the years and enjoy her talent. She's amazing.
August 9, 2024
Not only Deborah Conway has lived a remarkably rich, creative and adventurous life, she also wrote about it in the same spirit of richness, creativity and adventure. I found her prose to be sophisticated, poetic as well as hilarious at times, but never at the expense of depth.
December 17, 2023
Well, you know, it depends on what you call kids.
December 18, 2023
“well you know, it depends what you call kids”
December 20, 2023
Interesting book particularly for those who love music - but more than just music
April 7, 2024
I love Conway's no-holds-barred approach to writing this. A must for anyone who followed the Australian music scene through the 80s and 90s and beyond.
April 24, 2024
So disappointing😮💨
November 23, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this. What an interesting life she's led, the bonus was the music and songs throughout. I've added a whole new lot of songs to my playlist.
Read
November 8, 2025v. fine
March 27, 2024
“No one owns music, and each of us decides how central it is in our lives.”
Deborah Conway has always done her own thing. She is here, and always will be here. She has rebelled and fought against the music industry, and in her writing exposed the real and gritty facts about living life to the fullest without being distracted by rose coloured glasses. She never allowed herself to be a sexual commodity in the music industry, and is still her own best advocate.
Debora is a musician, a writer, a traveller, a lover, a friend. Her honesty is blunt and wry. Her writing contains many of the lyrics to songs she has penned, including many written with husband Willy Zygier. The songs segued into and out from tales she shares crossing a range of topics that include her start in life in music and modelling and earning enough to survive, touring, the impact of families, friends and lovers in her life.
I will always remember when I heard Deborah Conway’s voice – the 1984 soundtrack of Sweet and Sour, the ABC series (which they need to make available to watch on I-View!) and then in 1985 with a song that has never left my head, “Man Overboard”. I loved seeing Deborah at her book launch several weeks ago, and to hear her sing live reminded me of why music is such a part of my life. It stirs emotion and feelings, and makes and conjures memories, just like her life captured in the words of her book.
“Give me wings to fly on my own
I am in control.”
(Sweet and Sour, 1984)
Deborah Conway has always done her own thing. She is here, and always will be here. She has rebelled and fought against the music industry, and in her writing exposed the real and gritty facts about living life to the fullest without being distracted by rose coloured glasses. She never allowed herself to be a sexual commodity in the music industry, and is still her own best advocate.
Debora is a musician, a writer, a traveller, a lover, a friend. Her honesty is blunt and wry. Her writing contains many of the lyrics to songs she has penned, including many written with husband Willy Zygier. The songs segued into and out from tales she shares crossing a range of topics that include her start in life in music and modelling and earning enough to survive, touring, the impact of families, friends and lovers in her life.
I will always remember when I heard Deborah Conway’s voice – the 1984 soundtrack of Sweet and Sour, the ABC series (which they need to make available to watch on I-View!) and then in 1985 with a song that has never left my head, “Man Overboard”. I loved seeing Deborah at her book launch several weeks ago, and to hear her sing live reminded me of why music is such a part of my life. It stirs emotion and feelings, and makes and conjures memories, just like her life captured in the words of her book.
“Give me wings to fly on my own
I am in control.”
(Sweet and Sour, 1984)
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