Australian country music star Chad Morgan OAM has died at age 91.

The music icon, known as The Sheik of Scrubby Creek, died in hospital at Gin Gin, 50km from Bundaberg in Queensland, on January 1.

Morgan’s death was confirmed by his son Chad Jr and his daughter Janelle.

“He is now with his beloved wife Joanie,” Morgan’s family said in a statement.

Born in the small Queensland town of Wondai in 1933, Morgan was a trailblazer in the Australian country music industry.

He released his first album in 1952 and toured up until 2024, when he announced his retirement at age 91.

Morgan was best known for his songs The Sheik of Scrubby Creek, which inspired his nickname, I’m My Own Grandpa and The Shotgun Wedding.

He regularly played at the popular Tamworth Country Music Festival and was honoured with a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2004. 

Country music powerhouse Slim Dusty paid tribute to Morgan with a message shared to Facebook.

“Chad was a contemporary of Slim & Joy’s and travelled the same roads for decades entertaining audiences with his remarkable stories and humour,” Dusty wrote. 

“Our love to family and friends as we all remember Chad – a truly unique, one of a kind larrikin.”

Fellow Australian musician Troy Cassar-Daley also posted a message of condolence, describing Morgan as a “true country icon”.

“Just want to pay my respects to Chad Morgan after his passing on New Year’s Day, a true country icon who was one of the funniest comedy minds I’ve ever witnessed on stage,” Cassar-Daley said.

“He was always such an individual that’s what endeared him to so many in our industry.

“The last show is over old mate and the curtains are now closed always leaving them wanting more.”