Peter Allen

Peter Allen (1944–1992) was a flamboyant, charismatic Australian singer, songwriter, and composer whose dynamic stage presence and heartfelt songs earned him international fame and enduring admiration. Born Peter Richard Woolnough on February 10, 1944, in Tenterfield, New South Wales, Allen began performing in his teens and rose to early fame as one half of the singing duo The Allen Brothers, alongside Chris Bell. Their popularity in Australia led to tours in the Far East and eventually to the United States, where Allen would launch a celebrated solo career.

A turning point in Allen’s life came when he was discovered by Judy Garland, who invited The Allen Brothers to open for her during a world tour in the 1960s. This connection introduced Allen to Garland’s daughter, Liza Minnelli, whom he married in 1967 (they later divorced amicably). Though their marriage ended, the association helped raise Allen’s profile in show business circles, and he soon became known for his songwriting talent and uniquely theatrical performances.

As a composer and lyricist, Peter Allen penned a number of hit songs for other artists. Among his most famous compositions are “I Honestly Love You” (made famous by Olivia Newton-John), “Don’t Cry Out Loud,” and “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do),” which won the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 1982. That song, co-written with Burt Bacharach, Carole Bayer Sager, and Christopher Cross, cemented Allen’s reputation as a top-tier pop songwriter. Many of his songs—like “Tenterfield Saddler” and “I Go to Rio”—drew from his personal life, showcasing his flair for storytelling and emotional honesty.

Allen was also known for his high-energy live performances, blending cabaret, pop, and Broadway with a distinctive flair for showmanship. He played sold-out shows at Radio City Music Hall and was the first male performer to dance with the Rockettes. His stage charisma and openly gay identity—rare in mainstream music at the time—made him a trailblazer and a deeply admired performer in the LGBTQ+ community.

Peter Allen died of AIDS-related complications on June 18, 1992, at the age of 48. His life and music were celebrated in the 2003 Tony Award-winning musical The Boy from Oz, starring Hugh Jackman as Allen. The show introduced a new generation to Allen’s extraordinary life and legacy. With songs that continue to resonate and a personal story that embodies resilience and authenticity, Peter Allen remains one of Australia’s most beloved musical icons and an unforgettable figure in international music history.