Carole Sturtzel has for many years been called the ‘Queen of Country Music’ in SA. When you look at her career highlights and achievements it fast becomes obvious that the title is well deserved and in fact she was officially crowned at Barmera in 1994.

Carole started her career in 1961, when only the best survived, and fourty years later she can still bring a house down. The Carole Sturtzel story started in 1961 when she joined a band called ‘Tremors’ and began working around Adelaide. She had studied calisthenics, piano and drama so she was no stranger to the stage.

Her father, Max was an accomplished tap dancer and an excellent crooner so she also had genetic support.

In 1962 she met and sang with the ‘Penny Rockets’ and this led to her joining ‘Woodies Teen Time’ on NWS 9. This show was the start on a long and distinguished career on TV which included regular appearances on Country and Western Hour, Adelaide Tonight, Bandstand, Seventeeners, Stairways, Childrens Show, Action with Bob Francis, Barry Ion Show, Country Style and many others.

Carole still plays from time to time with her band "Wild Oats".

Carole has been inducted into the Avenue of Honour at Barmera (1991)and the Hands of Fame Park in Tamworth (2000) with her daughter Beccy Cole.

Carole and Beccy work together whenever possible and have had a nomination in Tamworth for their colaboration ‘Mother Knows Best.’

Music Minder website also has a profile on Carole - plus many other artists. (the website does not appear to be up and going in June 2009)

Carole with Grandson Ricky and daughter Beccy Cole at Barmera 2001 (Picture by I Fisk)

Carole with "Not the Andrews Sisters" at Showcase 2004

Click images for larger versions (Pictures by I Fisk)