Tributes pour in after legendary Australian singer and TV star dies following shock health battle: 'The music industry has lost an icon'
The Perth-born singer was one half of the iconic Aussie '60s vocal group The De Kroo Brothers, who enjoyed enormous success across the country.
His death was confirmed on Tuesday in a statement from Australian band The Road Runners.
'It is with extreme sadness to let everyone know that legendary rocker Doug De Kroo passed away on Monday from complications of pneumonia at Bellingen Hospital,' the statement began.
'Doug will be greatly missed by his family, bandmates and friends... Also the Australian Rock 'n' Roll fraternity in general.'
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They added De Kroo's legacy would live on through his incredible music.
'His music with The De Kroo Brothers will live on not only on the internet but also on the treasured vinyl records they released during the '60s,' they wrote.
The performer was born Doug Brewer and took on the stage surname De Kroo to perform alongside his bandmate Leo as The De Kroo Brothers.
Their journey began in Perth and flourished in Sydney from 1960 onwards.
They quickly made their mark with Columbia Records, releasing their debut single On The Job Too Long in March 1960, followed closely by Loveland.
Despite their early efforts, commercial success proved elusive until they joined Festival Records, where their breakthrough hit (And Her Name Was) Scarlet climbed into the Australian Top 10 in September 1963.
Their success was boosted by a string of high-profile TV appearances on some of the most popular shows of the day, including Channel Nine's Bandstand, The Graham Kennedy Show and Teen Time.
They toured extensively, including supporting Cliff Richard and the Shadows on their Australian and New Zealand tour in 1961.
Their music, characterised by an upbeat rockabilly sound, resonated deeply with audiences, cementing their place in the Australian rock 'n' roll scene.
Heartbroken fans took to social media to pay tribute to Doug.
'Very sad news. The DeKroo Bros, Australia's answer to The Everly Bros,' one person wrote.
'The music industry has lost an icon today. Condolences to his family,' a second added.
Doug De Kroo continued to enrich the local Australian music community until shortly before his passing.
He established a music teaching business in Sydney and remained active in various rockabilly groups.
His passion for music and dedication to his craft extended well beyond the stage, and his passing marks the end of an incredible chapter in Australian music history.
He is survived by his wife and three daughters.
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