He was known in his youth as an athlete, namely
as a boxer. He decided to study singing after winning a gold medal at an
amateur competition in Ballarat. He came to England in 1902 and became a
student of Sir Charles Santley. Since about 1904 he traveled to England, gave
everywhere under the pseudonym Hector Grant Ballad Concerts and participated as
an assisting artist on tours of famous singers (such as Emma Albani). In 1909
he completed a very successful Australian tour. During the First World War he
appeared in many charity concerts in England as well as in Australia. In 1926
he gave a series of concerts at the Wigmore Hall and at the Aeolian Hall in
London. In 1931, together with the pianist Mark Hambourg, he traveled in Australia.
He made eight major tours through Australia and New Zealand and several trips
through South Africa. He performed in India, Japan and China. He rarely
appeared on stage, as in 1907 and 1909 at the London Covent Garden as
comprimario in ‘’Meistersingern’’. In 1955 he sang in the English radio and
still after his 70th year of life he made records. He was the teacher of
soprano Joan Cross. He published an autobiography entitled 'Fifty Years of
Song' (London, 1951). He also worked as a composer of songs and ballads, which
he edited under the pseudonym P. MacCall.
Chronology of some appearances
1907 London Covent
Garden
1909 London Covent
Garden
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