Perth music scene mourns the loss of ‘WA’s first lady of jazz’ Helen Matthews

One of Western Australia’s greatest ever jazz vocalists, Helen Matthews, has passed away.

Hailed as ‘WA’s first lady of jazz’, and ‘the earth mother of Perth’s chanteuses’, Matthews’ career spanned over half a century. Over that time, Matthews performed for the Queen and the Pope and was responsible for some of the most innovative jazz projects and festivals that WA has ever seen.

Matthews was once a director of the Fremantle Jazz Festival and had various roles at the Perth Jazz Society where she paved the way for more female jazz musicians to play around the city.

Matthews was also a presenter on the ABC and on RTRFM, where she presented Saturday Jazz for a number of years.

“Perth has lost a legend,” said RTRFM in a statement this week. “Helen’s love and commitment to the world of jazz and the musicians who make the music in WA was unsurpassed.”

Matthews was made a State Cultural Treasure in 2022.

Western Australian jazz vocalist and artistic director Helen Matthews passed away on Sunday, June 23, 2024. Her celebration of life will occur at 10am, Monday, July 8 at the West Chapel Fremantle Cemetery.