Pixie Williams (1928 - 2013)
'Blue Smoke' was the first fully recorded and processed New Zealand gramophone recording on TANZA-1 (a label launched 'To Assist New Zealand Artists').
The song, composed by Ruru Karaitiana (1909 - 1970) was sung by Pixie Williams (1928 - 2013) and backed by the Ruru Karaitiana Quintet. It sold over 20,000 copies in its first year, stayed at the top of the New Zealand hit parade for six weeks and became a perennial request session favourite.
Collection items
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Pixie WiIlliams and Blue Smoke
6 Aug 2013Jim Sullivan tells the story of the making of the first fully recorded and processed New Zealand gramophone recording, TANZA-1 (a Label launched "To Assist New Zealand Artists"). Jim Talks to Pixie… Audio
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Blue Smoke singer dies
6 Aug 2013The singer of one of New Zealand's best known songs, Blue Smoke, has died. Pixie Costello, also known as Pixie Williams, was 85. Audio
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Pixie Williams: In her own words
6 Aug 2013Jim Sullivan in conversation with early New Zealand singer Pixie Williams who, aged 18, featured on 'Blue Smoke', the first record to be composed, recorded, pressed and commercially released in New… Audio
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Access All Areas: Pixie Williams
23 Jul 2011In 1948 20-year-old Pixie Williams became one of Aotearoa's earliest recording stars with 'Blue Smoke', a song written by Ruru Karaitiana. Now 83, Pixie's old 78 RPMs have been dusted off and… Audio
Image courtesy Blue Smoke Records