Australian country music icon whose teeth inspired iconic Barry Humphries character dies at the age of 91 after incredible 70-year career

Country music star Chad Morgan has died at the age of 91.

The singer died in hospital at Gin Gin near Bundaberg in Queensland on the evening of New Year's Day, according to the ABC.

Chad, known fondly by his well-known nickname 'The Sheik of Scrubby Creek', was one of the best-known pioneers in Australian country music.

His son Chad Junior confirmed his father's passing and tributes quickly flooded in for the nationally beloved music icon.

Country singer Evelyn Bury, who was a good friend of Chad's, described the singer as a 'beautiful larrikin' in a heartfelt tribute.

'There'll never be another Chad,' she added.

Chad was born in 1933 and raised in the South Burnett town of Wondai by his grandparents. 

He worked cutting timber and sugar before he was discovered through Australia's Amateur Hour radio program and launched his music career.

'I went into the air force in '52 and mates heard me singing and they dared me to go on Amateur Hour and it snowballed from there,' Chad previously told the ABC. 

He started recording with Regal Zonophone and in 1958, he released his debut album The Sheik of Scrubby Creek, the title of which refers to his well-known nickname.

Chad had a hugely successful country music career spanning more than 70 years and has played all over Australia at almost every venue from pubs to the Sydney Opera House.

He was also a regular on Reg Lindsay's Country and Western Hour and was beloved for his signature sense of humour.

He is best-known for his comedic country tracks including I'm My Own Grandpa, The Shotgun Wedding, Double Decker Blowflies and There's Life In The Old Dog Yet.

As well as his hugely successful career, Chad's distinctive teeth were also believed to have inspired Barry Humphries iconic character Les Patterson.

Chad boasts platinum and gold album sales and was inducted into the Tamworth Hands of Fame in 1979. 

In 2004, he received a Medal of the Order of Australia and he was also recognised with a lifetime achievement award at the 2010 Country Music Association of Australia Awards.

Last year, there was a push to induct Chad into the Australian ARIA Hall of Fame led by Anna Rose, who wrote a biography about his life and career.

'I think it's an absolute tragedy that he's got to the age of 90 and has not been put into the hall of fame. So many others have,' Anna told The Senior. 

'And I'm wondering how many of those have a 70-year career that's been exceptional. And he's known not just all over Australia but all over the world.' 

In his personal life, Chad married fellow singer Pam Mitchell and they went on to welcome three children - Allan, Chad Jr and Janelle.

After their split, Chad went on to re-marry Joan Morgan when he was in his 50s and they were together for more than 30 years until her death in 2017.