Who's gonna make the gravy now? We ask master storyteller Paul Kelly

It all began with a funeral notice published on page 33 of The Age newspaper on August 11, 2025:

With great sorrow, we announce the death of Joe by sudden misadventure. Much-loved father, husband, brother, brother-in-law and uncle to Dan, Rita, Stella, Roger, Mary, Angus, Frank and Dolly.

You loved life and went hard at it. You loved music, food, football, celebration, tall tales and strong argument. We can still see you cooking up a storm in the kitchen at our big family gatherings, pots and pans on the go, BBQ smoking outside, glass of wine in hand, your beloved reggae music on the stereo — Junior Murvin, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Gregory Isaac and the like. You filling up everybody's drinks and teasing the little ones.

Christmas just won't be the same this year without you. But we know you'll always be with us, hovering above us, floating all around us, making sure we get it right.

The funeral and service will be on August 14th. Followed by a wake to end all wakes! Further details to follow.

We first met Joe in 1996 when he wrote a letter to his brother Dan on December 21 while incarcerated. He was scared of losing his wife Rita and their children and worried that no one would know how to make gravy for Christmas. That letter inspired the lyrics for Paul Kelly's classic song, How To Make Gravy.

On August 15, 2025, Paul Kelly released Rita Wrote A Letter, the much-anticipated sequel to the original song.

Paul Kelly's creative process

Kelly explained, "I was trying to write a song from Rita's point of view, but Joe just wouldn't stop talking..."

This continuation enriches the original story, giving voice to the family and showing how deeply Joe’s spirit resonates among them.

Author's summary: This tribute highlights how Paul Kelly transforms a heartfelt family story into powerful songs that connect life, loss, and love through vivid storytelling.

Newcastle Herald — 2025-11-08

Who's gonna make the gravy now? We ask master storyteller Paul Kelly

Paul Kelly's creative process

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