Full Press Biography

Karen Knowles is one of Australia’s most cherished musical personalities, her voice captivating audiences for over four decades. Karen first captured the nation’s heart as a regular on Young Talent Time from 1975-1980, becoming a household name with her angelic voice and dynamic performances. She went on to achieve platinum-selling success in the 1980s with hits like "Why Won’t You Explain," which topped the charts in Perth and Hobart, and three top-charting albums that solidified her place in Australian music history.

In the early 1990s, Karen stepped into the role of lead singer for The Seekers, taking on the formidable task of following in Judith Durham’s footsteps. During her time with The Seekers, Karen recorded the first-ever version of the iconic anthem "I Am Australian," with Bruce Woodley and The National Boys Choir, further cementing her legacy as a voice of national significance. Her connection to the spirit of Australia has continued through her countless performances at Carols by Candlelight events, where she became synonymous with the festive season for many Australians.

Karen’s career is a testament to her unwavering commitment to connection—whether through music, wellness, or advocacy. She believes in the power of music to nourish the soul and sees her work as an opportunity to inspire others to discover their own authentic paths. Her online offerings—Tuned2You, House That Breathes, and the soon-to-be-launched The Singer’s Way—are all designed to pass on what Karen has learned over the years in a fresh and meaningful way. She loves to travel, both nationally and internationally, and is excited to be launching a new series of Retreats for 2025, where she will bring all her gifts together to create unique experiences in exceptional places with travel partners who share the desire to create luxury, educational, and sensory experiences that uplift and inspire participants. She has loved natural products since her early twenties and recently launched the DandeLight product range, offering her concert audiences sensory gifts designed to restore body, soul, and spirit.

Karen’s core essence is to seek beauty, quality, and creative gifts in everyday places. Originally well known as the trusted girl next door, she quickly became a household name in the 1970s and 1980s during her long stint on Young Talent Time(1975-1980). She was soon signed to Ron Tudor’s iconic Fable label, where she launched her extensive recording career with three hit albums and various compilations. During this time, she was presented with gold and platinum awards for her records "Why Won’t You Explain," "You Are the Reason," and "Loves Us All," and was named the best-selling female recording artist in Australia for two consecutive years. After a stint in London, where she began songwriting and took on the role of female lead in the hit musical Big River, Karen was asked to join the legendary group The Seekers as their lead singer, touring with them nationally and internationally for two years. Karen recorded the original version of the much-loved song "I Am Australian" with Bruce Woodley and the National Boys Choir at that time, and Karen, along with the rest of the country, has been singing the song ever since!

Karen has been an important advocate for Indigenous recognition, appointed as an inaugural ambassador of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation in 1998, and was honored to be asked to record in language by Wiradjuri elder and lore carrier Min Mia. Those songs are included on her 2019 album Solid Ground, which has taken her and her audience on yet another personal journey of learning and discovery. With the culture of Australia weaving throughout her own story—from her pioneering performances of "I Am Australian" through to the themes of her later albums Solid Ground and Sanctuary—Karen’s focus on discovery extends beyond the self and to our society as a whole.

In her latest show, Songs & Stories of Australia, Karen Knowles presents a heartfelt celebration of Australian music, performing classics from artists like Judith Durham, Olivia Newton-John, Archie Roach, and other iconic artists, alongside her own beloved songs celebrating the feeling of “home” with beautiful reflections and curated arrangements of amazing Australian compositions. This concert invites audiences to connect deeply with the land and each other, honoring the music that has shaped our lives. With a career that has touched every corner of Australia and Australian culture, Karen Knowles continues to be a voice for unity, connection, and transformation.

A song to feel, a song to heal, a song to uplift and inspire, a song to fire or quench desire… Karen Knowles has sung them all over her extensive musical career. Karen now also crafts her own compositions as featured on her latest recordings and at her performances, bringing a new aspect to her unique, authentic voice as she gives expression to story in service to each moment in time from her viewpoint.
A career that started with an incredible voice has continued to grow as Karen expands the use of that voice to help create a better world. For Karen, everything is connected, and the path evolves and unfolds all in good time, with new gifts arising along the way. For Karen Knowles, it’s a privilege to journey through life with the gift of her open channel—the power of one voice.