Thelma Ready

Thelma Constance Ready (1903-2004) was an Australian banjo musician, based in Melbourne.

Career

Thelma Ready was born in Tasmania 23 September 1903, and begun playing banjo when her father visited America and bought the instrument for her as a gift. After taking lessons, she began finding work as a soloist and as leader of her own orchestra.

She led what is considered "Australia's first all-girl dance band", The Thelma Ready Orchestra in Melbourne during the 1920s. The band were formed in 1928, and featured Ready (banjo), Kath McCall (piano), Lena Sturrock (violin), Alice Organ/Dolphin (saxophone, clarinet, cornet), and Lillian Stender (vocals, drums). They had residencies at the Mayfair Cafe in St Kilda, and hotels such as Menzies, Oriental, and Hotel Australia, as well as regular appearances on radio.

She also performed with The Kentucky Three, Thelma Ready's Melody Maids, and Thelma Ready's Mayfair Maids.

Personal life

Thelma Ready was the second daughter of Australian senator Rudolph Keith Ready and his wife Pia. She had four siblings.

In September 1933, Thelma Ready was engaged to Eric Alexander Badenach. They were married at the Holy Trinity Church, Kew in March 1935. On 31 October 1941, their daughter Gael was born.

Thelma died 28 Jul 2004 and is buried at Springvale Botanical Cemetery.