Lindsay began his musical career at the age of two when his father gave him a harmonica.

It was the start of a long career in which Lindsay wrote more than 500 songs, recorded 64 albums and hosted two television shows, The Reg Lindsay Country Hour and Reg Lindsay Country Homestead.

But according to his website, the Reg Lindsay legend may never have eventuated if fate had not intervened.

Although skilled at numerous musical instruments, including the mandolin, banjo and fiddle, as a teenager Lindsay only ever wanted to be a stockman.

While recovering from a rodeo injury he came across Tim McNamara's talent quest on Sydney radio station 2SM.

He won and shortly after began a career as a touring musician and over the decades which followed, he became famous both in Australia and the United States.

But in 1994 Lindsay suffered a cerebral haemorrhage, resulting in a long convalescence.

He died yesterday afternoon in a Newcastle hospital from pneumonia.