Peter Combe
Children's · AU · Active since 1948

Peter Combe

Bright, sophisticated pop for kids that treats melody with respect. Catchy food-themed anthems and warm acoustic arrangements for the whole family.

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Intro

Peter Combe creates a world where the mundane details of childhood, like toffee apples and spaghetti bolognaise, are elevated to the status of pop anthems. His music is characterized by a high production value that was rare for the children's genre in the 1980s, featuring lush arrangements, professional backing choirs, and a genuine sense of musicality that doesn't talk down to its audience. It feels like a warm, sun-drenched afternoon in an Australian suburb.

What truly sets Combe apart is his ability to write genuine earworms that bridge the gap between educational content and pure pop bliss. He utilizes complex vocal harmonies and sophisticated chord progressions that make the songs as tolerable for parents as they are infectious for kids. There is a distinct 'Aussie' charm to his delivery, a friendly and unpretentious baritone that guides listeners through surrealist food fantasies and rhythmic wordplay.

To understand the phenomenon, start with the 'Spaghetti Bolognaise' or 'Toffee Apple' albums. These collections house his most iconic hits and showcase the peak of his 80s production style. For those looking for a festive twist, his Christmas Album is a perennial staple in Australian households, offering a unique local perspective on the holiday season.

Peter Charles Combe (; born 20 October 1948) is an Australian children's entertainer and musician. At the ARIA Music Awards he has won three ARIA Awards for Best Children's Album, for Toffee Apple (1988), Newspaper Mama (1989) and The Absolutely Very Best of Peter Combe (So Far) Recorded in Concert (1992) and four additional nominations (Chopsticks (1990), Little Groover (1996), Live It Up (2017) and Planet Earth 3rd from the Sun (2023)). His best-known tracks are "Toffee Apple", "Spaghetti Bolognaise", "Mr Clicketty Cane", "Juicy Juicy Green Grass" and "Newspaper Mama". His Christmas Album (November 1990) reached the ARIA Albums Chart top 50.
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Our Catalog16 Albums · 1982 · 2024
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