Renowned New Zealand singer Eddie Low, known as “the voice in a million,” has passed away at the age of 81 after a long battle with cancer.
He died peacefully at 7:45am on Saturday, 21 September 2024, surrounded by his loved ones.
Eddie Low’s life was a testament to extraordinary resilience, determination, and musical talent.
Born on 14 May 1943, into poverty, his mother contracted German measles and tuberculosis during pregnancy, which resulted in Eddie being born blind.
Tragically, his mother passed away shortly after his birth, and his twin sibling did not survive.
Eddie was raised by Maria Low, a widow who adopted him and his brother, ensuring they had a loving home.
Despite the challenges of blindness, Eddie developed an early passion for music.
Educated at the Foundation for the Blind School in Auckland, he taught himself to play several instruments by ear and later gained partial vision in one eye after surgery at age 12.
His exceptional voice and musicianship took him to international fame, and he captivated audiences for more than 60 years, performing alongside national and international stars. Eddie’s contributions to music earned him the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in 2006, and his lifetime achievements were celebrated with the Variety Artists of New Zealand’s Benny Award in 2009.
In addition to his music career, Eddie excelled in sports, training in running with the late Peter Snell, earning a black belt in karate, and becoming an international blind golfing champion.
In a statement released by the family, Eddie’s eldest daughter, Maria Low, spoke of her father’s indomitable spirit. “He never thought of his blindness as a disability – it was just something he happened to have. His only fear was that people would think he couldn’t do something because of his sight, but if anything, it made him even more stubborn and determined to prove he could do anything.”
Maria said “The odds were stacked against Dad from the beginning, but he beat them one by one. He never knew how talented he was and how much he inspired all of us, as well as other singers and musicians.”
A service will be held in Christchurch, with a livestream available for those unable to attend.
In 2025, a special tribute concert will be organised to honour Eddie’s life, music, and legacy.
He is survived by his three children, five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and his partner of nearly five years, Kerry.
