Three time Grammy winner you’ve probably never heard of

HE’S the Aussie musician who’s won three Grammy Awards and played at Carnegie Hall but chances are you probably wouldn’t recognise him.

Grammy winner you’ve never heard of

In February, Brisbane musician and Australian of the Day Tim Munro won his third Grammy. “Nothing has made me prouder as an Australian as taking the stage as an Aussie in America,” says the 37-year-old flautist.

To classical music fans he is a superstar for his work with Chicago-based sextet, Eighth Blackbird. To other Australians it can be a matter of “Tim who?” He understands. “Look, I’m the dorkiest, geekiest classical musician from Brisbane on any red carpet,” he laughs.

Mesmerised by music as a child, today’s Australian of the Day — which is an initiative that celebrates everyday Australians — picked up the flute at 14. “And the stars started to align,” he recalls.

Then in 2006 Tim was invited to join Eighth Blackbird. “Within six months I’d achieved all my professional ambitions; I played Carnegie Hall! I was teaching at some of the best universities in America!”

Grammy Awards with Eight Blackbird in 2012, 2013 and 2016 have iced the cake. Lately Tim — who left the group last year — has been taking stock. “Ultimately the flute doesn’t matter. What matters is family,” says Tim, who lives in the US with his American wife Julie. “I love music — maybe I’ll always get to do it professionally — but my love of family and friends is far stronger.”

There are plenty of unsung people who walk among us. Now CommBank – together with News Corp Australia – have partnered together in a program simply call Australian of the Day. The initiative is there to recognise those who fly under the radar but who do incredible things which inspire us all. Go to the australianoftheday.com.au website to read their amazing stories.

Originally published as Three time Grammy winner you’ve probably never heard of