Surfers Paradise busking icon Doc J. Feelgood dies at 71

A “one of a kind” Surfers Paradise busker, known for his talent on the guitar and his fight for street performers’ rights, has passed away at 71. Here’s how he’s being remembered.

James Penney was a popular figure in Surfers Paradise. Picture: Ann Louise Hovey.

Whether you stopped for a chat, shared some banter or dropped coins in his guitar case, it’s hard to find anyone in Surfers Paradise who hadn’t shared a moment with busking icon James Penney, better known as Doc J. Feelgood.

The 71-year-old musician, who championed the rights of street performers and made headlines 15 years ago for his landmark court victory over a begging charge on the Glitter Strip, passed away from a heart attack at the home he shared with his wife Carolyn on December 20.

Originally from Mangakino in New Zealand’s Waikato region, Penney spent 55 years perfecting his unique blend of blues, country, jazz and rock.

Penny’s wife Carolyn Hope said: “He could play anything”.

Tributes have been paid for Gold Coast busking icon James Penney, better known as Doc J. Feelgood, after he passed away in December. Photo: Supplied.

For decades the former storeman was a staple on the Gold Coast music scene, busking on Cavill Ave and performing gigs in pubs and surf lifesaving clubs from Coolangatta to the Sunshine Coast – with busking being his biggest earner.

“He was best known for entertaining everyone in the mall (on Cavill Ave),” his stepdaughter Michelle Graham said.

“A lot of locals would come down just to hear him play and a lot of them would sit and just watch him.

“He was always so friendly – he would stop and talk to anyone, no matter who they were.

“He had a lot of time for people.

“He was very loved in the community.”

Penney’s love of music began in his childhood and never wavered.

“He’s been playing music all his life – since he was a child – he just loved music,” Ms Graham said.

Penney gained street cred as one of the city’s best street performers by winning the Gold Coast’s Busking Idol competition, earning a three-month busking licence to perform in Surfers Paradise in 2005.

James Penney pictured on Cavill Ave in December 2005 after winning the Busking Idol competition. Picture: Ann Louise Hovey.

He had been busking near Melbas twice a week but his victory meant he could entertain kids by day and older audiences by night.

But in 2010, Penney faced a legal battle when he was charged with begging – a crime punishable by six months in jail or a $1000 fine. Police alleged he had violated council busking rules by playing past 10pm.

Penney pleaded not guilty, arguing that he had council permission to busk on footpaths before 10pm and private approval from shop owners to perform after hours.

In 2010, Penney faced a legal battle when he was charged with begging — a crime punishable by six months in jail or a $1000 fine. He was ultimately vindicated in court, where the charge was dismissed.

Barrister Chris Rosser and James Penney outside Southport Courthouse after the case against him was dismissed.

He was ultimately vindicated in court, where the charge was dismissed.

Despite the legal drama, Penney’s love from the community never waned.

“There’s a lot of people in the community who are shocked to hear the news, they can’t believe it and they feel very sad,” Ms Graham said.

“He always liked to have a joke. He was very kind and very generous.

“If someone needed a hand with anything, he’d always put his hand up and want to help.

“He had a very colourful personality – he liked to wear bright clothes – and he was a very kind person.”

Penney has six siblings – three brothers and three sisters, and five children.

A GoFundMe page has since been created to raise funds to help support his family after his sudden passing.

Tributes have flown for Gold Coast busking icon James Penney, better known as Doc J. Feelgood, after he passed away in December.

Tributes have flown for Gold Coast busking icon James Penney, better known as Doc J. Feelgood, after he passed away in December.

The page creators, friends of Mr Penney wrote: “Most of us know Doc was a well-respected member and an amazing musician within the wide Brisbane community; however, more on the Gold Coast.

“We know for sure that we will all miss Doc and his music, happiness, laughter and great banter.

“We would like to further our ongoing Aroha and Koha to Carolyn and his much loved family near and far …”

Social media has also been flooded with messages of love and sadness.

“I’m devastated over the loss of Doc Feelgood. We met in around 97/98 and became firm friends – in fact brothers,” Robbie Dunn wrote on Facebook.

“He was a brilliant musician – world class – and gave so much pleasure to many thousands over the years.”

“Such shocking news … he has left a legacy and a gap in the Gold Coast entertainment industry which could never be matched by anyone else,” another wrote.