DURING his stint to the Northern Territory, the Gambler, country music legend Kenny Rogers visited some of Katherine’s premier tourist hotspots - Nitmiluk Gorge and Jawoyn rock art sites - at the recommendation of talk show queen Oprah Winfrey.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Mr Rogers ignored the urging of Darwin Festival organisers to see their chosen sights, and opted instead to see the spectacular scenery of Katherine and its surroundings which Oprah had enjoyed on her visit to Katherine in 2010.
Jawoyn elder Margaret Katherine showed Mr Rogers around the 36,000-year-old cave art at the recently rediscovered Gabarnmung rock shelter, while his band members and crew enjoyed a two-hour Nitmiluk Gorge cruise.
Over a picnic lunch Ms Katherine shared Jawoyn history and dreamtime stories with Mr Rogers – a keen photographer, who relished being flown to the beautiful, ancient locations to record his own experiences.
Jawoyn Association Cultural and Environment Manager Ray Whear said the American music legend was a “laid back guest”, humbled to learn about Indigenous culture, and quick with his famous sense of humour.
“He was very impressed – he said that the day he spent here was the highlight of their tour.”
