Who's gonna make the gravy now? We ask master storyteller Paul Kelly

Who's Gonna Make the Gravy Now? We Ask Master Storyteller Paul Kelly

It began with a funeral notice published on page 33 of The Age newspaper on August 11, 2025:

"With great sorrow, we announce the death of Joe by sudden misadventure. Much-loved father, husband, brother, brother-in-law and uncle to Dan, Rita, Stella, Roger, Mary, Angus, Frank and Dolly.

You loved life and went hard at it. You loved music, food, football, celebration, tall tales and strong argument. We can still see you cooking up a storm in the kitchen at our big family gatherings, pots and pans on the go, BBQ smoking outside, glass of wine in hand, your beloved reggae music on the stereo, Junior Murvin, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Gregory Isaacs and the like. You filling up everybody's drinks and teasing the little ones.

Christmas just won't be the same this year without you. But we know you'll always be with us, hovering above us, floating all around us, making sure we get it right.

The funeral and service will be on August 14th. Followed by a wake to end all wakes! Further details to follow."

Background

We first encountered Joe in 1996 through a letter he wrote to his brother Dan on December 21 while incarcerated. Fearful of losing his wife Rita and children, and concerned that no one would know how to make the Christmas gravy, Joe's heartfelt letter became the lyrics to Paul Kelly's iconic song How To Make Gravy.

New Release

On August 15, 2025, Paul Kelly released Rita Wrote A Letter, the long-awaited sequel that continues the story from Rita's perspective. Kelly originally attempted to write the song from Rita's viewpoint but found Joe's voice was too strong to ignore.

Memorable Details

Joe was known for his lively personality and love of music, especially reggae artists like Junior Murvin and Linton Kwesi Johnson.
Family gatherings featured Joe cooking in the kitchen, a BBQ outside, and a warm atmosphere filled with music and teasing little ones.
The release of the sequel honors Joe’s story and the enduring family bonds.

Author's summary: Paul Kelly’s narrative continues the legacy of Joe and Rita, blending heartfelt memories with music to capture the spirit of family and life’s bittersweet moments.

Newcastle Herald — 2025-11-08