The vivid performer’s “unique” voice touched the lives of many fans, and his bereft family remember their 29-year-old son, brother and uncle as “a light”.

His younger sister Katrina Whitten fondly remembers her brother’s gift for music before he found fame on the bluegrass stage. 

“I’ve got a lot of memories of him wandering around the house singing at the top of his voice. He was a light, really,” Ms Whitten said. 

“He was the best uncle that our kids could have asked for.

“He was always happy and cheeky ... and fun to be around. It’s very sad that his life was cut short, and he’ll always be remembered.”

Close friend and fellow musician Dan Murphy has known Good Corn Liquor for years and has had them perform as his band. 

Mr Murphy was at John Hunter Hospital yesterday visiting Mr McKenzie’s fellow bandmates, Nick Wright and Ben McCauley, who were seriously injured in the fatal crash. 

“They are very well-respected in the industry. The tributes and support I’ve received to pass onto the family has been incredible.

“It’s bordering on hundreds of tributes and well-wishes.

“He was really unique. The effort he put in to improve his craft was a credit to him. He was a lovely guy ... he worked really hard to get to where he got as a singer, and the tributes have echoed that.

“They were about to release their EP – that will be a lasting legacy for them, to be released as a tribute.”

Mr Murphy said the tragedy had impacted him and other musicians who frequently travel long distances on the road for gigs. 

“It really just brings it home to us, as we’re travelling every week ... it really makes you think the risk is always there on the roads.”

Ms Whitten said her family, based in Boggabri where the band was due to perform on Thursday night, had been overwhelmed by messages and tributes from those who grew up by Mr McKenzie’s side to those who knew him only through his music. 

“We would like to keep the other boys and their families in mind, too, at this time,” Ms Whitten said. 

“The boys all grew up together and are like family. He was well-loved and he’s going to be missed.”

The band’s Facebook page is overflowing with comments from fans sharing quirky and heartfelt stories of Mr McKenzie. 

* A benefit to help Good Corn Liquor finish their EP will be held on Saturday, May 30 at The Albert Hotel.