Joy McKean, Chad Morgan, Lucky Starr and Terry Gordan OAM were among those who paid homage to legend singer songwriter Geoff Mack OAM, fondly known as ‘Tangletongue Mack’.

Humble to the core, Mack may not have approved of the ‘celebration of life’ held on the Gold Coast recently.

“He may not approve that we’re gathering here for him today,” nephew Rick Mack said during the eulogy which included an extensive photo presentation of Geoff Mack’s journey.

Long remembered for composing the 1962 hit, I’ve Been Everywhere, the song was made famous by Aussie singer

Lucky Starr and Hank Snow made it popular in US.

More than 130 artists recorded the catchy tune including Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn and more recently, Rhiannon and Kacey Musgraves.

Nashville recognised Mack in 1963 inducting him into the Songwriters Hall of Fame; rare for an Australian songwriter.

In 1978 Mack was inducted into the Tamworth Hands of Fame and was a regular at the annual country music festival.

“He would go to Tamworth every year,” nephew Rick Mack said.

“He was devastated when he couldn’t go anymore. He loved Tamworth.”

And Tamworth loved Geoff Mack.

He was part of the furniture at the Tamworth Songwriter’s Association AGMs and received the TSA’s Song Maker Award in 1997.

In 2013, the CMAA awarded him a Golden Guitar for Lifetime Achievement.

Rick Mack said his uncle felt a little guilty about the song’s success saying there were so many other deserving artists not getting the recognition they deserved.

The camaraderie was felt among the country music fraternity as 80 family, friends and fans mingled and swapped stories, joked and laughed as they recalled fond memories of their mate.

Mack lived a colourful and celebrated life.

Geoff Mack passed away on July 21 at Benowa, QLD, aged 94 and he will be sadly missed.