Worth Their Weight in Gold: former Leader journalist Anna Rose shares memories with late husband, Jazzer Smith

THERE'S a reason why Anna Rose loves country music so much.

She grew up with it, sure, but it's synonymous with someone she adored more than anything - her late husband Jazzer Smith.

"Every festival is special, every year had its significant moments," she said.

"'84 was the year that Jazzer launched his book and that was a special time because our house was madness.

"I didn't realise it at the time but Jazzer was subliminally teaching me how to write the whole time we were together because I'd always loved the English language and I absolutely adored him.

"I'd always loved music, he loved the English language and he loved music and adored me, so we were a pretty good match in that regard."

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When her husband passed away, Mrs Smith went to hand then editor of the Leader Ann Newling a copy of his book - and walked out with a job.

"It just fell into my lap and it was natural for me to do it," she said.

"It was a constant revolving door of people coming in and out, it was a lot of fun."

And, it all unfolded from there.

Mrs Smith became involved in the establishment of Pioneer Parade, on a committee of "old chooks" led by "powerhouse" Lorraine Pfitzner.

She's a central member of the Tamworth Songwriters' Association, and would do the judging sitting on someone's lounge room floor; surrounded by records, vinyls and cassettes.

Now, she's writing icon Chad Morgan's life story, and said it's the people who make the festival.

"People in the country music industry are the most honest, down to Earth people," she said.

"A lot of people come from other industries and they're just blown away by the camaraderie, the big country music family that everybody talks about and it's true.

"I would like to think I've played a small part in it. There's nothing like it in the world really."

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