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Todd Hunter
Todd Hunter
Todd Hunter
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Key Information

Todd Stuart Hunter[1][2] (born 22 June 1951) is a New Zealand musician and composer known for his involvement in the band Dragon. Their best known songs are "April Sun in Cuba", "Are You Old Enough?", "Still in Love With You", and "Rain". Hunter also composed John Farnham's hit song "Age of Reason" with Johanna Pigott and music for film Daydream Believer (1991) and TV series Heartbreak High (1994–1999).[3]

On 1 July 2008 the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) recognised Dragon's iconic status when they were inducted into their Hall of Fame.[4][5][6]

Biography

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Dragon - 1970s

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Hunter (bass guitar, vocals) formed Dragon in 1972 with Graeme Collins (piano, vocals), Neil Storey[7] (drums) and Ray Goodwin (guitar, keyboards, vocals);[8] the group was soon joined by Hunter's younger brother Marc Hunter (vocals) and moved to Australia in 1975. The band toured Australasia, America and Europe and their songs from that time, "April Sun in Cuba", "Are You Old Enough?" and "Still in Love With You" are still played on radio.

Jen Brown

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Hunter's first wife was poet, artist, writer Jen Jewel Brown (aka Jennifer Hunter Brown) who had written Million Dollar Riff (1975) a book describing Australian band Skyhooks prior to their first tour of US.[9] Hunter and Brown co-wrote "Politics" and "Company" for Dragon's album O Zambezi (1978).[1][10] Brown introduced Hunter to violinist Richard Lee who then played violin on "Civilization" for O Zambezi as a session musician before joining Dragon in February 1979.[11] Follow up album Power Play (1979) had disappointing sales by comparison, and despite Dragon having sold over a million records in the 1970s, they first broke up on New Year's Eve of 1979.

Johanna Pigott

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After the first demise of Dragon, Hunter became a record producer for bands including the New Zealand punk group Toy Love.[8] He produced two albums for XL Capris, a Sydney-based punk band, which included vocalist & bass guitarist Johanna Pigott. She and Hunter became domestic partners and in 1981 he joined the band as guitar player.[8] When that group disbanded in 1982, Hunter joined Pigott in her next group, Scribble from 1983 to 1986.[8]

Dragon - 1980s

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When Dragon reformed in 1982, Hunter and Pigott co-wrote the song "Rain",[1][2] which went to #2 in 1983.[12][13][14][15]

Around this time Hunter (usually with Pigott) became involved with film and TV scoring and found that he was far more suited to the discipline of working in a studio to a deadline than playing in a live band. Pigott (co-creator, screenwriter and performer) and Hunter (guitarist and songwriter) were involved in Australian ABC-TV series Sweet and Sour (1984). Hunter's first wife, Jen Brown also wrote "Hip Romeo" for Sweet and Sour.[1]

Nevertheless, Dragon toured Europe with Tina Turner in 1986–1987 promoting the Dreams of Ordinary Men album produced by Todd Rundgren. At that time the band consisted of Marc Hunter (lead vocal), Hunter on bass, guitar player Tommy Emmanuel, Alan Mansfield from Robert Palmer's band on keyboards and Doane Perry from Jethro Tull on drums.[8]

On that tour Hunter hauled a large road case containing a portable studio through Europe and on it he wrote and recorded the scores for many imaginary movies. It was on that same Box that the Dragon hit single "Celebration" was recorded in hotel rooms around the world with David Hirschfelder producing. In 1987 while on tour (Dragon was briefly called Hunter) with Turner, John Farnham asked Hunter and Pigott to write a song for his next album. They wrote "Age of Reason",[1][2] which went to #1 in Australia for four weeks from 30 July[16][17] and was a top 10 hit in Germany and Canada in 1989. "Age of Reason" won the APRA 'Most Performed Australasian Popular Song' of the year award for 1989.[18] After selling another million records worldwide in the 1980s Dragon disbanded again in 1995.

Film and TV scoring

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From 1994 to 1999 Hunter was the composer for the hit TV Series Heartbreak High and wrote and recorded the 7500 cues that underscored the series.[3] The theme song was nominated for 1994 APRA Television Theme of the Year.[19] Hunter and Pigott also wrote over 20 songs for the series (mostly performed by Abi Tucker, Fleur Beaupert or themselves).[20] Other TV series Hunter worked on included Headstart and Out There.

Hunter and Pigott composed music for the film The Girl Who Came Late, also known as Daydream Believer (1991),[21] and Alex aka Alex: The Spirit of a Champion (1993).[22] "Alex (theme)" aka "Aotearoa" was written by Hunter and "For the Rest of My Life" by Hunter and Pigott.[1]

In 2008 Hunter worked on the BBC/Southern Star TV serial 'Out of the Blue' with composer Stephen Rae and composed the music for the series Pride of Australia in 2009.

Dragon - 2000s

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In 2006 Todd Hunter reformed Dragon with Mark Williams, Bruce Reid and Pete Drummond; they recorded Sunshine to Rain for Liberation Blue Records.[8] Dragon toured Australia to promote their 2008 CD Dragon Remembers which was an affectionate look at great Australian Anthems recorded by friends and colleagues no longer with us. Dragon were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame on 1 July 2008, Hunter stated that they had switched from acoustic performances to fully electric because fans were singing so loud the band could not be heard.[23] In 2010 Dragon released the first studio album of new songs for 20 years entitled "Happy I Am" followed by the EP "Chase The Sun" in 2011 and the EP "The Great Divide" in 2012. Dragon have played over 500 shows since the reformation. The band played the "Long Way to the Top" series of concerts in October 2012 then embarked on a 16 date "40th Anniversary National Tour" of New Zealand in mid October. To mark the occasion Liberation Records released "The Dragon Years" a 40-song compilation CD. Dragon played 20 shows on The Red Hot Summer Tour around Australia in early 2013 and kicked off their 40th Anniversary Concert Series at The Sydney Opera House in April 2013. As of July 2014 the reformed Dragon have played over 600 shows. In November 2013 the band mounted a 20 date acoustic tour in cathedrals and churches in New Zealand. In 2014 they Toured Australia from March through to the end of June with The Trilogy Tour, a tour that featured the three main eras of the band, The Young Years (1970s), The Glory Years (1980s) and The Phoenix Years (2006 on). Dragon are The Harbour Agency's hardest working band. They play almost every weekend of the year. After a break since March 2020 due to COVID-19 the band start playing in New Zealand in January 2021 for the Greenstone Tour and are booked until NYE 2022.

Personal life

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Hunter and his partner, Johanna, have three sons: Harry Hunter, James Hunter and Joey Hunter.

Awards

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Aotearoa Music Awards

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The Aotearoa Music Awards (previously known as New Zealand Music Awards (NZMA)) are an annual awards night celebrating excellence in New Zealand music and have been presented annually since 1965.

Year Nominee / work Award Result Ref.
2011 Todd Hunter (as part of Dragon) New Zealand Music Hall of Fame inductee [24]

References

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Todd Hunter

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Todd Ames Hunter (born August 26, 1953) is an American attorney and Republican politician serving as a member of the for District 32, representing parts of the Coastal Bend region including Aransas, Calhoun, San Patricio, and Nueces counties. Born in , Hunter earned a B.A. in and speech/human relations from the in 1975 and a J.D. from in 1978. After moving to , in 1978, he established a civil law practice at Todd Hunter PLLC, specializing in , commercial, banking, civil trial and appellate matters, and mediation. Hunter's political career began with his election to the in 1988, where he served four consecutive terms until retiring in 1997 to focus on his legal practice and family. He returned to the in 2008, winning the seat for District 32, and has been reelected in every subsequent cycle, including his most recent victory in 2024, securing his thirteenth term starting in the 89th Legislative Session in 2025. Throughout his tenure, Hunter has held influential leadership roles, including chairing the House Calendars Committee during the 89th , as well as previously chairing committees on State Affairs, , Civil Practices, and . He has also served on key committees such as Appropriations, Land and Resource Management, and Public , contributing to legislation on issues like , , and coastal resource management. Hunter's legislative efforts have earned him numerous accolades, including the James Madison Award from the Texas Conservative Coalition, the Free Enterprise Champion Award from the Texas Association of , and the Friend of Medicine Award from the Texas Medical Association, recognizing his support for conservative principles, business interests, and healthcare initiatives. Personally, Hunter is married to Alexis Taylor Hunter, and they have three children—Todd Jr., Michael, and Christina—along with five grandchildren. He remains actively involved in community organizations, including the American Builders and Contractors Supply Association, Boy Scouts of America, and several local chambers of commerce.

Early life

Childhood and influences

Todd Hunter was born on August 26, 1953, in . Little is publicly documented about his childhood, but he pursued higher education shortly after high school, attending the from 1971 to 1975, where he earned a B.A. in and speech/human relations.

Move to Texas

After graduating from the with a J.D. in 1978, Hunter moved to , where he established a civil law practice at Todd Hunter PLLC. His practice specializes in , commercial, banking, civil trial and appellate matters, and . This relocation marked the beginning of his professional career in , prior to entering in 1988.

Musical career

Dragon in the 1970s

Todd Hunter co-founded the rock band in , , in January 1972, serving as the bassist and providing backing vocals alongside his brother on lead vocals. The initial lineup included Ray Goodwin and drummer Neil Reynolds, with the band drawing influences from during their early years. 's debut , Universal Radio, was released in June 1974 on , showcasing their experimental sound but achieving limited commercial success in . Their second , Scented Gardens for the Blind, followed in March 1975, marking a slight shift toward more accessible rock elements, though the band still struggled for widespread recognition domestically. In May 1975, Dragon relocated to Sydney, Australia, seeking greater opportunities, with Todd Hunter playing a pivotal role in the transition as the band's steadfast anchor. Under producer Peter Dawkins at CBS Records, they adopted a pop-oriented style, leading to their breakthrough with the third album, Sunshine, released in February 1977, which peaked at number 24 on the Australian charts and earned gold certification for sales exceeding 50,000 copies. The album's singles "This Time" (peaking at number 26) and "Get That Jive" (number 13) gained airplay, establishing Dragon's presence on Australian radio. Tragically, original Neil died of a overdose in 1976 at age 22, prompting lineup changes including the addition of and later Kerry Jacobson, yet Hunter's consistent bass work helped maintain the band's momentum. Dragon's commercial peak came with in November 1977, which reached number 6 on the Australian album charts and achieved triple platinum status with over 210,000 units sold. The album featured the hit single "April Sun in Cuba," written by Todd Hunter and with Robert Taylor, which climbed to number 2 nationally and became one of the band's signature songs. Their fifth album, O Zambezi, released in 1978, topped the charts at number 3 and included the number 1 single "Are You Old Enough," solidifying Dragon's status as a leading Australasian act. However, internal tensions escalated due to 's struggles with addiction and erratic onstage behavior, culminating in his dismissal in early 1979, after which Todd Hunter briefly led a reconfigured lineup before the band's temporary dissolution.

Post-Dragon collaborations

Following the initial breakup of Dragon in 1979, Todd Hunter transitioned into music production, focusing on emerging punk and new wave acts in and . He produced the self-titled debut album for the New Zealand punk band Toy Love, recorded in midnight sessions at EMI Studios in from June 3 to 21, 1980. Hunter aimed to capture the band's raw, anarchic live energy but encountered challenges with studio isolation and equipment limitations, resulting in a polished yet energetic sound that the band later critiqued as overproduced. The album, released on Deluxe Records, featured tracks like "I Wait Around" and "Sheep," showcasing Toy Love's satirical lyrics and style. In 1981, Hunter extended his production work to the Australian indie-punk band XL Capris, helming their two albums: Where Is Hank? (March 1981) and Weeds (October 1981), both released on Axle Records. For Where Is Hank?, he contributed mellotron on the track "World War 3," adding atmospheric layers to the band's raw, politically charged songs such as "My City of Sydney" and "Red Bikini Runaway." On Weeds, Hunter's involvement deepened, with production credits emphasizing a gritty, urban punk aesthetic influenced by the band's Sydney roots; notable tracks included "Luna" and "Fat Boy in the Swimming Pool." These projects marked Hunter's shift toward supporting female-fronted punk ensembles, aligning with the era's burgeoning independent scene. During this period, Hunter's production role with XL Capris introduced him to Johanna Pigott, his future long-term partner and collaborator, though their joint songwriting efforts began later in the decade. By August 1982, Hunter rejoined the reformed lineup, bridging his production phase back to band performance.

Dragon reformation in the

Dragon reformed in 1982 after disbanding in 1979, driven largely by the need to settle substantial debts accumulated from the band's earlier years of financial excess and drug-related issues. Founding Todd Hunter played a pivotal role in orchestrating the reunion, reuniting with his brother on vocals, drummer Kerry Jacobson, guitarist Robert Taylor, and keyboardist Paul Hewson for the initial lineup. The band launched their comeback with the Class Reunion Tour, which helped rebuild momentum and fan interest across and . Facing challenges such as recording without initial label support and internal debates over shifting to a more polished, synth-driven sound, the group self-funded sessions that led to their 1984 album Body and the Beat. Keyboardist Alan Mansfield joined during production, contributing to the album's edge. The lead single "," co-written by , Todd Hunter, and Johanna Pigott, became a major hit, peaking at No. 2 on the Australian charts in 1983 and revitalizing Dragon's commercial standing. This success propelled Body and the Beat to strong sales, followed by a nationwide tour that drew enthusiastic crowds and solidified the band's resurgence. The 1982–1988 period, often termed Dragon's "Glory Years," saw the band maintain relevance through hits like "Rain" while navigating lineup changes and evolving musical styles amid the era's new wave influences. Todd Hunter's steady involvement as bassist and co-songwriter anchored the group's creative continuity, though tensions over direction occasionally strained relations. By the late 1980s, the band had paid off much of their debt but ultimately disbanded again in 1988 due to ongoing interpersonal conflicts.

Film and television scoring

Todd Hunter's foray into film and television scoring began in the late , building on his established reputation as a with the band . His compositions often blended rock influences with atmospheric and thematic elements suited to narrative-driven projects, frequently in with his partner, Johanna Pigott. One of Hunter's earliest notable scoring contributions was for the 1986 Australian Zombie Brigade, where he provided original music alongside , enhancing the film's tense, otherworldly tone amid its zombie invasion storyline set in World War II-era . In 1991, Hunter and Pigott co-composed the music for Daydream Believer (also known as The Girl Who Came Late), a family-friendly drama about a young actress who communicates with horses, incorporating whimsical and emotional cues that complemented the film's coming-of-age themes. Hunter's scoring career reached a peak with the Australian teen drama series (1994–1999), for which he served as the primary composer across all seven seasons. He created the iconic opening theme and composed original that captured the show's blend of high school angst, romance, and social issues, often partnering with Pigott on select tracks. The series' , featuring Hunter's contributions, was commercially released, highlighting contemporary Australian artists alongside his . His work on earned acclaim for its energetic and relatable sound, contributing to the show's international success and cultural impact in . Subsequent projects included the score for the sports drama (1993), where Hunter and Pigott delivered a that evoked the setting and the protagonist's swimming ambitions, released as a dedicated with additional vocals by Pigott. In 2000, he composed for the comedy film Walk the Talk, providing a lighthearted musical backdrop to its showbiz . Later work encompassed the 2003 miniseries , a , and contributions to World of Discovery (1990), a documentary series. Hunter's scoring output tapered in the 2010s, with appearances such as in the 2015 biographical film , though his primary focus shifted back toward music performance and reunions with Dragon.

Dragon reunions from the 2000s

In 2006, following a period of inactivity after the death of his brother in 1998 and Todd Hunter's departure from the band in 1995, bassist Todd Hunter reformed . The new lineup featured Mark Williams on lead vocals and guitar, on guitar, and Pete Drummond on drums, marking a shift to a more streamlined configuration centered on Hunter's vision for the band's legacy. This reunion culminated in the release of the acoustic album Sunshine to on June 26, 2006, through Liberation Blue Records as part of their Acoustic Series. The 16-track collection included reinterpreted versions of Dragon classics such as "" and "," alongside new material, emphasizing a reflective, stripped-down that highlighted the band's enduring hits without heavy production. The album peaked at number 87 on the Australian , providing a platform for the reformed group to reconnect with audiences through intimate arrangements. The 2006 reformation led to renewed live performances across and , focusing on nostalgic sets of Dragon's 1970s and 1980s repertoire. A notable event was the band's 30th anniversary concert at the on April 4, 2009, which drew former members and fans to celebrate the group's history. These shows, often featuring Williams' soulful delivery of staples like "Are You Old Enough?," sustained the reunion's momentum into the late 2000s, though no further studio albums were produced during this decade. The band has continued touring extensively since the reformation, performing over 800 shows as of 2025, with scheduled concerts in 2025-2026. Original guitarist Robert Taylor, a key collaborator in the 1970s, passed away in 2025.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Todd Hunter grew up in a musical family in , , where his father worked as a weekend clarinettist and his mother, of part-Fijian descent, played . He grew up alongside his younger brother, , who later became the of before his death from throat cancer in 1998. Hunter's first marriage was to writer, artist, and musician Jenny Hunter Brown in the 1970s. The couple collaborated extensively on Dragon's music, co-writing songs such as "" and "" for the 1977 album O Zambezi, as well as "Motor City Connection" and "Crying Shame" for the 1979 album . In the early 1980s, Hunter began a relationship with musician and songwriter Johanna Pigott, formerly the lead singer of the punk band XL Capris. The pair married and formed a successful creative partnership, co-writing Dragon's 1983 hit single "" alongside , as well as John Farnham's chart-topping "Age of Reason" in 1988. Their collaboration extended to television, including contributions to the ABC series . The couple have three sons.

Health and later years

In the later stages of his career, Todd Hunter has contended with resulting from prolonged exposure to high-volume music during live performances spanning over four decades. Diagnosed in his sixties, this condition has impacted his confidence in live , though it has not halted his musical involvement. Following the death of his brother from throat cancer in 1998, Todd Hunter stepped away from for several years, focusing on personal recovery and sporadic composing work. He reformed in 2006, assembling a new lineup featuring vocalist Mark Williams, guitarist , and drummer Pete Drummond, which revitalized Dragon's presence on the Australasian music scene. This iteration released albums such as Sunshine to Rain (2006), emphasizing the band's enduring hits while incorporating fresh material. Into the and , Hunter has maintained an active role as Dragon's and creative anchor, leading themed tours that celebrate the band's legacy, including the " Years" shows revisiting and performances. The group marked its 50th anniversary in 2024 with a tour, followed by additional dates in in 2025, demonstrating Hunter's commitment to live music despite advancing age. Dragon's ongoing schedule, with over 800 shows since the reformation, underscores Hunter's resilience and dedication to the band's antipodean rock heritage.

Awards and honors

Music awards

Todd Hunter has been recognized for his contributions to songwriting, , and composition through several notable music awards, primarily in collaboration with his partner Johanna Pigott and as a member of the band . In 1990, Hunter and Pigott won the APRA Music Award for Most Performed Australasian Popular Work for their "Age of Reason," recorded by , which topped the Australian charts for four weeks and achieved international success. The song's enduring radio play and cultural impact underscored its recognition at the awards. Earlier, in , Hunter and Pigott received a nomination for the ARIA Music Award for Engineer of the Year for their work on "Age of Reason," highlighting their technical contributions to the track's polished sound amid competition from other prominent Australian productions. Hunter's television scoring work earned further acclaim in 1994, when the theme song for the series , composed solely by him, was nominated for the APRA Award for Most Performed Australian Work (Television Themes). The theme became iconic for the long-running youth drama, reflecting Hunter's versatility in blending rock influences with thematic scoring. As a founding member of , Hunter shared in the band's 2011 Legacy Award at the New Zealand Music Awards (now Music Awards), honoring the group's pioneering role in Australasian and their lasting influence since the . The award celebrated Dragon's string of hits and contributions to the region's music scene, with Hunter attending the ceremony in .

Hall of Fame inductions

Todd Hunter, as a founding member and bassist of the rock band , has been recognized through the band's inductions into prestigious music halls of fame. In 2008, Dragon was inducted into the by the Australian Recording Industry Association, honoring their influential contributions to Australian music since relocating to in 1975. The ceremony took place on July 1 at the , where Hunter delivered the band's acceptance speech, reflecting on their evolution from acoustic to electric performances and their enduring legacy. Dragon received further acclaim in 2011 with their induction into the New Zealand Music Hall of Fame (Te Whare Taonga Puoro o ), an initiative of celebrating pivotal acts in the country's music history. This recognition highlighted the band's origins in and their role in shaping New Zealand rock, with Hunter continuing as a key performer in subsequent reunions.

References

  1. https://house.texas.gov/members/3365/biography
  2. https://www.electtoddhunter.com/about-about-todd/
  3. https://www.sergent.com.au/music/dragon.html
  4. https://www.audioculture.co.nz/articles/dragon-s-early-days-a-photo-essay
  5. https://www.musichall.co.nz/portfolio/dragon/
  6. https://www.audioculture.co.nz/articles/toy-love-make-toy-love
  7. https://www.discogs.com/master/1016151-Toy-Love-Toy-Love
  8. https://www.discogs.com/release/2495485-XL-Capris-Where-Is-Hank
  9. https://www.discogs.com/master/816281-XL-Capris-Weeds
  10. https://www.facebook.com/wearelanewaymusic/posts/xl-capris-were-an-australian-indie-punk-band-formed-in-sydney-in-1978-their-best/1179976784128268/
  11. https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/music/dragons-tale-of-40-years-20140508-37y0d.html
  12. https://rockclub40.com/rock-club-40-chats-with-todd-hunter-dragon/
  13. https://www.audioculture.co.nz/profile/dragon
  14. https://www.nfsa.gov.au/collection/curated/asset/95972-todd-hunter-interviewed-anthony-ogrady
  15. https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/the-screen-guide/p/todd-hunter/10407/
  16. https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1311057-todd-hunter
  17. https://www.discogs.com/release/12640560-Various-Heartbreak-High-Music-from-the-ABC-TV-Series
  18. https://nostalgiacentral.com/television/tv-by-decade/tv-shows-1990s/heartbreak-high/
  19. https://www.australiantelevision.net/hbh/music.html
  20. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0106240/fullcredits
  21. https://www.screenaustralia.gov.au/the-screen-guide/t/alex-1992/5004/
  22. https://www.soundtrackcollector.com/title/58971/Alex
  23. https://mubi.com/en/cast/todd-hunter
  24. https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0403071/
  25. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/dragon-are-more-than-old-enough/2EGVCTFJD6MCSMA5WSTCAU4QF4/
  26. https://www.nzwalkoffame.co.nz/dragon
  27. https://premierartists.com.au/artist/dragon/
  28. https://www.discogs.com/release/9135308-Dragon-Sunshine-To-Rain
  29. https://www.songkick.com/artists/373545-dragon
  30. https://www.noise11.com/news/dragon-guitarist-robert-taylor-dies-20251104
  31. https://www.audioculture.co.nz/articles/dragon-power-play
  32. https://www.audioculture.co.nz/articles/top-10-nz-songs-about-the-weather
  33. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/lifestyle/my-happy-place-todd-hunter-founding-member-of-dragon/Z6PL3YZKCMQ5VMPNX6U6ZK2ZJM/
  34. https://www.aucklandnz.com/events-hub/events/dragon-50th-anniversary-tour
  35. https://www.apraamcos.com.au/about/supporting-the-industry/awards/apra-music-awards-1990
  36. https://www.imdb.com/event/ev0000855/1989/1/
  37. https://onwiththeshow.com.au/dragon-hits-road-on-trilogy-tour/
  38. https://www.muzic.nz/news/legacy-award-for-dragon/
  39. https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/dragon-finally-old-enough-for-legacy-award/V7Y366XXSSKWSVQ7SZIDGMS5UI/
  40. https://www.aria.com.au/hall-of-fame/
  41. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uu04xy50u7A
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