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

It all 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 Isaac 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."

Paul Kelly first met Joe in 1996 after Joe wrote a letter to his brother Dan from prison. Afraid of losing his wife Rita and their children, Joe worried that no one would know how to make gravy for Christmas. This letter inspired the lyrics for Kelly’s classic song, How To Make Gravy.

Kelly attempted to write a song from Rita’s perspective, but Joe’s voice kept dominating the story.

On August 15, 2025, Kelly finally released Rita Wrote A Letter, the much-anticipated sequel, continuing the heartfelt family narrative.

Author's summary: Paul Kelly's storytelling captures a family's love, loss, and legacy through songs inspired by a poignant letter and a memorable funeral notice.

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Newcastle Herald — 2025-11-08

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

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