In August 1999 at Stebbings Recording Studio singers recorded a song for children in schools involved in fledgling literacy charity Duffy Books in Homes. Written by Jan Hellriegel and Toi Iti, with music by Jan Hellriegel and Dave Dobbyn, ‘Read About It – The Duffy Song’ was conceived as an inspirational song for children to sing when they received free books at special school assemblies.
On April 11 2011, Rikki Morris and Jackie Clarke visited Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studios to record a fresh version of a song which doesn’t get radio time or feature on lists of the country’s greatest singles. However, it is now sung by 100,000 children in hundreds of schools around New Zealand
Despite its widespread appeal in schools, most people have never heard the lyrics ‘Tall as a Totara, Duffy kids will read around the world.’ But mention that line to a child in any one of 542 Duffy schools nationwide and they’ll be able to sing the song from start to finish.
With help from producer Wayne Bell, sound engineer Jordan Stone and songwriter Jan Hellriegel who helped coordinate the recording of the new version, Rikki and Jackie have given kids in low-decile schools an updated version of a true Kiwi classic.
"Knowing that "The Duffy Song" has been enjoyed by so many is a highlight of my career and something that I am very proud of,” says Jan Hellriegel.
The song is about to go global. Duffy Books in Homes now reaches schools in the USA and Australia
Not only that, multi-talented hip-hop artist Anonymouz has remixed the song to create hip hop and reggae versions.
With the support of Amplifier and Native Tongue Music Publishing, the majority of proceeds from downloads will go directly to Duffy Books in Homes.
All versions, both new and old, can be downloaded from:
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