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![]() If you have already seen Darren Coggan perform, there’s probably no use continuing to read his biography. You will have been sold by his energy on stage, probably surprised by his confidence, warmed by his honesty, taken away by the images his songs create, you’ll have commented on the bright red hair... and then there’s that VOICE! A truly versatile young performer, Darren Coggan is an accomplished singer, songwriter, television presenter and actor. In 1995 he won the inaugural "Trans Tasman Entertainer Of The Year Award" and went on to win the prestigious "Toyota Star Maker Quest" the following year. Darren wrote the title track for the “Dead Ringer Band’s” album “Home Fires” which won an ARIA award for “Best Australian Country Release Of The Year, 1996”. In 1998, Darren was named "Young Citizen of the Year" in his beloved hometown of Wagga Wagga. 1999 saw Darren cast as "Richie Cunningham" in the World Premiere Arena Mega Musical “Happy Days” presented by Dainty Consolidated Entertainment, which toured Australia extensively. In January 2001 Darren was awarded his first Golden Guitar at the Toyota Country Music Awards of Australia. This same year Darren hosted Foxtel’s top rating television show "Out & About - The Great Aussie Pub Tour" and made a guest appearance on the award winning Channel 7 drama "All Saints". Darren was cast to play the dual role of "Teen Angel" and "Vince Fontaine" in "Grease - The Mega Musical" presented by SEL & Gordon Frost Organisation, which toured Australia in the "Big Top" throughout 2001-2002. Darren followed this up with the national “Big Top” tour of "Shout - the musical of the Wild One", presented by Jacobsen Entertainment in which he played several roles including 'Col Joye'. In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Darren was awarded the ‘Centenary Medal’ – ‘For Services to Australian Society’ in 2003. This same year, he released his second album, "Balancing Act", for which he was awarded ‘Australian Independent Male Vocalist of the Year’. He made another two guest appearances on the award winning Channel 7 drama, “All Saints” in 2004/05 and understudied John Farnham as Teen Angel in “Grease - The Arena Spectacular”, presented by SEL & GFO. Darren performed the lead role of Cat Stevens to critical acclaim in the highly successful production ‘Moonshadows’ of which he co-created together with Peter Cox. Most recently he played the lead role in the world premiere production of John Williamson's musical Quambatook
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