Singer, Comedian, and Activist
Remembering those we recently lost
Plant the first tree in their honor
Key moments and achievements from Julie Topp's life.
Julie was born
· Auckland, New Zealand
Performance
At the age of five, Julie began her lifelong musical partnership with her twin sister Lynda. They performed together for the first time at a cousin's 21st birthday party. This early start in harmonizing laid the foundation for their future as the iconic Topp Twins.
Performance
At the age of five, Julie began her lifelong musical partnership with her twin sister Lynda. They performed together for the first time at a cousin's 21st birthday party. This early start in harmonizing laid the foundation for their future as the iconic Topp Twins.
Service
After leaving school, Julie joined the Territorial Force of the New Zealand Army. She was posted to Burnham Military Camp during this period. This experience preceded her transition into full-time professional entertainment and activism.
Service
After leaving school, Julie joined the Territorial Force of the New Zealand Army. She was posted to Burnham Military Camp during this period. This experience preceded her transition into full-time professional entertainment and activism.
Career Transition
Julie and Lynda moved away from farm life and military service to begin busking on the streets of Christchurch and Auckland. This period marked their emergence as radical activists for Māori land rights and homosexual law reform. They used their music as a vehicle for political defiance on Queen Street.
Career Transition
Julie and Lynda moved away from farm life and military service to begin busking on the streets of Christchurch and Auckland. This period marked their emergence as radical activists for Māori land rights and homosexual law reform. They used their music as a vehicle for political defiance on Queen Street.
Award
Julie was appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This honor recognized her extensive services to the entertainment industry over several decades. It solidified her status as a central figure in the cultural landscape of Aotearoa.
Award
Julie was appointed a Dame Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This honor recognized her extensive services to the entertainment industry over several decades. It solidified her status as a central figure in the cultural landscape of Aotearoa.
Award
Just one day before her death, Julie was honored with the Country Music Honour for Contribution to Country Music. This award celebrated her unique blend of traditional country styles, including yodeling, with contemporary political themes. It served as a final tribute to her enduring influence on the genre.
Award
Just one day before her death, Julie was honored with the Country Music Honour for Contribution to Country Music. This award celebrated her unique blend of traditional country styles, including yodeling, with contemporary political themes. It served as a final tribute to her enduring influence on the genre.
Julie Topp passed away
