Who's gonna make the gravy now? We ask master storyteller Paul Kelly
It all began with a funeral notice in The Age newspaper on August 11, 2025. It read:
“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.”
We first met Joe in 1996 through a letter he wrote to his brother Dan on December 21 while incarcerated. Afraid of losing his wife Rita and kids, and worried no one would know how to make gravy for Christmas, Joe’s letter became the lyrics to Paul Kelly's classic song How To Make Gravy.
On August 15, 2025, Paul Kelly released Rita Wrote A Letter, the much-anticipated sequel to the original song.
Quotes from the funeral notice that capture Joe's spirit
- “You loved life and went hard at it.”
- “You loved music, food, football, celebration, tall tales and strong argument.”
- “Christmas just won't be the same this year without you.”
- “We know you'll always be with us, hovering above us, floating all around us, making sure we get it right.”
Paul Kelly’s connection to Joe’s story
Paul Kelly transformed Joe’s heartfelt letter into a celebrated song, reflecting family bonds and tradition during the Christmas season. The new release continues this narrative from Rita's perspective.
“I was trying to write a song from Rita's point of view, but Joe just wouldn't stop talking....”
The sequel continues the family story and brings fresh emotional depth to the tale.
Author’s summary: Paul Kelly’s work honors Joe’s legacy, capturing the warmth and complexity of family ties through music inspired by a poignant letter and funeral notice.