James Murdoch

James Murdoch (1930–2010), also known by the stage name Jaime Sebastian, was an Australian arts administrator, musicologist, composer, journalist, and broadcaster. He founded and served as the inaugural director of the Australian Music Centre and played an important role in promoting the works of Peggy Glanville-Hicks. Early life and education James Murdoch was born in 1930, the only child born to a wharfie in the Sydney suburb of Paddington. His parents were frequently on the move, and by the age of 14, Murdoch had lived in 19 houses and attended 15 schools. An autodidact, he learned all he could about music of all genres, from the middle ages to the present day. He also learned cello, flute, piano, and violin at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Murdoch gravitated to bohemian circles and befriended Tilly Devine, Bea Miles, and Sunday Reed. He became close friends with other members of the Heide Circle as well.