Who's gonna make the gravy now? We ask master storyteller Paul Kelly
It all began with a funeral notice on page 33 of The Age newspaper on August 11, 2025:
"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."
Origin of the story
We first met Joe in 1996 when he wrote a letter to his brother Dan on December 21, while incarcerated. He was frightened of losing his wife Rita and children, and worried no one would know how to make gravy for Christmas. This heartfelt letter became the lyrics to Paul Kelly's iconic song How To Make Gravy.
New release inspired by the story
On August 15, 2025, Paul Kelly released Rita Wrote A Letter, the much-anticipated sequel to his classic song.
Paul Kelly’s creative process
"I was trying to write a song from Rita's point of view, but Joe just wouldn't stop talking," Kelly admitted, highlighting the strong presence of Joe’s character in the narrative.
The story captures the essence of family, memory, and tradition, centered around simple yet powerful moments like making gravy for Christmas.