Lara Nakhle

Connor Wink is a blind multi-instrumentalist and vocalist from Newcastle, NSW who displayed an interest and talent in music from an early age.

When Connor was two years old, he was playing songs that he had heard and liked on his toy piano. His parents realised that the ability to play by ear was a great gift and encouraged his playing. Later, when he was six, they set out to find a piano teacher to work with him.

By the time he stopped classical piano training, he had reached Grade 3. During this time, Connor transitioned successfully to singing, due to his ability to memorise lyrics and music combined with his acute hearing, perfect pitch. and unique voice. For a short time, Connor dabbled with the guitar; but later, he discovered the ukulele.

Between 2014 & 2019 Connor has featured regularly on the Starstruck entertainment event in Newcastle and raised tens of thousands of dollars for Variety The Children’s Charity with busking and other fundraising activities.

He had found his place as an artist. In 2020 Connor was a grand finalist in Newcastle Live (Newcastle’s Got Talent program) and been busy recording new songs for release

Connor has been blessed with the presence of many amazing people in his life as well as the support of his local community.

Early in 2022 Connor auditioned for The Voice Australia where his blind audition has thus far received over 10 million views on Facebook and over half a million views on YouTube. Connor made it to top 48, receiving 4 chair turns from the coaches and numerous accolades for his acoustic rendition of Cher’s song ‘Believe’ and his vocal style. Mid-year, Connor was a finalist in the Lake Mac Awards 2022 for arts and creation as well as winning the Golden Pineapple award for social inclusion for his series of ‘driveway’ concerts during 2021 during covid lockdowns. Connor also performed along with Lara Nakhle and Summer Giddings at the inaugural Sensory Tourism Conference on the Central Coast NSW at their Gala Dinner, which was an amazing event in September. In November 2022 Connor released is 2^nd album, ‘Fire In My Heart’- https://gyro.to/FireInMyHeart.

His biggest musical influences have been the Bee Gees and Cher. He was fortunate enough to meet Cher backstage in Las Vegas in 2010, and she was gracious enough to listen to him sing. They met again backstage at Newcastle Entertainment Centre in 2018 during her Australian tour. Connor has also been fortunate to meet a number of other great solo artists, including Marcia Hines, John Paul Young, Glenn Shorrock and Rick Price, the latter three Connor has performed for as either support or a special guest at their shows.

Connor with Rick Price at Lizotte’s : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vfGz5R-YUXs

In 2023 Connor also opened for the Pierce Brothers at their Newcastle show as part of their national tour, as well as taking part in the inaugural WhiteStickFest LIVE Concert at Sydney University on October 20^th alongside Lara Nakhle, Summer Giddings and Kirsten Busby who all performed online again as part of the White Cane Day Concert on 15^th October. Connor has been busy recording his 3^rd album ‘ALIVE’ with more acoustic disco themes, which was released in November, one year exactly after ‘Fire In My Heart’ EP - https://gyro.to/177041ALIVE.

Besides his own original material, Connor has an extensive range of Artists he covers such as: Bee Gees, Alison Moyet, Elvis, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, John Paul Young, Rick Price, Eva Cassidy, Crowded House, Bruno Mars, Cliff Richard, INXS, Ed Sheeran and many more.

2024 has been a busy year so for also with him releasing his new single ‘I Still Believe’ inspired by the song titles from Cher songs and albums over the decades – https://gyro.to/IStillBelieve. Connor is also working on a Bee Gees show as well as preparing to record an Aussie covers album with fellow blind singer/songwriter and pianist, Lara Nakhle.

Connor is available for weddings, corporate functions, birthdays and fundraising events. Connor is also a confident motivational speaker on disability and his life's journey through music.