Who’s Gonna Make the Gravy Now? We Ask Master Storyteller Paul Kelly
Paul Kelly tried writing a song from Rita’s perspective, but Joe just kept talking. The story began with a funeral notice on page 33 of The Age newspaper, dated 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 lived it fully. You loved music, food, football, celebration, tall tales, and strong arguments. We still picture you cooking up a storm at our big family gatherings — pots and pans cooking, BBQ smoking outside, a glass of wine in hand, your reggae music playing: Junior Murvin, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Gregory Isaacs and the like. You kept everyone's drinks topped up and teased 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.”
Paul Kelly first met Joe in 1996 when Joe wrote a letter to his brother Dan from prison on December 21. Joe was frightened of losing his wife Rita and their children and worried that no one would know how to make gravy for Christmas. This letter became the lyrics for Kelly’s iconic song, How To Make Gravy.
On August 15, 2025, Kelly released Rita Wrote A Letter, the long-awaited sequel.
Author’s summary: Paul Kelly’s storytelling brings to life Joe’s heartfelt letter and its sequel, connecting music, family, and the enduring spirit of love through vivid memories and tradition.