Daryl Braithwaite : “The Horses”, Albums, “Let Me Be” Band and Net Worth
Daryl Braithwaite – Biography and Wiki
Daryl Braithwaite is a celebrated Australian musician, singer, and songwriter, best known as the lead vocalist of the iconic 1970s rock band Sherbet. With a career spanning decades, he is also recognized for his successful solo career, during which he placed fifteen singles on the Australian Top 40 charts since 1974. Among his biggest solo hits are “The Horses” (1991) and “You’re My World” (1974). His second solo album, Edge, topped the ARIA Albums Chart and also charted in Norway, peaking at No. 14.
Education
Braithwaite attended Randwick Boys High School in Sydney, where he began performing in various pop music bands, including The Bright Lights, alongside guitarist Bruce Worrall. His professional journey took a pivotal turn in 1970 when he joined Sherbet as a full-time vocalist at the age of 21.
Daryl Braithwaite – Age
Born on January 11, 1949, in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, Daryl Braithwaite is 76 years old as of 2025. His birthday is celebrated annually on January 11, and his zodiac sign is Capricorn.
Nationality and Ethnicity
Daryl holds Australian citizenship and is of White ethnicity. Though born in Melbourne, he is often associated with Sydney, New South Wales, where much of his musical journey unfolded.
Daryl Braithwaite – Height
Braithwaite reportedly stands at an impressive height of 6 feet 9 inches (though this is often disputed and may be exaggerated). He maintains a healthy weight of around 85 kg (187 lbs). He is known for his distinctive gray hair and striking blue eyes.
Family
Daryl was raised in a working-class family in Melbourne. His father was a plumber who worked on the Snowy Mountains Scheme. He has a twin brother, Glenn Braithwaite, and both sang in their school choir as children—an early spark for Daryl’s love of music. While information about his mother remains private, Daryl often credits his upbringing for shaping his musical journey.
Daryl Braithwaite – Wife and Son
Yes, Daryl Braithwaite is married. His wife, Sarah Taylor, and he wed in a private ceremony in Sydney. The two met during his Sherbet days while performing at various venues. Together, they have one son named Oscar Braithwaite.
Daryl Braithwaite – Band History
Daryl’s career launched in earnest when he joined the rock band Sherbet in 1970. The group, originally formed in 1969, included Dennis Laughlin, Doug Rea, Sammy See, and Danny Taylor. They rented rehearsal space in Jonathon’s Disco, practicing up to seven hours a night. Their first major hit, “Can You Feel It, Baby”, released in 1971, catapulted them into national fame.
Sherbet achieved significant success in Australia, Sweden, and Norway with their soul-influenced sound. Beyond Sherbet, Daryl was also involved in side projects like The Fabulous Caprettos and Company of Strangers, though the latter disbanded in 1992.
Daryl Braithwaite – Solo Career
While still a Sherbet member, Braithwaite began exploring solo opportunities in 1973, starting with a performance in Tommy, The Who’s rock opera. In 1974, he released his debut solo single “You’re My World”, which was a major hit.
He followed up with “Cavalry” in 1975 and released over 20 singles before Sherbet’s temporary disbandment in the early 1980s. In 1988, he returned in full force with his solo album Edge, which spawned hits like “As the Days Go By” and the timeless anthem “The Horses”.
His subsequent album, Rise (1990), further solidified his comeback. After another break from the spotlight, Daryl returned in 2005 and continued releasing music, earning his place in the ARIA Hall of Fame in 2017. His 2020 single “Love Songs” became his first Top 50 Australian hit in 27 years.
Daryl Braithwaite – “The Horses”
“The Horses” is undoubtedly Daryl Braithwaite’s most iconic song. Released in 1991 as part of his album Rise, the track is actually a cover of a song originally written by Rickie Lee Jones and Walter Becker of Steely Dan. However, Braithwaite’s soaring vocals and uplifting delivery turned it into an enduring Australian anthem.
The song reached No. 1 on the ARIA Singles Chart and has since become a staple at concerts, sports events, and celebrations across Australia. Despite being over three decades old, “The Horses” has enjoyed a remarkable cultural resurgence thanks to nostalgic appeal and younger generations discovering its feel-good energy.
Daryl Braithwaite – Latest Song
Daryl’s most recent release is “Love Songs” (2020), co-written by David Charles Snyder, Michael Fatkin, and Rosalind Crane. Released under Warner Chappell Music and Universal Publishing, the track is available on all major streaming platforms, including Spotify, YouTube, Pandora, and Deezer.
Daryl Braithwaite – Albums
Throughout his solo career, Daryl Braithwaite has released several albums that showcase his vocal range and evolution as an artist. Notable albums include:
Out on the Fringe (1979) – His first solo album post-Sherbet.
Edge (1988) – A massive comeback album featuring hits like “As the Days Go By”.
Rise (1990) – Home to “The Horses”, it solidified his solo success.
Taste the Salt (1993) – Continued his ARIA chart presence into the ’90s.
Snapshot (2005) – A mix of acoustic and live tracks.
The Lemon Tree (2008) – Featured fresh material and reimagined classics.
Forever the Tourist (2013) – A modern pop-rock offering after a recording hiatus.
Daryl Braithwaite – Band
Before his solo stardom, Daryl Braithwaite rose to fame as the lead vocalist of the Australian pop-rock band Sherbet, formed in 1969. Sherbet became one of Australia’s most successful bands of the 1970s, with hits like “Howzat”, “Slipstream”, and “Summer Love”. Their polished sound, pop hooks, and Daryl’s charisma made them teen idols across the country.
In later years, he also collaborated with Company of Strangers (1992) and The Fabulous Caprettos, performing with fellow Australian rock legends. Still, Sherbet remains the defining band of his early career and a crucial launchpad for his solo success.
Daryl Braithwaite – “Let Me Be”
“Let Me Be” is a fan-favorite track by Daryl Braithwaite that highlights his emotive vocal delivery and introspective songwriting. While not as commercially massive as “The Horses”, the song resonates with listeners due to its raw, heartfelt lyrics and melodic arrangement. It showcases a softer, more vulnerable side of Braithwaite’s artistry—balancing emotional depth with musical simplicity.
Net Worth
Daryl Braithwaite has accumulated significant wealth from his long and successful music career. As of 2025, his estimated net worth is $25 million, largely from album sales, tours, and royalties.
Daryl Braithwaite – Health and Hospitalization
In January 2021, Daryl was hospitalized in Melbourne due to a brief illness, leading to the cancellation of a planned performance in Victoria. While the illness was described as non-serious, it prompted concern among fans. He recovered and later returned to performing and recording.
