“Birds Don’t Sing Here Anymore” became his signature contribution to the South African airwaves, proving that his talent wasn’t just confined to the opera house or the musical theatre stage.

Chart Success & International Reach

Released as a 7-inch single, the track officially entered the South African Top 20 on January 28, 1966. It peaked at #19, spending three weeks on the national charts and cementing Aubrey’s status as a pop star.

The song’s appeal even reached across the ocean. It was picked up by the UK folk-pop group The Banner Family, who recorded it as the B-side for their single “That Old Freight Train,” introducing Aubrey’s songwriting to an international audience.

• The United Kingdom: Recorded by folk-pop group The Banner Family as the B-side to their 1966 single “That Old Freight Train.”
• Italy: In a testament to the song’s melodic strength, it was later recorded by an Italian band with full Italian lyrics. This version reimagined Aubrey’s mournful ballad for the Mediterranean market, proving that the theme of loss—and the power of a great tenor melody—transcends language.