The Choir of Hard Knocks was the brainchild of Jason Stephens of FremantleMedia Australia in conjunction with the charity Reclink, a not for profit community organisation that provides sport and arts opportunities to those experiencing social and economic disadvantage.
[1] In 2005 Stephens had also learnt of the Montreal group and convinced Welch to participate in the documentary as music director and choirmaster.
[7] Bridget McManus of The Age, observed, "the timing might not have been perfect, the soloist was a little shaky, and a wild-haired man at the back had a tendency to echo the last word of every line, but the infectious enthusiasm of the group belting out 'Blame It on the Boogie' – in unison, with all the actions – was hard to ignore.
At the front of the group, by the Flinders Street Station steps, stood a spirited conductor on whom all singers' eyes were fixed despite the peak-hour bustle.
[3] The choir raised money, initially, to record a CD single for promotion and individual sales, through busking in city streets.
[10][11] A self-titled companion CD to the first series, Choir of Hard Knocks: the Voice of RecLink, was released on 26 May 2007 containing traditional songs, "Amazing Grace" and "Silent Night" and cover versions of pop rock tracks, "Flame Trees" (originally by Cold Chisel) and "Hallelujah" (Leonard Cohen).
In 2005 FremantleMedia Australia producer Jason Stephens brought the idea of a television series called the Choir of Hard Knocks to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
Following a split between RecLink and Welch in March 2009, the latter formed a new not-for-profit entity, the Melbourne Street Choir, Inc (MSC).
Many members of the original choir followed Welch to the MSC which recommenced public performances from 29 April 2009 at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival.
[22][23] At the 8th Helpmann Awards in July 2008 their appearance at the Sydney Opera House, Choir of Hard Knocks: Live in Concert, won Best Special Event.