Peter Allen; Performer and Songwriter

Peter Allen, the Australian singer, dancer, songwriter and pianist who was discovered by Judy Garland and for a time was married to Liza Minnelli, died Thursday. He was 48.

Allen died of an AIDS-related illness in a northern San Diego County hospital, his personal assistant, Bruce Cudd, said in a statement from New York. He had lived in Leucadia, about 20 miles north of San Diego, for 15 years.

Allen’s last concert appearances were in January to packed houses in Sydney, Australia.

Allen was born Feb. 10, 1944, in Tenterfield, Australia, where he began singing in pubs at age 5. Garland discovered his duo act, called Chris and Peter Allen, at the Hong Kong Hilton while she was on a world tour. The duo later broke up and Allen went on to write songs that became hits for him and for others. He recorded 11 albums.

Among his hits were “I Honestly Love You” for Olivia Newton-John; “Don’t Cry Out Loud” for Melissa Manchester; “You and Me (We Wanted It All)” for Frank Sinatra; “Arthur’s Theme” for Christopher Cross and “I’d Rather Leave While I’m in Love” for Rita Coolidge. Allen received an Academy Award for “Arthur’s Theme,” which was in the film “Arthur.”

Allen was best in big concerts, with lots of production numbers, in which he was on stage nonstop and appearing tireless. He played many concerts at Radio City Music Hall. At his first appearance there, he was the first performer to join the Rockettes’ kick line.

His signature song in concerts was “Quiet Please, There’s a Lady on Stage” and “I Go to Rio.”

On Broadway, he had a long run in his autobiographical show, “Up in One--More Than a Concert.” In 1988, he wrote music and lyrics for a Broadway show, “Legs Diamond,” and played the title role. Critics panned it and the show had a short run.

Allen is survived by his mother, Marion; sister, Lynne, and niece, Bryden, all of Sydney. The funeral will be private.