Lorraine began her singing career at the Brazil Night Club in Brisbane under her maiden name, Lorraine Simpkin. In 1974, she released her first single, ''Time Has Come'' on the Sunshine label, though it mistakenly credited her as Simkin instead of Simpkin. She became a familiar face on TV, appearing regularly on Mike Walsh’s Show, Reg Lindsay’s Homestead, and the Ray Martin Show. Lorraine performed at club venues alongside top entertainers like Johnny O’Keefe, The Platters, Frank Ifield, Frankie Davidson, Tom T. Hall, Jimmy Little, and Col Joye. These performances earned her the title of Queensland’s Best Female Country Artist for two consecutive years. She also played in a rock and roll band called The 50’s, which was nominated for a Mo Award in 1983. In 1987, she featured on the album 'Melinda Johnstone and Friends, recording two tracks: ''Candy in the Window'' and ''Pass Me By''.
