THE DRIFTWOOD JAZZ BAND

 

The Driftwood Jazz Band captured the spirit of traditional Dixieland. Formed in 1959 at the Driftwood Club (Phillip Ballroom) in West Rosebud, they went on to perform at many of Melbourne’s top jazz venues. While rooted in Dixieland, they offered personalized takes on the entire jazz gamut, from New Orleans to mainstream. Their lively and unique interpretations of such a broad spectrum of jazz attracted record crowds to the popular Opus 61 club. In 1964 they released an EP on the Crest label. After the group disbanded, Barry Veith went on to form the Barry Veith Big Band, which gained a strong reputation in Melbourne during the 70s. Derek Harris died in 2008, and Brian O'Neill in 2022.

Members

Derek Harris (trumpet), Brian O'Neill (trombone), Barry Veith (clarinet), John Cawthan (vocals, guitar, banjo), John Adams (piano), Peter Barker (drums), Graham McClean (bass)

EPs
'Derek Harris And The Driftwood Jazz Band' 1964 Crest

AMONG THIEVES

 

Short lived Melbourne band, Among Thieves was formed by ex-members of Dear Enemy Les Barker and Chris Langford with vocalist Anton Morgenthaler, keyboardist Sam Panetta and drummer Bret Luton (ex-Geisha). The single ''Faith In Love'' released in 1991 charted nationally. A self-titled album came out in 1992 and was a strong effort, but for some reason, it never gained traction. 

Members

Anton Morganthaler (vocals, guitar), Les Barker (guitar), Paul Miller (bass), Chris Langford (guitar, vocals), Sam Panetta (keyboards), Bret Luton (drums)

SINGLES
''Faith In Love'' (#72) 1991 EastWest
''My Heart Just Bleeds'' 1992 EastWest

''Big Thing'' 1992 EastWest

''Broken Glass'' 1993 EastWest

ALBUMS

'Among Thieves' 1992 EastWest

BRASS CARNIVAL

 

Brass Carnival formed in Adelaide in the late 60s and was likely one of the town’s first showbands in the 1970s. The band went through many lineup changes over the years. Brass Carnival regularly supported visiting national and international artists including John Farnham, Robin Jolley, Pussyfoot, Cleo Laine, Bev Harrell, and many more. In 1977, they released the single ''One Little Kiss'', which charted in South Australia. In 2020 Gary Burrows reflected on his time with the band ''It does seem a strange name for Brass Carnival, however, we did have a brass section that was with us for years until we decided to move to Sydney and tour up and down the east coast. They were replaced by two synth players and trumpet some of whom stayed with us for the recording of two singles with Nationwide on EMS. "One Little Kiss" did peak at #8 on either 5KA or 5AD printed charts, but I am unable to find any of those charts in existence now''. The band finished up in 1977.

Members

Allen Attwood (guitar, vocals), Phil Banyitis (guitar), Gary Burrows (drums, vocals), Ray Fanning (vocals, trumpet), Alan Griffiths (bass), Ray Howlett (guitar), Bruce Keipert (drums), Tony Mecorella (drums), Greg Myer (trumpet), Jeff Ruetter (bass), Brenton Roberts (keyboards), Mike Ronayne (guitar), Peter Smith (vocals), Graham Sturrock (sax, flute), Renzo Tonin (keyboards, vocals), 

SINGLES
''One Little Kiss (#86) / Rock And Roll Lady'' 1977 EMS 
''It's All Right With Me / That's Music'' 1977 EMS

ZYDECO JUMP

 

Zydeco Jump is a well-loved Australian zydeco band from Melbourne, formed in 1989, known for blending traditional Louisiana zydeco with rock influences and delivering high-energy shows led by accordionist George Butrumlis. They kicked off with gigs at The Club upstairs in the Sushi Bar and soon gained momentum, including landing a spot at the Troppo Carnivale at Luna Park. Their debut was a seven-track cassette, 'You Asked For It,' also released in 1989, featuring George Butrumlis (vocals/accordion), Paul Nuendorf (vocals/guitar), Gary Samolin (drums), Ben Taylor (washboard), Toots Wostry (sax/vocals), and Alan Wright (bass/vocals). They became legendary for their Sunday afternoon sets at the Esplanade Hotel in St. Kilda. Multi-instrumentalist Gerry Hale joined before their second album, 'Port Philip Bayou,' in 1994. With more albums and lineup changes over the years, they continue to perform, offering a vibrant mix of authentic zydeco rhythms and Aussie flair.

Members

George Butrumlis (vocals / accordion), Paul Nuendorf (vocals / guitar), Gary Samolin (drums), Ben Taylor (washboard), Toots Wostry (sax / vocals) and Alan Wright (bass / vocals), Gerry Hale (fiddle / mandola), Karl Hird (sax), Justin Brady (fiddle / harmonica / mandolin / violin)

ALBUMS
'You Asked For It You Got It' 1989 Music Deli
'Port Phillip Bayou' 1994 
'I Like It' 2003 Zydeco Jump
'Cookin' Up Some Zydeco' 2007 Sound Vault Records

DON HENDERSON

 

Born in 1937, Don Henderson picked up a guitar after being inspired by blues legends like Blind Lemon Jefferson and Josh White. Growing up in the middle-class Melbourne suburbs of Essendon and Moonee Ponds, he trained as a fitter and turner but worked various jobs, most often as a carpenter. His time on the Snowy Mountains hydro-electricity scheme inspired one of his earliest and most popular songs, the upbeat ''Put a Light in Every Country Window''. A BLF member, Henderson moved to Sydney, where he repaired instruments and eventually began crafting his own guitars. Folk musician Gary Shearston recalled that Henderson’s Woollahra workshop became a hub for one part of the pre-boom Sydney folk scene, overlapping with groups like the Push and the Bush Music Club; later, Alex Hood established his Folk Arts Centre in the same space.

In the mid-60s, Henderson settled in Brisbane and became a key figure in the early folk scene, performing both solo and with the Union Singers. While his singing voice was limited, he quickly gained national recognition for his songwriting. Influenced by the “libertarians” he met at the Royal George Hotel, he focused on writing about the Australian labour force, blending the “hillbilly idiom” from his youth with an “American finger-picking technique.”

The first recording of Henderson’s singing was an album, 'The Ballad of Women', a record he made in 1964 with the Brisbane Union Singers that featured his songs ''Talking Carpenter'', ''The Happy Song'', and ''Wittenoom Gorge''. The EP 'Basic Wage Dream' (1964), released by the Australian Council of Salaried and Professional Associations featured his songs ''The Basic Wage Dream'' sung by Alex Hood and ''Talking Basic Wage'' sung by Don Ayrton, and formed part of the 1964 basic wage campaign. In 1966 Henderson and the Brisbane Union Singers released 'One Out', featuring thirteen of his songs including ''Hooker Rex'', the anti-war song, ''Boonaroo'', and ''Peace Is Union Business''. On 28 April 1967 at the registrar general’s office, Sydney, Henderson married Sally Watson, an English-born nurse.

In 1970 Henderson released a songbook, 'I Can Sing', which contained twenty-seven songs and a poem. In the introduction he wrote, ''I have seen a few things and met a few people . . . they are my life, and no man wants his life to go for nothing''. His album 'Ton of Steel' (containing thirteen original songs), released in 1971, featured ''The Westgate Bridge Disaster'', written by Henderson at union request as a memorial to the thirty-five men who died when the bridge collapsed during construction. Although Melbourne-born, Henderson had little fondness for its folk venues, admitting, “I never liked Melbourne audiences… never liked singing there… never liked Melbourne as a town.” 

Henderson moved with his family to England in 1971, living in London and in Sussex where he wrote, performed, and continued to make and repair guitars. Together with Craig McGregor and John ‘Poli’ Palmer, he co-wrote songs for the rock opera 'Hero', which was performed by the Australian Opera in Sydney in 1976—extracts of two of the songs were included in the compilation 'The Songs of Don Henderson', released posthumously in 2009. The Hendersons returned to Australia in 1979 and after a brief stay in Melbourne they moved to Brisbane, where Don became actively involved in the Queensland Folk Federation. He continued to organise folk concerts and perform at clubs, including the 291 Folk Club, and he contributed to the 1979 album 'Flames of Discontent'. In 1986 he released 'In My Time', containing songs he had written between 1961 and 1979. Henderson’s music is difficult to categorise; many considered him to be an Australian Woody Guthrie. In his own words he was ‘a rake and a rambling man and an anarchist’. He died in 1991.

ALBUMS
'Ballad Of Women' [with The Union Singers] 1964 Union Records

'One Out' [with The Union Singer] 1966 Union Records

'Ton Of Steel' 1971 Union Records
'Flames of Discontent' 1979 Seamen's Union of Australia 
'In My Time' 1988 Hot to Trot 






References

Sydney Folk Clubs - Warren Fahey

Biography - Donald James (Don) Henderson - Australian Dictionary of Biography

COLIN JAMES

 

Colin James was born on April 29, 1938, in Coleraine, Victoria. His career as a country singer, variety television performer, songwriter, and radio presenter spanned nearly 60 years, featuring performances at the Sydney Opera House, Seattle’s Coliseum Centre, Victoria’s Government House, and even during a papal visit. At just three years old, he contracted rheumatic fever, which left him in a wheelchair for life. He found joy in listening to early radio programs, and by age 15, he began songwriting. One of his early tunes, ''A Demon Called Love'' was recorded by Keith Riordan in 1959. Nev Pelitt, chief announcer at 3SR Shepparton, gave him a big break, through the Harmony Trail show network.

In the 1960s, he wrote two songs for Chad Morgan, ''Nobody Else But Little Me'' and ''You’re Getting Old Son''. In 1962, he recorded an EP with the Crest label called 'Colin Callin’ followed by another EP in 1965 and during this time opened his own entertainment agency. By 1975, he closed his entertainment agency as it had become too busy, and released an album with Olive Bice, 'Gentle On My Mind', on W&G. The next year, Colin moved to Geelong, teamed up with songwriter Caroline Sleep, and married her in 1980. He later signed with Tamworth’s Hadley Records and recorded three albums with them. In 1984 Colin was inducted into the Hands of Fame, Tamworth. Colin and Caroline divorced in 1990. In 1994 Colin was inducted into Rocky Page’s Hall of Fame and Avenue of Honour in Barmera, SA. In 1995, with his second wife Dianne, he published A Wheelie’s Handbook of Australia, a travel guide for fellow “wheelies” (people in wheelchairs). That same year, he was recognized for his work campaigning for the rights of disabled people, and his photo appeared on a $5 phone card as part of a local legend promotion. In 2000, he carried the Olympic torch for part of its journey to the Sydney Olympics.

In the 2000s, Colin hosted a show on Bendigo’s Phoenix FM radio station. Dubbed “Australia’s Little Giant of Entertainment,” he published his autobiography, If I Can Do It, in 2012. Over the years, he appeared on TV programs like Good Morning Australia, Getaway, The Great Outdoors, and New Faces, and served as a support act for performers such as Reg Lindsay, Frank Ifield, Slim Dusty, Freddie Fender, and many others. He died on August 26, 2014.

SINGLES
''A Thousand Angels / Letter Of Goodbye [with The Lonely Ones] 1964 Crest

''Believe In Yourself 100% / Save Another Day'' 1987 Rich River Records

''I Tried To Grab 'er Abbas (When She Pinched Me Rolling Stones)' (Overseas Version) / I Tried To ''Grab 'er Abbas (When She Pinched Me Rolling Stones)'' (Australian Version) 1981 Hadley
''My Wish To You All / I'll Soldier No More'' [with The Impalas] JW Studios

EPs
'Colin Callin' 1962 Crest
'Colin James And The Lonely Ones' 1965 Crest
'My Wish To You All' 1979 Midland

ALBUMS
'Gentle On My Mind' [with Olive Bice] 1975 W & G
'If I Can Do It, So Can You' 1981 Hadley
'Some Sentimental Songs' 1983 Hadley
'We All Have Dreams' 1985 Hadley
'Save Another Day' 1987 Rich River Records
'Music Man' 1992 Birubi

EVAN JONES

James Evan Jones was born in 1948 in Broken Hill. He played guitar and sang for the Adelaide band the Gingerbread Men, formed in 1965. The group could have continued on and become a complete success, but Evan's career was interrupted by his conscription into military service (which resulted in him serving in the Vietnam War). The band also included his brother, Idris Lloyd Jones, on lead vocals and guitar, Tony McNicoll on drums, and Dean Birbeck on bass. They released a couple of singles before Idris became lead vocalist for the Mixtures in Melbourne in late 1967. The Jones brothers co-wrote the Mixtures’ hit ''The Pushbike Song'', released in late 1970, which topped the charts in Australia and also made its mark in the UK and US. In 1972, Jones recorded a couple of singles on the Raven label, followed by his 1973 album 'Trudy'. In 1977, Graham Cornes released two of Jones’s songs, ''I Gotta Girl'' and ''Untying the Laces'' as a single.  

In 1981, with the band Y Knot, Jones released ''Mm! Mm! Don’t Cha Love Summertime!'' which peaked at #85 nationally. He later worked as a children’s television host, appearing on Here’s Humphrey, C’mon Kids, and Cartoon Connection. Returning to Broken Hill in 1993, he completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts and, since 1994, has regularly exhibited at venues such as the Horizon Gallery in Silverton, the Scotch College Fine Art Show, the Adelaide Central Gallery, and various Rotary and Apex Art Shows.

SINGLES

''Little Black Spider / Shoo Fly Shoo'' 1972 Raven 
''Jesus Song (If Jesus Came Tomorrow Would You Care?) / All Men Are Equal'' 1972 Raven 
''Give Me A Call / I Wanna Be Your Friend'' 1975 Countryside
''Damn' Ya Darlin' / Half-Hearted'' [with Idris Jones] 1975 Astor
''And I Wish You Were Staying Forever / Jamestown'' 1981 EMI Custom
''Mm! Mm! Don't Cha Love Summertime! (#85) / Hero (Them's The Breaks)'' [with Y Knot] 1981 RCA

ALBUMS

'Trudy' 1973 Raven

THE UNICHORDS / SOUTHERN FOLK THREE / THE BILLABONG THREE

 

The Unichords, formed in Melbourne in the late ’50s while studying at Melbourne University, quickly made a name for themselves with numerous TV appearances and a couple of singles on the W&G label in 1959. Their hit ''Tell Him No'' reached #3 on the local charts, and they became regular performers at lunchtime rock ’n’ roll concerts at Melbourne Town Hall. In the early ’60s, they lent their backing vocals to recordings by Frankie Davidson, Heather Horwood, and Denis Gibbons. Embracing the growing folk scene, they rebranded as The Southern Folk Three for the W&G album 'Gotta Travel On', and later as The Billabong Three for 'Outback', an EP of bush songs commissioned by the Golden Fleece Petrol Company. I am unsure when they disbanded and have no idea what later happened to them. Any additional info is welcome. Cheers

Members

Charles Conlan (vocals / guitar), Vincent Campbell (vocals / guitar / banjo / piano), Laurie Arter (bass)

SINGLES
''Tell Him No / Rock Mister Piper'' 1959 W & G
''Tweet Tweet Beat / Bone Dome'' 1959 W & G
''Michael (Row The Boat Ashore)'' [with Denis Gibbons] 1959 W & G
''Goodbye Jimmy, Goodbye / A Teenager In Love'' [with Heather Horwood] 1959 W & G
''Dream Lover'' [with Frankie Davidson] 1961 W & G
''I Care For You / You’re Driving Me Crazy'' [with Frankie Davidson] 1961 W & G
''Jezabel'' [with Frankie Davidson] 1961 W & G
''Tina / The Skye Boat Song'' [with Denis Gibbons] 1962 W & G

EPs (as The Billabong Three) 

'Outback' 1965 Golden Fleece

ALBUMS (as The Southern Folk Three)

'Gotta Travel On' 1963 W & G

LEON LOWES

 

Leon Lowes was born in Temora, NSW, and after leaving school, he worked on his parents’ farm. His passion for country music blossomed during long, tough days in the drought-stricken bush of the 1960s, tuned in to local radio station 2WG. When the family sold the farm, they moved to Wangaratta, where Leon stayed for a while before eventually settling in Melbourne. Known for solo albums like 'The Day I Rode the Emu!' and 'Fast Women & Slow Horses', which included hits like "The Flag and Slouch Hat" and "Storms Never Last," he also recorded an EP with The Cannonball group. After marrying Maggie Stewart, the two went on to release several albums together from the mid-1970s through the 1980s. Back in the 80s, Leon also used to perform on 2BBB FM in Bellingen. Leon died in 2017.

SINGLES
''Farside Banks Of Jordan'' (with Maggie Stewart) 1981 Trinity
''Dunny Out The Back / Memories And Make Believe'' 1983 Country Records
''The Day I Rode The Emu / If It's Time'' 1984 Country Records
''Natural High / Waltz Across Queensland'' (with Maggie Stewart) 1985 Larrikin
''Fast Women And Slow Horses / Henry The Heavyweight Kangaroo'' 1987 Selection

EPs

'Leon Lowes and The Cannonball' 1975 Hadley

ALBUMS
'People - Rippling Waters' (with Maggie Stewart) 1974 W & G
'The Day I Rode The Emu!' (with Maggie Stewart) 1984 Country Records
'Fast Women & Slow Horses' 1988 Selection
'Burning Desire' (with Maggie Stewart) Floozie Records

PETER CAMPBELL

 

The 1970s were a golden era for singer-songwriters, with talents like Ross Ryan, Doug Ashdown, Graham Lowndes, and Glen Cardier drawing crowds nationwide. Sydney based Peter Campbell was a standout on both secular and Catholic coffee house circuits in the early ’70s. Coming from a deeply evangelical and musical family and inspired by folkies Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan he recorded two excellent but underrated LPs. A trip to Europe in 1974 inspired his debut album, 'Of Time and Its Distance', released on the Trinity label the following year. A single ''Let Me Ride'' was lifted off the album. 

Noel Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary became a fan and in 1980, Campbell traveled to the US to record his second LP, 'Across the Border', at Stookey’s farm in Maine. Peter, Paul and Mary later covered his song "Wild Places" on their album 'Such is Love', and he joined them again to support their 1982 tour of Australia. In 2020, Pete wrote "Waited Too Long," which became the anthem for the United Nations International Summit on Domestic/Family Violence in the COVID-19 Era—a three-day online conference from New York attended by leaders and experts from 47 countries and opened by Pope Francis. While some call it the saddest song in the world, its intimate observations and cinematic detail showcase his strength as a songwriter. Peter has played at all the major folk festivals - Newstead Live Festival, Bundannon Folk Festival, Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival to name a few. In 2025, Peter Campbell released his striking fifth album, 'Burden of Hope', produced and engineered by Brendan Gallagher.

SINGLES
''Let Me Ride / On The Run'' 1975 Trinity 

ALBUMS
'Of Time And Its Distance' 1975 Trinity
'Across The Border' 1980 Neworld Media

'Burden Of Hope' 2025

  

THE PARAMOUNT TRIO

Formed in 1987, The Paramount Trio featured vocalist Dave Hogan (ex-Southern Lightning), guitarist Warren Rough (ex-The Crackajacks), and drummer Ken Farmer (ex-Percolators). They played a blend of blues ranging from Chicago to the Delta and became one of Melbourne’s top blues acts. With a residency at the Albion Inn in Collingwood, they also performed regularly at Hound Dog’s Bop Shop in North Melbourne and hosted a popular afternoon session at the Rainbow Hotel in Fitzroy. Over their career, they released three studio albums and a handful of singles.

Members

Dave Hogan (vocals, harmonica), Warren Rough (guitar), Ken Farmer (drums)

SINGLES
''Tuff / Rollin' And Tumblin‘ 1989 Preston
''Fishing Blues / Buckland Bounce / Grinding In Your Face'' 1996 Loser
''Morning Train / Chevrolet / Sinking Of The Titanic'' 1997 Loser

ALBUMS
'The Paramount Trio' 1992 Loser 
'Step It Up And Go' 1993 Loser 
'Electric Country Blues' 1997 Loser 

NORTH 2 ALASKANS

 

The acid-billy psychedelic cabaret band North 2 Alaskans came together in 1982. Bassist Johnny Topper had played in several groups, including The Pelaco Bros, while Frank Savage and James Williams had been part of The Citizens. They teamed up with the legendary Spencer P. Jones, who had a great time performing with them before moving on to The Johnnys and The Beasts of Bourbon. They played all the top music spots, like the Croxton Park Hotel, Dee Why Hotel, and the Governor’s Pleasure at The Rocks. That same year, they released 'Gonks Go Beat,' a three-track 45 on the Green label, featuring a wild, acid-infused cover of Tommy James and The Shondells’ ''Crimson and Clover.'' Later in 1982, they put out another single on the Missing Link label before calling it quits in 1983.

Members

Steve Watson (vocals), Johnny Topper (bass), Spencer P. Jones (guitar), Frank Savage (guitar), James Williams (keyboards)

SINGLES
Gonk Go Beat - ''Crimson And Clover / Incense / That Freaky Gonk Thang'' 1982 Green
''Love Machine / Take A Letter Maria'' 1982 Missing Link 

JOHNNY AND THE STRANGERS / JOHNNY YOUNG AND KOMPANY / KOMPANY

In the early 1960s in Perth, WA, Johnny Young’s backing band, originally called The Strangers, featured John Eddy (guitar), Tony Summers (guitar), Don Prior (bass), and Warwick Findlay (drums). They appeared on the local TV pop show Club Seventeen in early 1965 and released two singles, both on the 7-Teen label under the name Johnny and The Strangers. Young later signed with Clarion Records, a Perth label run by Martin Clarke, who recalled that Young was eager to make a national hit and expand his career. Clarke took Young’s recordings to Sydney, securing a deal with Festival Records to have Clarion manufactured and distributed across Australia.

In 1966, The Strangers changed their name to Kompany to avoid confusion with another Melbourne band called The Strangers. The lineup was now Eddy on guitar, Findlay on drums, Summers on guitar, and Jim Griffiths on bass, replacing Don Prior. Early that year, after opening for the Easybeats, Young recorded ''Step Back,'' co-written by Stevie Wright and George Young of the Easybeats (no relation). Released in May as a double A-side with his cover of the Strangeloves’ ''Cara-Lyn,'' the single hit #1 on the Go-Set National Top 40 in November. It became one of Australia’s biggest-selling singles of the 1960s, second only to Normie Rowe’s ''Que Sera Sera / Shakin’ All Over.'' In October, his EP 'Johnny Young And Kompany' reached #4 on the same chart.

Johnny Young & Kompany relocated to Melbourne in mid-1966. Mick Wade (ex-The Vibrants and The Harts) joined on guitar and organ, but his time with the group was brief. Soon after, they brought in two former MPD Ltd members, Mike Brady (vocals/guitar) and Danny Finley (drums), and welcomed back Don Prior. In 1967, Young departed to pursue a highly successful solo career. The Kompany released two singles on Clarion before disbanding. Tony Summers accepted an offer from The Masters Apprentices, while Mike Brady went on to become a music industry legend. Tony Summers died in 2025.

Members

Johnny Young (vocals), Tony Summers (guitar), John Eddy (guitar), Don Prior (bass), Warwick Findlay (drums), Mike Brady (vocals / guitar), Danny Finley (drums), Morrie Pearson (drums), Jim Griffiths (bass)

SINGLES (As Johnny and The Strangers)
''Oh, Johnny No / Club Seventeen'' 1965 7 Teen 
''No Other Love / Heigh Ho'' 1965 7 Teen 

SINGLES (As Johnny Young and Kompany)
''Step Back (#1) / Cara-Lyn'' (#1) 1966 Clarion 
''When Will I Be Loved (#4) / Kiss Me Now'' (#4) 1966 Clarion 

EPs (As Johnny Young and Kompany)

'Johnny Young and Kompany' (#4) 1966 Clarion
'Kiss Me Now And When Will I Be Loved' (#4) 1966 Clarion

SINGLES (As The Kompany)
''I've Been Around / Tell Her No'' (#77) 1967 Clarion 
''Little Joe The Boxer / The Family Way'' 1967 Clarion 

THE FUGITIVES

 

The Fugitives—what can I say? For a band active in the ’60s and ’70s, there’s surprisingly little information out there. I’ve done a fair bit of digging, but haven’t uncovered much. They formed in the early ’60s, started by brothers Ron and Gary Monks, and must have been pretty talented since Johnny Devlin, then RCA’s A&R manager and house producer, got them a recording session. Their debut single, ''I’m Gonna Give My Love to You'', written by Devlin, came out in October 1964. By late 1965, vocalist “Bip” Addison (formerly of The Thunders) joined the lineup. In January 1966, they released another single on the Leedon label, ''All Your Lies'' backed with ''Baby Come Back'', both penned by the band. Daily Mail reviewer Wal Wallis noted they had “quite a lot to learn about presentation and selection of material.” While still with the band, Bip also performed solo before leaving later that year. They toured heavily for the next few years and eventually shifted into a cabaret act. Multi-instrumentalist Ralph White joined just before they recorded their debut album, 'Fugitives', on RCA in 1975, produced by Rocky Thomas. It’s unclear when they disbanded. Gary Monks died in 2016. Any additional details would be welcome.

Members

''Bip'' Addison (vocals), Ron Monks (vocals / guitar), Bill Robins (bass), John Brissett (drums), Gary Monks (sax / flute), Ralph White (trumpet / trombone / keyboards)

SINGLES
''I'm Gonna Give My Love To You / Really Gonna Shake'' 1964 RCA
''All Your Lies / Baby Come Back'' 1966 Leedon 
''Rag Doll / We've Got More Than It Takes'' 1975 RCA

ALBUMS

'Fugitives' 1975 RCA

CHRIS PELCER

 

Chris Pelcer, born in Sydney, grew up in Moruya on the south coast of NSW. After high school, he returned to Sydney to pursue a music career, encouraged by Bill Ramsey (EMI studio manager). Signing with EMI/Castle Music Publishing and WEA (Warner Bros. Records), he released his debut album 'Can't Find Reverse' and wrote the theme song for the award-winning Australian TV series Simon Townsend's Wonder World, which remained its theme throughout the series. He eventually relocated to Los Angeles, California, after writing for numerous international artists.

He has penned songs for Peter Cetera, Van Zant, Edyta Górniak, Yanni, Leslie Mills, House of Lords, Sandra McCracken, B. J. Thomas, Kari Kimmel, Robin Beck, Tony Vincent, Kesha, Rare Blend, Emmanuel, and Ray Parker Jr. Pelcer also toured with country artist Eddie Arnold and collaborated with notable producers like Peter Collins, Cowboy Jack Clements, Spencer Lee, Roy Thomas Baker, Keith Olsen, Yanni, Ric Wake, Ray Parker Jr., and Wei Chen.

Now based in Nashville, Tennessee, Pelcer continues writing and producing for artists, as well as creating songs for film and television, often with long-time collaborator Leslie Mills. His credits include films and shows such as Coyote Ugly, What a Girl Wants, White Oleander, Shall We Dance, My Best Friend's Girl, Barbie and the Three Musketeers, Just My Luck, Las Vegas, Everything You Want, MyScene Goes Hollywood, Barbie of Swan Lake, and Gray Matters.

Pelcer is also recognized for his skills in arrangements and musicianship, excelling in guitar, bass, keyboards, vocals, and programming. He has arranged strings for artists like Rod Stewart and Paul Carrack and has contributed as a programmer, engineer, and musician on various recordings. In 2010, he co-wrote the music for the iPhone and iPad app Drums Challenge Charlie Morgan, released by Musigames.

SINGLES
''Fantasy / Lookin' Fine'' 1978
''You Can Be My Slave / Get Up Get Out Of Bed'' 1980 WEA
''Can't Find Reverse / Don't You Think I Ever Get Lonely'' 1980 WEA
''Another Night In Thredbo / Treat Her Like A Child'' 1983 EMI [Custom Pressing] 

ALBUMS

'Can't Find Reverse' 1980 WEA

References

Chris Pelcer - Wikipedia

THE PREFECTS

 

The Prefects, formed in Perth during the 80s, caught the attention of Molly Meldrum when he hosted a 10-band extravaganza in the city. Captivated by their infectious original songs, Molly returned to Melbourne and shared their demo tape with nearly every record company in Australia. It wasn’t long before they received offers from top recording labels and relocated to Melbourne. Signing with the Festival label, they released two singles under its Infinity subsidiary. The band gained further exposure through numerous TV appearances on shows like Countdown, Hey Hey It's Saturday, and Shirl's Neighbourhood, among others.

Members

Doug Allmark (vocals / bass), Tom Matthews (guitar), Michael Wiltshire (guitar), Brad Mack (drums), Kim Wainwright (guitar), Leo Glass (guitar), John Nyman (keyboards)

SINGLES
''Wait Until Midnight / Little Boys'' 1981 Infinity 
''I Wanna Make Love / Up All Night'' 1982 Infinity 

RANDALL WALLER

 

Randall Waller grew up in Killarney Heights, a suburb of Sydney. He released two solo albums: 'Oasis' on the Christian label Genesis in 1978 and 'Midnight Fire,' recorded at Peace In The Valley in Arleta, California, in 1980. In 1981, Waller formed the pop rock group Lionheart in Sydney with Evan Murray on keyboards, Martyn Toole on guitar, and his brothers John Waller on drums and Kendall Waller on bass. The group later renamed itself Avion, releasing two albums and several singles. According to Australian rock music historian Ian McFarlane, the band had "a strong cult following with their brand of melodic, American-influenced Adult Oriented Rock but met with virtual indifference at home." They toured extensively along the east coast, performing up to 220 shows a year, until disbanding in 1987 following Evan Murray's death in a car accident during a tour.

Waller briefly joined Sharon O'Neill's backing band before moving to the United Kingdom from 1988 to 1993, where he worked as a record producer and engineer. From 1998 to 2005, he was Shania Twain's guitarist and also played with Keith Urban (1999–2001), SheDaisy, and performed in shows with Elton John and the Backstreet Boys. His career includes performances at the Grammys, the 2003 Superbowl, and various award shows, along with appearances on Letterman, Leno, and other TV specials, in venues from Madison Square Garden to Wembley. His third album, 'More,' was recorded in 2023.

SINGLES
''Side By Side (Song For Port Arthur)'' 1996 Colossal

ALBUMS
'Oasis' 1978 Genesis 
'Midnight Fire' 1980 Tunesmith
'More' 2023 

ROGER KNOX

 

Country singer Roger Knox, known as "the Black Elvis" and "Koori King of Country," was born in 1948 in Moree, New South Wales. A member of the Gamilaroi nation, an Aboriginal Australian people, Knox grew up in the Toomelah Aboriginal Mission near Boggabilla, close to the New South Wales-Queensland border. He came from a family of 11 children, and his mother, a stolen child, was taken from her parents as a baby and raised in a children's home in Bomaderry. Knox was not allowed to attend high school in Goondiwindi and was instead sent by the mission to work unpaid on one of their properties. He shared that the first music he heard was gospel, played by his grandmother, a Sunday school teacher.

In 1964 he left the mission and his interests turned to sport, particularly football. moving to Tamworth where he found work and with the support from Gentleman Geoff Brown and John (Mr Hoedown) Minson, he entered talent quests and was soon performing regularly around the district. Starting as a gospel singer in the 1980s, he earned the nickname "The Black Elvis" for his hairstyle and dress style during the Star Maker talent contest at age 31 in which he made the grand final. He was later also called "Koori King of Country." An outback tour with the Brian Young Show almost ended Roger’s career just as it was beginning. A tragic plane crash in 1981 left him with severe burns and injuries and claimed the life of his drummer. After spending six months in the Adelaide burns unit and two years bedridden, he struggled to walk and return to performing. His Gomeroi Country – Toomelah Aboriginal Mission Station – called him back home. There, his Aunt Hannah cared for him with bush medicine and song. Rejuvenated, he emerged three weeks later, a transformed man. The experience deepened his connection to his Country, community, and culture. Despite badly burned hands preventing him from playing bass, Roger shifted his focus to his voice and continued his journey.

In 1984, he released his debut album 'Give It A Go' on the ENREC label, produced by Steve Newton. Two years later, he followed it up with 'The Gospel Album,' dedicated to his late grandmother, Carrie Knox. ENREC also released the pioneering Koori Classic series – Vol. 1-8 on cassette, featuring Roger on several albums. In 1988, he released the singles ''Koala Bear'' and ''Goulburn Jail.''

The album 'Goin’ On, Still Strong' was released in 2004, and he was inducted into the Hands of Fame in Tamworth. In 2006, he received the Jimmy Little Award for Lifetime Achievement in Aboriginal and Torres Strait music at the Deadly Awards. In 2009, Roger was scheduled to perform at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago, Illinois, on October 10 with Jon Langford and the Pine Valley Cosmonauts. However, his US visa was denied a week before the show, and he didn’t make the trip until 2013.

In 2013, he recorded the album 'Stranger In My Land' with various international guest artists, including Dave Alvin, Andre Williams, Kelly Hogan, Tawny Newsome, Bonnie Prince Billy, Charlie Louvin, Sally Timms, and Jon Langford. It was released on CD and vinyl by Bloodshot Records America and recorded at Joyride Studios in Chicago and ENREC in Tamworth. In 2018, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame at the National Indigenous Music Awards. A strong advocate for drug- and alcohol-free living, Roger has dedicated his life to uplifting his people’s spirits, performing regularly in jails throughout Australia, Canada, and the USA. Singing, an integral part of Aboriginal learning and culture, plays a vital role in bringing people together for healing, self-awareness, and reconnecting with their heritage.

SINGLES
''Koala Bear'' 1988 ENREC
''Goulburn Jail'' 1988 ENREC

ALBUMS
'Give It a Go' 1984 ENREC
'The Gospel Album' 1986 ENREC
'Goin' On, Still Strong' 2004 Trailblazer Records
'Stranger in My Land' [with The Pine Valley Cosmonauts] 2013 Bloodshot Records
'Buluunarbi and the Old North Star' 2025 Flippin Yeah Industries

GASH

 

Punk band Gash formed in Melbourne in 1985 with an initial lineup of Anna on vocals, Liz on guitar, Vera on bass, and Smeer on drums, which was unique for the time in a male-dominated scene. Gash released their first cassette in November 1985 on Hardcore House, the tape label run by Smeer and Liz. After receiving good reviews, they approached Phil Macdougall from Reactor Records to release an album. Gash provided the tapes and artwork, while Phil covered manufacturing costs. The album 'G.A.S.H.' came out in 1986 with 16 tracks of hardcore with a metallic edge, followed by the 'God Is Dead' single in September to promote it. The single sold out its 500-copy run and wasn’t re-pressed.

The 'G.A.S.H.' album was later released in the UK on Rough Trade Records in the late '80s. During this time, Gash raised complaints about missing royalties and payments from labels like Metal Blade Records, Flipside, and Rough Trade’s US division. Later, they signed with the independent label Cleopatra Records. Anna left the band before they released the album 'Positive Change' and the EP 'The Lesson,' which leaned more toward a metal sound. Early Gash material is often regarded as some of the best female-fronted hardcore/punk, not just in Australia but worldwide.

Members

Anna (vocals), Liz (guitar, vocals), Vera (bass), Smeer (drums)

SINGLES
''God Is Dead / Aquarius'' 1986 Reactor

EPs

'The Lesson' 1986 Cleopatra

ALBUMS

'G.A.SH.' 1986 Reactor

'Positive Change' 1987 Cleopatra

IAN B MACLEOD

Ian was born on January 25, 1938, aboard the Coronation Scot, an express passenger train launched in 1937 for the coronation of King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, traveling from Glasgow to Southampton before heading to Ipswich. In 1947, he started singing in the local church choir and tuned in to Armed Forces Radio from Luxembourg, which played plenty of country and early rockabilly music. Every Saturday morning, he could be found at the Odeon Cinema, watching his idol, singing cowboy Roy Rogers, on the big screen. It was then that he decided he would become a cowboy singer himself.

At 15, he started working as a commercial artist but soon grew restless and joined the merchant navy, beginning as a kitchen hand peeling potatoes on old cargo ships. He eventually became a first-class waiter on P&O cruise ships, traveling the world aboard the Arcadia, Iberia, Himalaya, and Stratheden. While on these ships, he bought a guitar in Spain and formed his first group. They practiced every night in the mess, and during a stop in Sydney, Ian and The Bop Street Boys appeared on 2UW’s Australia’s Amateur Hour. They won with "Boppin’ The Blues" but were disqualified for not being Australian residents.

After returning to the UK, he packed his bags and set off for Australia as a first-class passenger on the Strathmore. He won his first talent competition at the Great Northern Hotel in Chatswood. When Johnny O’Keefe heard him sing "Honey Don’t" and "Move It," he booked him to appear on the radio show Rockville Junction and TV’s Six O’Clock Rock. O’Keefe wasn’t thrilled with his name, saying it sounded like a Scottish piper, and renamed him Adam. For the next four years, Ian B. MacLeod was shelved, and Adam appeared on Six O’Clock Rock, Bandstand, Teen Time, The Youth Show, Woody’s Teen Time, and Adelaide Tonight. As Adam, he became a teenage idol and was likely the first true rockabilly artist of that era. He toured extensively, performed at every teenage dance in town, and released a single, "Princess / Made To Be Loved," on the Teen label, backed by Johnny Devlin’s Devils.

With The Beatles' new music style emerging, Ian formed The Nashville Five and started over as an unknown singer with a band playing country and rockabilly – genres that weren’t very popular at the time. The group later added another member and became The Major Six, performing in clubs, pubs, and teenage dances. They were approached by David Gibson of Top Spot Records and recorded around 20 tracks on a Rola two-track tape machine in an old warehouse in Redfern. Shortly after finishing these recordings, Top Spot Records went out of business, and the tapes were thought to be lost. Twenty years later, while sorting through an old trunk at his sister’s house, Ian found a box of tapes labeled The Johnny Cash Show. Inside were the missing Top Spot sessions from 1964. The tapes were taken to Roy Cooper at Soundlab Studios and transferred to a new master tape. In April 1984, twelve tracks were released as 'Return To Six O’Clock Rock'.

During the late 1960s and into the 70s, Ian appeared on shows like the Ernie Sigley Show, IMT, The Bob Rogers Show, The Club Show, Travlin’ Out West, Reg Lindsay’s Country Homestead, and the Lee Conway Show. Club bookings started flooding in, and country tours became his routine. He also began performing on the Sitmar cruise line, introducing country music to cruise audiences until 1978. In 1975, he launched his own record label, Bunyip, signing notable artists such as Johnny Heap, Bill Newman, Jonnie Russell, Roland Storm, Christine Roberts, and Barry Stanton. In 1997, he rebranded the label as Pinewood, bringing more acts to its roster. He also owned the subsidiary label Rockabilly in which he recorded on.

Ian has had an impressive career, recording numerous albums and singles. His show, "A Tribute to Slim Whitman," showcased his country talent with a stunning collection of Whitman classics, highlighting his three-octave range and featuring hits from one of country music’s most beloved icons. From Mt. Gambier in South Australia to Townsville in Queensland, Ian has amazed audiences with his remarkable portrayals of Carl Perkins and Slim Whitman, consistently drawing packed crowds. In 1997 he was inducted into the Hands of Fame, Tamworth. In 2008, he was a key performer at the first Gympie Country Music Stampede (later renamed The Maryborough Stampede) and has become a regular feature, performing annually. A frequent and cherished visitor to New Zealand, Ian has toured both the North and South Islands multiple times, and in 2008 released his first DVD, filmed during a sold-out concert at Eltham Town Hall in Taranaki. In 2000, he was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame at the Wintersun Festival on Queensland’s Gold Coast and later that October, into the International Rockabilly Hall of Fame.

SINGLES
''Princess / Made To Be Loved'' [ As Adam With Johnny Devlin's Devils] 1960 Teen 
''When You Say Love / Less Of Me'' 1974 Festival
''Goodbye Joanne / Sweet Fantasy'' 1974 Festival
''If We Don't Have Love / Goodbye, Joanne'' 1976 Bunyip
''Song For Jenny / Rockabilly Cowboy'' 1982 Bunyip
''Captain Moonlight / God Bless The Children'' 1982 Bunyip
''Help Me Dream'' [with Melinda Johnstone] / ''The Rockabilly Express'' [with The Rockin' Chevies] 1986 Rockabilly 
''Be-Bop-A-Lula / I'm Goin' Home'' 1986 Rockabilly
''Forever Yours / Buddy, Gene, Eddie, Elvis, Rick And John'' 1990 Rockabilly

ALBUMS
'Restless' 1972 Troubadour
'In Concert At Sea' 1975 Bunyip
'Hello Mary Lou' 1977 Bunyip
'Just For You' 1981 Bunyip
'The Rockabilly Country Special' 1982 Bunyip
'Return To Six O’Clock Rock' 1984 Rockabilly
'Thank You Mr Perkins' 1988 Rockabilly
'Jesus Even Loves Cowboys' 1995 Pinewood
'Blue Misty Mountains' 2006 Pinewood
'Classic Rockabilly' 2006 Rockabilly
Sings Slim Whitman 2006 Pinewood
To Sail On A Dream 2006
Ride For The Kids 2007
Blue Suede Shoes: 16 Great Rockabilly Hits.
'Easy Lovin' 2009 Pinewood
Cedar Creek Memories.2013
That’s How The Yodel Was Born.2016

References

IAN B MacLEOD; IAN B MacLEOD; HOF_1997_MACLEOD | eHive

MERV GLEESON

 

In 1951 Merv Gleeson won a talent quest on the Buddy Williams Show and toured Australia with the likes of Reg Lindsay, Rick and Thel Carey, Gordon Parsons and Tim McNamara. Merv worked as a timber cutter, potato picker, rodeo rider, miner and farm labourer. He also worked in a boxing troupe. Based in Ulvertstone Tasmania, Merv was regarded as the last of the Australian country pioneers. Merv recorded on the Candle and Bullet labels. Country band 1901 recorded one of his songs in the late 70s. Graeme Howie said, ''My brother John and I have always loved the song. Merv wrote ''House Where The Wind Blows Cold'' off our 1901 album 'An Old Fashioned Country Way Of Singing' which won our first Golden Guitar (Best New Talent 1979), at the Australasian Country Music Awards. We think he is a great songwriter."

SINGLES

''Dam It All / Thank God For The Salvos'' 1983 Candle 

ALBUMS
'Three Little Heads At The Window' 1982 Bullet 
'The Songs Of Merv Gleeson' 1983 Bullet 

THE DEARHUNTERS

 

The Dearhunters were an indie and alternative country band from Sydney formed in 1998. Greg Hitchcock (ex-The Bamboos, Challenger 7), Tim Oxley (ex-The Verys), Jodi Phillis (ex-Clouds) and Raphael Whittingham (ex-Golden Rough), were successful artists solo or in various other acts. They first performed several times under the name Lunar Tunes in April 1998. The group released the album, 'Red Wine and Blue' which was recorded in roughly three weeks and released under Candle Records in 1999. It was launched at the Hopetoun Hotel in Surry Hills. 'Red Wine And Blue' featured dual vocals between Oxley and Phillis, and the album produced favorable reviews. On working on the album, Phillis said in an interview that "in this group I feel free to explore any territory and I’m not afraid to get too introspective or sentimental". She went on further to say that The Dearhunters was a side project for her.

They also appeared on a compilation featuring artists or groups under Candle Records, as well as releasing a single ''Ivy'' with Hired Guns on the B Side ''Blue Sunday'', which was released on vinyl.  Following the release of their split single in 1999 and album in the same year, Whittingham left the group and was replaced by Dave Ashton. Then, after a small subsequent tour following their album release, the group disbanded and returned to prior musical projects or engaged in new ones. They finished up in 2000.

Members

Greg Hitchcock (guitars), Tim Oxley (vocals, bass), Jodi Phillis (vocals, guitar), Raphael Whittingham (drums), Dave Ashton (drums)

SINGLES
''Ivy'' 1999 Steady Cam Records

ALBUMS
'Red Wine and Blue' 1999 Candel Records

References

The Dearhunters - Wikipedia