Cash Backman, born in 1947 as Arvids Krastins to Latvian parents, grew up in the Melbourne suburb of Ascot Vale. He worked at a timber mill in eastern Victoria, a job that likely contributed to his rugged image. His musical journey began at fifteen, singing at parties and writing songs. His songwriting talent earned him a contract with Compak Productions, and his vocal skills shone with a cover of Jim Stafford’s hit ''My Girl Bill'' on Image Records. The track became a top ten hit, often interpreted as a gay song, though it was actually about a girl named Bill.
Cash’s next chart hit came in February 1975 with his revival of Jim Reeves’ ''He’ll Have to Go'', followed by the release of his debut album, 'Loving You'. Around this time, he was also making a name for himself as an actor, often playing tough-guy roles in police dramas like Cop Shop, Division 4, and Homicide. He later signed with the Rainbird label and put out his second album, 'A Little Bit of Understanding'. From this album, his song ''Oh Caroline'', written about his wife, was released as a single in May 1976. In the latter half of 1977, he toured with the well-known Greyhound Country Music Express. While further national chart success has proven elusive, Cash remains a leading country music seller and a popular live performer. His third album, Truck Drivin’ Man, came out on the Hammard label in 1983.
''My Girl Bill (#9) / I May Never Pass This Way Again'' 1974 Image
''The Man You Desire / Juicy Lucy'' 1974 Image
''He'll Have To Go (#43) / Jimmy (You're The Best Friend)'' 1975 Image
''Jenny (You're The Best Friend) / Country Smile'' 1975 Image
''Caroline / Can't Bring Myself To Tell You'' 1976 Rainbird
''Isn't That So / Can't Bring Myself To Tell You'' 1978 Image
''After The Lovin's Gone / I'll Never Say Never Again, Again'' 1981 Project 9
''More Nights / Livin' In The Country'' 1983 Festival
''Sylvia / If I Didn't Have A Dime'' 1984 Festival
''Jenny (You're The Best Friend) / Father Peters'' 1985
''You Just Gave It Away / It's About Time'' 1987 Double M
''We Can Do It With Love / We Can Do It With Love'' 1987 Double M
''More Nights / Livin' In The Country'' 1983 Festival
''Sylvia / If I Didn't Have A Dime'' 1984 Festival
''Jenny (You're The Best Friend) / Father Peters'' 1985
''You Just Gave It Away / It's About Time'' 1987 Double M
''We Can Do It With Love / We Can Do It With Love'' 1987 Double M
'Loving You' 1975 Image
'Little Bit Of Understanding' 1976 Rainbird
'This Is Cash Backman' 1978 Image
'Truck Drivin' Man' 1983 Hammard
References
http://top100singles.blogspot.com.au/
My husband & I met you in the 70's in Melbourne. Not sure where now.
ReplyDeleteThe only place I can think of is a monthly dance we used to go to in Ferntree Gully. The John Robertson Show Band held it every month. They had their own shop in Croydon, Melbourne.
Does any of this sound familiar?
Hello Arvids,I went to school with you at Ascot Vale Wesr ,I lived in Charles Street as did you.Always remember you walking up the street with your guitar,I was Pam Johnson,now Pam Brown.Hope all is well with you,keep on singing,love your music.Cheers Pam
ReplyDeleteI met him and his son. Arrogant and rude.
ReplyDeleteFind that very hard to believe ? Never met someone so committed to meeting people at his shows?
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