THE FOUR KINSMEN

In 1962 Bernard Mahony (born 1943), and one of his siblings Adrian (born 1944) joined up with brothers Peter (born 1942) and George Fay (born 1943) to form The Four Kinsmen. Their first TV appearance was on the Kevin Dennis Auditions in July 1963. After appearing on the show multiple times, they went on to win. The show went to air at 8 am on Saturday morning live on the 12th of October 1963. The judges were Bert Newton, Frank Wilson and Geoff Brooks. They won and were given a spot-on Graeme Kennedy’s In Melbourne Tonight. In 1964 they released their first single on the VAMP label ''The Sphinx Won’t Tell / The Last Leaf'' under the name The Kinsmen. It was recorded at Television City in Melbourne, AKA GTV-9 TV studios Bendigo Street, Richmond by Bob Phillips. ''The Sphinx Won’t Tell'' reached #10 on the Melbourne 3DB chart. A second single ''You Are My Destiny'' followed in 1965. 

More success followed with TV exposure it was then they decided to take the plunge and leave for England. It was around this time they changed their name to The Four Kinsmen as not to confuse the punters (as there were many bands with The Kinsmen moniker). After much hard work they were given a three-month season with Dave Allen at a theatre restaurant which gave them a much-needed opportunity to cement their position. Over the next three years, they worked with Englebert Humperdink, Des O’Connor, Val Doonican, Benny Hill, Moorecombe and Wise and toured Spain, France Germany and Sweden. While in England they released three singles which a young Peter Shelly helped them produce and they did a pantomime season along with the New Vaudeville Band.

In 1968 they then decided to return to Australia and as the seasoned professionals that they now were had no problem gaining work on the club scene in Sydney With their brand of humour singing and new approach to entertaining they were always in demand. In 1975 their hard work was rewarded with a prestigious “Mo Award”, they were voted best vocal group and shared “Entertainers of the Year” with Don Lane. The group was in great demand overseas with work in South East Asia and Las Vegas keeping them busy. By 1976 all the travel was starting to take its toll and Bernard left the group and was replaced by Spencer Whitely. Bernard Mahoney died in 1978.

In 1978 they were on the Bob Hope Show that was filmed in Perth this was broadcast to 37 countries and was seen by more than 500 million people. In 1980 Peter Fay decided to leave and he was replaced by Alan Morrison, Alan didn’t last a great amount of time so Peter came back until George Harvey stepped in. In 1982 two members left the group Spencer decided to leave and was replaced by Robert Pearson. Adrian left and was replaced by Graham Wilson.

In the mid 80s they were support act for Ray Charles, Ronnie Milsap, Pat Boone and Barbara Mandrell on the US Concert Circuit. In 1986 the last original member George Fay would leave the group to be replaced by Scott Radburn. The Four Kinsmen carried on touring around the world wowing audiences until 2009 when they called it a day. Allan Morrison and George Fay have since died. Graham Wilson died in 2022.

Members

Bernard Mahony, Adrian Mahoney, Peter Fay, George Fay, Spencer Whitely, Robert Pearson, Allan Morrison, George Harvey, Graham Wilson, Scott Radburn,

SINGLES

''The Sphinx Won't Tell / The Last Leaf'' 1964 Vamp * This single was also released on the Festival label

''You Are My Destiny / Oh, Baby, That's What We're Gonna Do'' 1965 Leedon

It Looks Like The Daybreak (#72) / Forget About Him'' 1967 Festival
''Take Up The Hammer Of Hope / Spinning Wheel'' 1972 HMV

''Bread And Butter / Dedicated To The One I Love'' 1976 EMI
''Get A Little Gold Coast Sand Between Your Toes / Gold Coast Sunshine'' 1978 Double G

EPs

'The Aztecs/The Kinsmen' 1965 Linda Lee * A side The Aztecs. B side The Kinsmen

ALBUMS

'The Four Kinsmen' 1971 HMV
'Our Own Kind Of Music' 1972 HMV
'Live & Well' 1973 HMV
'Two Sides Of The Four Kinsmen' 1983 TFK
'Australia's Leading Entertainers' 1991 Springbrook

References

http://mymusicfamily.blogspot.com.au/

http://top100singles.blogspot.com.au/