THE GRADUATE

In October 1968, a major split took place within the band The Vibrants. Marc Leon, John Hossen and Barry Rogers left with their manager Don La Roche to form a new group called The Graduate. They added Michelle Kennedy from The Laurie Allen Review and drummer Frank Durant. They released their first single in 1969, ''I Just Made Up My Mind/Birds And Bees'' on the Columbia label. Glenys Hewett replaced Michelle after she returned from Vietnam and Liam Bradley joined on trumpet and vibraphone. The band toured Southeast Asia in 1970 shortly after the line-up change.

In 1971 David White replaced Barry Rogers on bass and Murray Ellington replaced Liam Bradley. Soon after Brian Fitzgerald and Graeme Fisher replaced John Hossen and Frank Durant. Hossen later turned up in popular Perth band The Troupadors. Judy Condon replaced Glenys Hewett. The band moved to Perth for a few months and whilst there supported international acts Mungo Jerry and The Kinks.

Crossing over to the Festival label they recorded ''It's Alright/Get It Together'' in 1972.  In 1973 they released their third single ''Riverboat Queen/Icy Fingers'' this time on the RCA label. In the mid 70s Glenys Hewett returned to vocal duties and the band added Jenny Wrenn. The band covered many genre's including rock, blues, jazz, latin and even country and they toured the length and breadth of Australia. The Graduate appeared on TV shows like Happening 72 and they supported Jose Feliciano on his 1973 tour of Australia. Barry Rogers, John Hossen and Frank Durant have since died.

Members

Marc Leon (guitar/vocals), Michelle Kennedy (vocals), John Hossen (sax), Barry Rogers (bass),
Glenys Hewett (vocals), Liam Bradley (piano/trumpet/vibes), Frank Durant (drums),
Judy Condon (vocals),Brian Fitzgerald (keyboards/sax), David White (bass), Graeme Fisher (drums), Greg Cook (guitar), Murray Ellington (trumpet), Mike Anderson (drums), David Dunn (drums)
Eddie Podgeronick (bass), Keith Van Heysel (keyboards), Jenny Wrenn (vocals)