JONNIE RUSSELL

 

Johnnie Russell was born in Guildford, NSW in 1942. By the time he was 5 years of age, Jonnie Russell knew beyond a doubt that he wanted to be a country music star. At the age of 14, he made his very first radio performance on Sydney radio 2SM which was broadcasting a weekday early morning Country & Western program. Then, at the age of 17, he entered Alan Toohey's Amateur Hour which was conducted by Radio 2UW. He won the quest by an easy majority which led to offers of work in hotel lounges around the suburbs of Sydney. It was here that Jonnie gained a lot of valuable experience - something he would need a lot of if he were to succeed in the highly competitive Australian entertainment industry.

Rock 'n' roll was just becoming popular in Australia and so for the next few years; after forming his own rock group, he performed at hotel lounges and dances in the evenings and weekends and worked a clerical job by day. He gave away his office job in 1969 and decided to "take the plunge" on a fulltime career in country music. In 1972 he met well known steel guitarist Norm Bodkin who was to influence his career even more. Norm arranged a meeting for Jonnie with Opal Records in Tamworth and he subsequently signed a 2 1/2-year contract with them. In 1971 he released the EP, 'Girls In My Life' and the album, 'My Heart’s In A Prison'.

In May 1974, the Jonnie Russell All Star Variety Show was the first concert of its kind in the Sydney Opera House Music Room. It was compered by Greg Evans, who went on to host the national TV show, Blind Date. Jonnie signed with the Melbourne label W&G and released a single with backing by the Capital Three Ranch Band containing the self-penned ''Transport Blues'' and ''Till The End''. It was recorded at Angelwood Studios, Currabubula. Radio 2UE’s Mike Carlton loved the song and gave it quite a few spins. During this period Jonnie appeared at a number of festivals including Mildura, Gympie and Kempsey and toured with various musicians such as the late pedal steel guitarist Norm Bodkin and Dave Tyne of Cedar Creek fame.

In March, 1981, Jonnie decided to make one of his dreams come true and headed for Nashville, Tennessee. While in Nashville, he was invited to appear on the Carl Tipton Show on WTVF Channel 5 which had a large viewing audience and could be seen each morning on the local Nashville station. He also worked the Vagabond Inn in Nashville and proved once and for all the Aussies "have what it takes". He also cut two brand new songs in Nashville, produced by good buddy Andy King, and they feature him with the Nashville Edition and Lloyd Green on steel and dobro. Jonnie Russell could justifiably be called one of our great pioneers of country music in Australia and this was acknowledged in 1985 when he was inducted into The Hands Of Fame Park in Tamworth. Over the years, Jonnie has produced his own Country Package Show and has played many of the Sydney major clubs, as well as a successful performance at the Sydney Opera House. In 199 he was inducted into Rocky Page’s Hall of Fame and Avenue of Honour in Barmera, SA. 

SINGLES
''Transport Blues / Till The End'' 1976 W & G 
''Truck Drivin' School Teacher / This Lonely Man'' 1978 Emertone
''I Feel Loved / Make My Coffee Black'' 1981 Bunyip 
''The Immortal Southern Cross / The Immortal Aussie'' 1982 Bunyip 
''Dustie Rhodes'' 1984 Rockabilly 
''When We're Alone Tonight / If You've Got The Money (I've Got The Time)'' 1989 Bunyip 
''Solo Woman / The Immortal Southern Cross'' 1991 Pinewood 

EPs

'Girls In My Life' 1973 Opal

ALBUMS
'My Heart's In A Prison' 1979 Opal 
'Most Requested' 1987 Bunyip 

References

JONNIE RUSSELL on AirPlay Direct