THE FLYING EMUS

In 1984, the Flying Emus were formed in Sydney by Genni Kane, her older brother John Kane, Mike Kerin, and Ian Simpson as a country and bluegrass group. Simpson and Kerin had previously played in Slim Dusty's band. The group later added drummer Hanuman Dass and bassist Graham Thompson, expanding the lineup. In 1985, the band released its debut studio album, 'Look Out Below', which won Instrumental of the Year at the 1986 CMAA Country Music Awards. At the same ceremony, the Flying Emus also won Vocal Group of the Year for their song "Diamond Creek." At the 1987 CMAA Awards, the band again took out Instrumental of the Year, this time for the track "Emu Strut." In October 1986, they supported Steeleye Span at the Canberra Theatre. Reviewing the performance for The Canberra Times, local correspondent Robert Hefner praised Genni Kane's vocals, Mike Kerin's violin playing, and Ian Simpson's banjo work.

In 1987 the band released 'This Town' and in September of that year they supported Suzanne Vega at the Sydney Town Hall. Tharunka's Jim Dwyer felt the venue did not suit their intimate style. At the 1988 CMAA awards the group won Instrumental of the Year for the third consecutive year with the track "Jackaroo", and secured another Vocal Group of the Year for "Auctioneer". They won Best Country Album for 'This Town' at the ARIA Music Awards of 1988. The band held a residency at the Hopetoun Hotel and played gigs interstate including the National Folk Festival in Canberra.

In 1989 the band released 'Postcards from Paradise', which was nominated for an ARIA Award for Best Country Album in 1990. Also in that year they released their final studio album, 'Thank You and Goodnight', before breaking up. At the 1991 CMAA awards they won Instrumental of the Year for the fourth time with the track "Dixie Breakdown". In January 2013 at the Country Music Awards of Australia, band member John Kane announced the group were reforming. In December 2013 the Flying Emus announced a reunion tour for January 2014 with the four original members (John and Genni Kane, Simpson and Kerin) joined by Michael Vidale on bass (ex-Jimmy and The Boys). A compilation album, 'Flying Emus: The Collection', was released through Warner Music on 10 January 2014, with tracks from the band's four albums spanning from 1984 to 1990. 4ZZZ said, "Pretty good at whatever they chose to do: country, pop, trad-folk, the Flying Emus were at their best, I think, when doing bluegrass. Bluegrass bands are renowned for their crazy soloing, but even amongst them The Flying Emus have the skills to make you do a double-take." Hanuman Dass died in 2022.

Members

Genni Kane [Genevieve Wilby] (vocals, guitar), John Kane (guitar, mandolin), Mike Kerin (violin, mandolin, guitar, vocals), Ian Simpson (banjo, guitar), Hanuman Dass (drums), Graham Thompson (bass), Michael Vidale (bass), Malcolm Wakeford (drums, percussion), Wayne Goodwin (violin)

SINGLES

''Wheeler/Dealer / It's My Party / Look Out Below'' 1985 Larrikin 
''It's A Sunburnt Country / Emu Strut'' 1986 Festival 
''I'm In Love With Love / Silver City Highway'' 1987 Infinity 
''Hey Sister / Jackaroo'' 1988 Infinity 
''Hey Sister / Hey Sister'' 1988 Infinity 
''This Town / Darling Street'' 1988 Infinity 
''I Just Want To Dance With You / If You Won't Go Away'' 1988 Infinity 
''Different Drum / Midnight On The Water'' 1989 Infinity 
''I Don't Know About That / Mad'' 1989 Infinity 

ALBUMS
'Look Out Below' 1985 Larrikin 
'This Town'  1987 Infinity 
'Postcards From Paradise' 1989 Infinity
'Thank You and Goodnight' 1990 Infinity

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flying_Emus

THE GLEN MEN

 

The Glen Men were a folk music group formed by three seminarians studying for the priesthood at Corpus Christi College, Glen Waverley, Victoria. The group was established in 1964 by Kevin Larkins (23), Kevin Dillon (22), and John Stuart (24). Dillon at the time worked with Molly Meldrum at the Victorian Titles Office in 1962 and 1963. Dillon stated “He was a law student at Melbourne University and he was, as I recall, very similar in personality to what he is now, a very vibrant, very pleasant guy,” he said. “We worked at literally the same desk, with a row of rubber stamps on a rack between us.” The two would examine land transfer documents and hand write details for transcribing by employees in the typing pool.

The Glen Men's first performance was for fellow students at the college. They subsequently performed at various institutions, including facilities for inmates and appeared on Graham Kennedy’s In Melbourne Tonight. The trio attracted the attention of Melbourne record company W&G Records and, in 1967, released a self-titled EP. Of the four tracks, three were written by Kevin Larkins and one by Kevin Dillon. The group disbanded after the members were ordained as Catholic priests. After leaving the priesthood, Kevin Larkins married and, following many years of community and charitable work throughout Australia, settled in Torquay with his family. Kevin Dillon retired from active priestly ministry in 2022 after serving in a number of Melbourne parishes, including 16 years as Parish Priest of St Mary's Catholic Parish, Geelong. John Stuart currently works as a spiritual counsellor.

Members

Kevin Larkins (vocals, guitar), Kevin Dillon (vocals, guitar), and John Stuart (vocals, guitar)

EPs
'The Wonderful World Of The Glen Men' 1967 W&G

THE PROBE

 

The Probe were a Brisbane beat group active during the mid-1960s, part of the vibrant network of local bands that played dances, community halls, and youth venues throughout southeast Queensland. In 1966 the band undertook a southern tour that included appearances on the Gold Coast. Guitarist Harry Hambleton had previously played with local group Richard Wright and The Vikings, whose 1965 recording of ''Hey Baby'' remains well regarded among collectors of Queensland beat music. The Probe recorded two singles, although an earlier HMV release was reportedly never issued commercially. One of the band's known recordings is ''I Can Never Win'', credited to vocalist Errol Samin, which has since appeared on Australian 1960s compilation releases. The band appears to have been relatively short-lived. Following its breakup, Harry Hambleton returned to a re-formed version of The Vikings, while Errol Samin went on to establish Madison Kat, a Queensland blues and party band that enjoyed a long career on the state's live music circuit. Both key figures have since passed away. Harry Hambleton died from cancer in 2012, and Errol Samin died in 2024, leaving behind a legacy connected to Queensland's pioneering rock and beat era.

Members

Errol Samin (vocals), Harry Hambleton (guitar), Brendan Samin (bass), Mick Sinclair (drums), Danny Atkinson (guitar)

SINGLES
''I Can Never Win / Don't Act Blind'' 1967 In Records 

MARGARET HOOPER

 

Margaret Hooper, born in 1939, grew up in Blackheath, New South Wales. Her musical journey began at an early age when, at just two years old, her mother stood her on a soapbox so she could reach the microphone for her first radio appearance. From those early beginnings, Margaret went on to win numerous talent quests. At the age of 15, she performed ''Mighty Like a Rose'' and ''Ave Maria'' for the world-renowned soprano Gladys Moncrieff, who praised her talent, commenting that she had "a lovely natural voice, nice and even."

Margaret became one of the earliest female pop singers signed by Festival Records for its subsidiary label, Rex Records. During her recording career, she released several singles on the Rex label and later appeared on popular Australian television shows including Bandstand and Six O'Clock Rock. One of her recordings, ''You're Free To Go'', was later included on the compilation album 'Bandstand's Swinging Sweethearts', released in 2000, ensuring her contribution to Australia's early popular music scene continued to be remembered by new audiences.

SINGLES
''One Step Beyond / The Way We Are'' 1960 Rex
''Devil Or Angel'' 1960 Rex
''Never Let Me Walk Alone Again / In The Valley Of The Moon'' 1961 Rex

EPs

'Rex 4 Star' 1960 Rex *Margaret has one track on this EP ''You're Free To Go''

THE FRANTICS

The Frantics were a Melbourne five-piece pop group whose 1967 Crest single is their only studio recording. The 'A' side is a great track and is one of those ultra‑obscure one‑off garage/beat recordings that slipped through the cracks and should have done a lot better but didn’t gain any traction. It's a shame it went nowhere. This track was included on the compilation album 'It's A Kave In'. Any info on this band would be extremely helpful.

Members 

Peter Smith (vocals), Jim Puncturere (guitar), Mike Smith (guitar), Graham (bass), Andy (drums)

SINGLES
''Familar Faces And Forgotten Dreams / Don't Play That Song (You Lied)'' 1967 Crest

HERBIE MARKS

Herbie Marks was an Australian accordion player, bandleader, arranger, composer, showman, and magician. Born in Rooty Hill, Sydney, in 1923, he came from a show business family and began performing at an early age. By just six years old, he was playing mandolin in productions for Harry Clay's Vaudeville in Sydney. At the age of nine, Marks taught himself to play the accordion before studying with the American accordionist Arbie Hartmann. His exceptional talent developed rapidly, and by the age of fourteen he was already teaching the instrument himself. After studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, he built a reputation for his remarkable technique through radio appearances, touring engagements on the Australian Tivoli circuit, and performances as leader of his own groups in Sydney nightclubs.

In 1951, Marks travelled to Europe, where he enjoyed considerable success in England and across the continent. He gave numerous recitals for the BBC and appeared on French television. He returned to Europe again in 1961. Beyond his achievements as an accordion virtuoso, Marks was also an accomplished entertainer, combining music, showmanship, and magic in his performances. He worked as a music arranger and composed scores for films including Toehold in History (1965), My Brother Jack (1965), and The Australians: The Second Assault (1966), as well as music for commercial productions.

Marks first recorded in the early 1950s for the Columbia label, later recording for Regal Zonophone and Philips. His recordings were released not only in Australia but also in France, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. In the early 1960s he signed with Festival Records, remaining with the label until his recording career concluded in the mid-1970s. He also led The Herbie Marks Trio, featuring Innocent Marknick on trumpet and bass and Dick Carr on guitar. Together they recorded a number of albums and became a popular performing ensemble. Herbie Marks died on 5 December 1980, leaving behind a significant legacy as one of Australia's most accomplished and versatile accordionists.

SINGLES
''St. Louis Blues / Stardust'' 1951 Columbia
''Herbie Marks Medley No. 2 / Herbie Marks Medley No. 2'' 1952 Columbia
''Herbie Marks Old Time Medley No. 1 / Herbie Marks Old Time Medley No. 1'' 1952 Columbia
''Between Two Trees / You Rule My Heart'' [with Lily Conners] 1952 Regal Zonophone
''Dearly Beloved / You Made Me Love You'' 1955 Philips
''The Fall Of The Roman Empire / Fur Elise'' 1964 Leedon
''Mame / Oliver'' 1969 Festival
''Herbie's Boogie / Last Tango In Paris'' 1973 Festival
''Here Come D' Boogie Man / Slow-Movin' Man'' 1975 Festival

EPs
'Medley Time With Herbie Marks No. 3' 1955 Philips

ALBUMS
'Music For Romance' 1954 Philips
'Love From Rome' 1966 Festival
'Music For You Simcha' 1966 Festival
'Plays Dominique And Other Continental Favourite' 1967 Festival Records
'The Bells Of St.Marys' [the Herbie Marks Trio]1967 Festival
'Broadway Hits' [the Herbie Marks Trio] 1968 Festival
'The Magic Accordion Of Herbie Marks' 1968 Music For Pleasure
'An Enchanted Evening With Herbie Marks' 1969 Festival
'Herbie Goes Hawaiian' [the Herbie Marks Trio] 1969 Festival
'Theme From The Last Tango In Paris' [the Herbie Marks Trio] 1973 Calendar Records
'Man Of La Mancha & Other Great Show Tunes' 1973 Calendar Records
'Fly Me To The Moon' 1974 Calendar Records
'Fiddler On The Roof' 1974 Calendar Records
'Here Come D'boogie Man' 1975 Festival Records
'The Spirit O' Scotland' 1976 Festival

HARBOUR CITY JAZZ BAND

 

The Harbour City Jazz Band was a prominent traditional jazz group founded in Sydney in 1967. Co-founded by British-born musician Mike Hallam (from Nottingham), the ensemble became a staple of the Sydney jazz scene through its robust, white dixieland and classic 1920s-inspired polyphonic arrangements. The band's repertoire focused primarily on heavily arranged traditional jazz standards, upbeat swing melodies, and original blues compositions. They were first heard on the LP 'Volume 2: Fred Starkey Foundation'. Split with Bill Haesler's Washboard Band it was released in 1973 on the Festival label. Some of their core recorded works included: 'Foo's Blues' (1975): A classic full-length studio album released on the Australian 44 records label with the lineup of Geoff Gilbert (vocals, banjo), Jim Young (piano), Dave Cross (clarinet, flute, sax), Terry McCardle (trumpet), Greg Foster (trombone, harmonica) and Vic Hatten (bass). 'The Jazz Boat' (1980): An LP standard featuring original tracks like "Cave Blues" alongside vocals by Jill Lindfield. The band played at many venues including French's Tavern, the Festival of Sydney and other establish jazz venues around the city.

Members

Geoff Gilbert (vocals, banjo), Cliff Reese (trumpet), Paul Williams (clarinet, sax), Jill Lindfield (vocals), Mike Hallam (trumpet), Jim Fletcher (drums), Jim Elliott (trombone/sax), D'arcy Wright (bass), Chris McRobert (bass), Bob Learmonth (trombone), John Dagg (trumpet), Jack Greenland (clarinet), Jim Young (piano), Dave Cross (clarinet, flute, sax), Terry McCardle (trumpet), Greg Foster (trombone, harmonica), Vic Hatten (bass), Ken Crawford (piano)

SINGLES
''Country Cousins / Plunkett Street Rag'' 1975 44 Records

ALBUMS
'Volume 2 Fred Starkey Foundation' (split LP with Bill Haeslers Washboard Band) 1973 Festival
'Foo's Blues' 1975 44 Records
'The Jazz Boat' 1980 WEA
'Live To Air With The Harbor City Jazz Band And Jill Lindfield' 2002 GHB

 

IAN BETTERIDGE

 

Ian Betteridge is an Australian country music singer, songwriter, and entertainer who was born in Crows Nest, New South Wales, in 1943. He began performing in the late 1960s, singing in churches, coffee shops, and charity concerts throughout the Woy Woy Peninsula region. In 1973, Ian won four sections of the CCMA Talent Quest in Tamworth, leading to a three-year recording contract with CM Records in Dubbo. That same year, he formed the Ramblin' Country Band. The group enjoyed a strong following and performed regularly, including a long-running Sunday engagement at the Central Coast Leagues Club in Gosford. They also released several singles and an album.

A talented songwriter as well as performer, Ian won the National Search for a Songwriter Contest in 1975. His prize was a trip to Nashville, Tennessee, sponsored by TV Week, 2KY, RCA Records, Associated Music, and PanAm. His best-known composition, ''The Wedding Song'', has been recorded in several countries, reached the top of the Irish charts on two occasions, and was featured in the film Blown Away, starring Tommy Lee Jones and Jeff Bridges. Ian's songwriting achievements continued with victories at the New Zealand Gold Guitar Awards in Gore in 1981 and 1984. He was also elected a Central Coast Ambassador and represented the region on a promotional tour of New Zealand.

Throughout the 1990s, Ian toured Australia with Tamworth on Parade, visiting every state during an 11-week national tour. He made numerous television appearances and hosted It's Country Today Live Tamworth. During this period, he was inducted into the Country Music Hands of Fame and received the Sydney Opera House Country Music Award. His career has also taken him overseas. Ian toured Ireland, Scotland, Belgium, Holland, and the Greek Islands, and performed at concerts and festivals across the United States, including appearances in Denver, Meridian, Branson, and Nashville. In 1998, he returned to Europe and was a special guest artist at the Garden City Country Music Festival in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Over the years, Ian has appeared at major country music festivals throughout Australia and New Zealand, including Tamworth, Mildura, Charters Towers, Mount Isa, Gore, Nelson, Tauranga, and Christchurch. He has also performed at the Sydney Opera House and aboard the cruise ship S.S. Fairstar. For a decade, Ian coordinated and compered the Telstra Country Connections Concerts in Peel Street during the Tamworth Country Music Festival. He also hosted the weekly country music radio program Heroes and Friends on 2CCC-FM. Across a career spanning decades, Ian Betteridge has released eight albums and numerous singles, earning recognition as a respected performer, songwriter, and ambassador for Australian country music.

SINGLES
''It's Funny How Money'' / Don't Let It Happen (To Gosford) [with Lynette McKenzie] 1973 CM
''Northbound Train / Itchy Feet'' 1974 CM
''Don't Give Up On Me / Break My Mind'' 1974 CM
''Don't Send It To Your DJ / You Wonder What Your Doing Here Tonight'' 1976 CM
''I May Never Love Again / Buddy I Lied'' [with The Rambling Country Band] 1976 CM
''I'm Gonna Love You Too!'' / Robin'' 1979 XTO?
''Wildwood Weed / Tamworth, Country Music City'' 1980 CM
''Silver Bells - There's No Place Like Home / The Wondong Song'' [with The Rambling Country Band] 1980 CM
''Plastic Girl / God's Colouring Book'' [with The Rambling Country Band] 1981 Bunyip
''You're Gonna Ruin My Bad Reputation / Hope You're Feelin' Me''

EPs
'Ian And Lynette' [with Lynette McKenzie] 1973 CM

ALBUMS
'Ian Betteridge And The Ramblin' Country Band' 1975 CM
'I'm Just A Farmer' 1975 CM
'I'm Just Me' 1983 EMI Custom Records
'Lone Star'
'Country Is...'
'Heroes & Friends'
'The Writing Side Of Me'
'My Way' 2000

https://ehive.com/collections/200851/objects/1461234/ian-betteridge

NEWS (1960’s)

 

News originally called Flower Power was formed by multi instrumentalist John Pugh (ex-Roadrunners, 18th Century Quartet) in 1967. News recorded a great cover version of Edwin Starr's 1964 hit ''S.O.S. (Stop Her On Sight). Future Air Supply front man Russell Hitchcock provided the backing vocals. The band was into soul, performing a wide repertoire of US hits by black artists. Sax player Lindsay Farr always called the shots but it was John Pugh's vocals, full of meaning and feeling that gave the band its edge. Unfortunately the band was short lived. Pugh went on to become a member of Cam-Pact, James Taylor Move, Healing Force and Ray Burton's band Nightflyers. Chris Lovfen had a brief stint in Cam-Pact before becoming a film maker. He is best known for directing the feature film Oz (1976) and for directing numerous music video clips, including for the Daddy Cool song, "Eagle Rock".Lindsay Farr would turn up in Sydney big band Heart 'n' Soul. John Pugh died in 2025.

Members

John Pugh (vocals, guitar), Chris Lofven (bass), Lindsay Farr (sax), Eddie Luca (drums)

SINGLES
''S.O.S. (Stop Her On Sight) / I Feel All Right'' 1968 Parlophone 

PANGAEA

Before Powderfinger kicked opened the door for QLD bands there was Pangaea a punk and metal band from Brisbane. Wildly tipped as the hot new band from the north, they were formed by bassist Ben Ely, drummer Dave Atkins and guitarist Jim Sinclair when they met at Cleveland High School. Their first gig was supporting Screamfeeder and Dream Killers at the Post Office Tavern in George St. In 1993 they recorded the mini album 'Serpent Fire' followed by the EP 'Raggacore' in 1994. The band played at The Big Day Out in 1996. Pangaea was highly active in the Brisbane music scene before Ely shifted his focus to Regurgitator. They released their debut album 'Friebentos' in 1997. The 23 track album took five years to make. Sinclair left due to Ely's involvement with Regurgitator and was replaced by Paul Bromley (ex-George). The original lineup reformed in 2011. Dave Atkins would later form Resin Dogs.

Members

Dave Atkins (drums), Paul Bromley (guitar), Ben Ely (vocals, bass), Jim Sinclair (guitar)

SINGLES

"Smile" (#83) 1997 Valve
"Boys" (#98) 1997 Valve

EPs
'Raggacore' 1994 Valve

ALBUMS
'Serpent Fire' 1993 Valve
'Freibentos' (#44) 1997 Valve

NO JUSTICE

Formed in 1989 three piece rock synth band No Justice were Andrew ''Chook'' Chalhoub (who was a reporter on Countdown Revolution), Brendan O'Keefe and Mark Rachelle. Signed to Molly Meldrum's label Melodian, their debut single "Lately" reached the top 100 on the Australian singles chart, and was performed with an appearance on the Australian sitcom Home and Away . ''Lately'' was recorded and mixed at Metropolis in South Melbourne and featured . alternate mixes included additional performances from Dragon Stanic on guitar of Melbourne hard rock band and label mates Roxus, and Nikki Bennet for lead female vocals on the dance remixes.That was followed up with a second single "More Than a Girlfriend" performing on Hey Hey it's Saturday and Tonight Live with Steve Vizard. The band added three members for a tour of Australia's East Coast. Both singles found moderate radio play in Melbourne and Brisbane. Andrew Chalhoub died in 2018.

Members

Brendan O'Keefe (vocals, keyboards, programming), Mark Rachelle (backing vocals, keyboards, programming, guitar), Andrew Chalhoub (drums)

SINGLES
''Lately'' (#91) 1990 Melodian
"More Than a Girlfriend" 1991 Melodian

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/No_Justice_(band)

NICK HOWARD

 

Nick Howard was born in Australia and raised in Sydney, where the local music scene began to shape his early interests.  Signed to BMG, Arista UK (via Simon Cowell), and Ariola Germany in the early '90s, Nick released his debut album 'Sound of Breathing', recorded across New York, LA, and London. The album featured charting singles and a contribution from hitmaker Robbie Nevil. He is the father of singer The Kid LAROI. A prolific writer and producer, Nick has created music for major TV series like Popstars, Girl TV, and Gurls Wurld, and collaborated with artists including Delta Goodrem, Sophie Monk, and Sarah Geronimo. He has also worked with major publishers like Sony and served as Head of Music for talent development organizations.

SINGLES
"Everybody Needs Somebody" (#71) 1994 Ariola
"Who Fell in Love?" (#52) 1995 Ariola
"I'll Build You a Bridge" 1996 Ariola

ALBUMS
'Sound of Breathing' 1995 Ariola

MOTHER HUBBARD

 

By 1989 there were a bunch of great bands which made up a wave of indie rock that had actually grown up and lived in Balmain, mostly attending the local Balmain and Fort Street High Schools and most of these bands existed in some form into the 1990s. The evolution and success of these bands increased ten-fold in the early part of that decade. One of those bands being Mother Hubbard in particular, had emerged from the local school halls and had started to make some impact on the wider world of Sydney. Mother Hubbard enjoyed label success through Festival and Outlaw Records – all with high rotation airplay on Triple J throughout the early half of the 90s. Their sound was akin to a Black Crowes/Rolling Stones sing along – a full 10 years before the likes of Jet claimed it as their own, and again after a string of great singles and one album 'You Me She Him' produced by American guitar legend Louie Shelton. The band toured tirelessly until the band amicably split in 1998. Alex Lloyd would go on and carve out a successful solo career.

Members

Alex Lloyd (vocals), Andrew Dorman (guitar), Kinnon Holt (guitar), Fraser Brown (keyboards), David Reynolds (bass), Gary Synnerdahl (drums), Tewe Henare (drums)

SINGLES
''River'' 1994 Outlaw
''Running Away'' 1996 Outlaw

EPs
'Mother Hubbard' (#94) 1994 Outlaw

ALBUMS
'You Me She Him' 1996 Outlaw

References

https://australianmusichistory.com/the-balmain-sound-indie-rock-from-the-balmain-peninsula/

JOHN WILLIAMS (Country Artist)

John Williams was born in 1950 and raised on a dairy farm at Torrumbarry near Echuca, Victoria. Influenced by his mother's musical background and a lifelong love of singing, he developed a passion for country music and became involved in local bands performing popular 1960s hits. A turning point came in 1977 after the death of his father, inspiring him to write ''A Tribute to My Old Dad''. With support from country music artist Reg Poole, Williams recorded his debut album, 'Country From the Heart', in 1978 and soon began touring Australia and New Zealand.

Throughout the 1980s, Williams built a successful recording career, working with producers Howard Gable and Peter Sullivan. His hit single ''Lifting Me Up'' and albums such as 'Ride On Down This Road' and 'Two Sides of John Williams' helped establish his reputation. Many of his songs reflected his strong connection to rural Australia, including ''Milk Blockade'' and the patriotic ''I Love This Land Australia'', co-written with Reg Poole.

During the 1990s, he continued recording and performing, released a version of ''Goodbye Cruel World'', produced AFL football theme recordings, and collaborated with Reg Poole on 'Fireside Memories'. He was inducted into the Tamworth Hands of Fame in 1994 and recorded 'Back On The Border', which featured the duet ''The Losing Side of Love'' with Kasey Chambers. Williams was also named Victorian Country Entertainer of the Year and became a prominent supporter and host of country music awards across Victoria and Australia. Beyond music, Williams dedicated significant effort to charity work, organizing fundraising concerts and earning recognition as an Honorary Life Governor of the Royal Children's Hospital.

In the 2000s, he remained a strong advocate for rural communities through songs such as ''Who Gives a Stuff About the Farmer''. He also became well known as the long-time host of JR's Country on radio station 2QN, where he promoted Australian country music and emerging artists. His 2010 album 'Mustering Time' and the 2017 release '2015' continued his recording career. Throughout his life, Williams maintained a close connection to farming and regional Australia, themes that consistently shaped both his music and community involvement.

SINGLES
''Follow Me To Tennessee / I've Already Loved You In My Mind'' 1979 Homestead 
''She's My Everything / Fifteen Years Of Hurt'' 1980 Homestead 
''Liftin' Me Up / Love, Love, Love'' 1981 RCA Victor
''Goodbye Cruel World / My Ding-A-Ling'' 1994 WDO

''When I Look Into Your Eyes / Ride On Down This Road'' Homestead

EPs

'Songs About Echuca Rich River Country' 1982 Homestead

ALBUMS
'Country From The Heart' 1978 Hadley 
'Music In My Veins' 1979 Homestead 
'Ride On Down This Road' 1984 Larrikin 
'Two Sides Of John Williams' 1986 EMI
'Back On The Border' 1996 WDO
'Kings Of Country' [with Jimmy Little and David Pincombe] Birubi
'Fireside Memories' [with Reg Poole] WDO

'Mustering Time' 2010 

'2015' 2015

References

https://ehive.com/collections/200851/objects/1461245/john-r-williams-jr

THE MIDNIGHT FIVE

 

A completely original group-singing sound was one of the many attributes of the folk group The Midnight Five. In addition to having excellent solo voices each member was an able instrumentalist. The band was formed in 1960 by Eric Wootten. Eric and Barry Wootten had been singing since the early 1950s as the famous Harmony Twins and had acquired a huge following for their highly precise vocal and classic yodelling duetting. Another top rated duo The Twilighters were incorporated into the band. Individually they were Ken Thomas and Barry Dean. Eric discovered the fifth voice Ken Newland at a concert they appeared on together and impressed by Ken's stage presentation outlined his plan for the proposed group. Ken said ''When do we start?'' and so began the traiblazing Midnight Five.

Tons of talent plus patient regular rehearsals were the keys to success that followed. The boys worked right through the night till dawn in order to develop their uncopied sound and add songs to their extensive repertoire. Unique was their ability to exchange vocal parts while singing even though they ranged from bass to tenor. The Midnight Five appeared on every Victorian TV channel where original versions of ''Shadrack'' and ''Drybones'' met with great success. Radio programmes, constant night spot engagements and recording sessions backing other artists (Colin James and Des Kelly). The Midnight Five released two EP's on the Crest label.

Members

Eric Wootten (vocals, guitar), Barry Wootten (vocals, banjo), Ken Newland (vocals, guitar), Barry Dean (vocals, bass), Ken Thomas (vocals, percussion)

EPs
'The Midnight Five' 1963 Crest
'Folk Gospel' 1963 Crest
'Colin Callin' [with Colin James and The Quiet Three] 1963 Crest
'Folk Songs From Ceylon' [with Des Kelly] 1964 Crest

NO YOUTUBE CLIPS UNFORTUNATELY

SHIFTERS

 

Tasmanian band formed in 1980 with their first gig being at the Sulphur Creek Hall. The band split their time between touring heavily in Tasmania and playing in Sydney before breaking up in 1985. The band put out two singles on the local Candle label in the early 80s. Their debut single ''Holdin' Out'' made it into the top 10 on the 7HT Top 40 chart. Driver, Reece and Robson stayed in Sydney and formed Bang the Drum. They got back together in 2016 for a reunion gig at Red Hot Music in Devonport and again in 2018.

Members

Steve Driver (vocals), Jim Reece (guitar), Geoff Robson (bass) Freddy Spiteri (drums)

SINGLES
''Holdin' Out (#86) / Public Man'' 1984 Candle 
''Sunday Night Blues / Desperate Life'' Candle 

DON GRESHAM

 

Don Gresham was born in 1931 in Murwillumbah, New South Wales. After leaving school, he worked in the rural industry and developed a strong interest in country music. His musical influences included Buddy Williams, Tex Morton, Ernest Tubb, and Gene Autry. Inspired after attending a Buddy Williams concert, Don's father bought him a Tex Morton guitar. He learned to play through correspondence lessons and went on to pursue a career in country music. In 1965, he recorded his first EP on the Sunset label.

Together with his wife, Noela, Don began publishing The Country Music Newsletter, a quarterly publication that promoted country music record releases. The newsletter was distributed throughout Australia and to subscribers in 12 countries. In 1974, Don established his own recording company, Koala Records, and during his career recorded more than 300 songs. Don and Noela also presented the first country music program on radio station 2NCR-FM, a show that ran for six years.

The United Nations designated 1981 as the International Year of Disabled Persons, with the aim of increasing awareness of the contributions people with disabilities make to the community and encouraging them to find their voice. As his contribution to the celebrations, Don wrote and recorded ''I Have Good Health''. Fellow artist Lynette Guest joined him on the recording, which expressed gratitude for good health while acknowledging those who faced health challenges. In 1985, Don was inducted into the Hands of Fame in Tamworth, recognising his contribution to Australian country music.

A passionate supporter of Australian wildlife, particularly the koala, Don released the single ''Little Koala / Save Our Koalas'' in 1988. All profits from sales were donated to the World Research Corporation's Koala Hospital at Coomera, Queensland. Don visited Canada in 1991 and again in 1997, where he appeared on Earl and Martha Heywood's Canadian Barn Dance Club. During his visits, he also met Wilf Carter on the legendary Canadian performer's final tour. Don Gresham died in October 2001, leaving behind a significant legacy as a recording artist, broadcaster, music promoter, and supporter of Australian wildlife.

SINGLES

''The Ballad Of Pam O'Neill / Daredevil Duncan'' 1980 Koala
''Ram Chandra / I Have Good Health'' [with Lynette Guest] 1981 Koala
''Little Koala / Save Our Koalas'' 1988 Koala

EPs

'No One Knows Who's Who' Tamex

'Don Gresham' 1971 Hadley
'A Country Music Special Number One' 1974 Koala
'Iddy Biddy Puddy Tat' 1975 Koala

'The Bundaberg Special' 1977 Koala

'Songs About Life' 1983 Koala

'A Woman's World' [with Noela Gresham] 1983 Koala

'The First Twenty Years' 1985 Koala

'I'd Do Anything For A Stubbie' 1985 Koala

'The Cat Came Back' [with Bernadette Kilden] 1986 Koala

ALBUMS

'Fun in the Country' 1976 Koala
'The Aussie Boy' 1976 Koala
'On the Not So Quiet Side' 1977 Koala
'Sugar Sweet Country' 1978 Koala
'Travelling The Country' 1980 Koala
'This Australia That I Love' [with Ken Robertson] 1980 Koala
'Three Rivers In The Sun' 1981 Koala
'Some Country Favourites' 1982 Koala
'The Great Aussie Train' 1983 Koala
'Number Ten' 1984 Koala

'Our Big Country Songs' 1987 Koala

'Country Folk Songs' 1988 Koala

'The Country Music Special' 1990 Koala

'The World Of Country Music' 1992 Koala

References

https://ehive.com/collections/200851/objects/1461183/don-gresham

NOEL WATSON

Noel Alexander Watson was born 1942 in Melbourne, Australia. At 16 he joined his first group, the Tridents. In 1959 when he was 17, he signed a three-year contract with Kevin McLellan, who was the biggest dance promoter/talent agent in Melbourne at the time. McLellan’s top group were the Thunderbirds, and Noel was one of the four or five featured vocalists. Noel was included as one of the featured singers along with Johnny Chester and Jillian Buckley on a live recording 'Quite A Party' backed by The Thunderbirds on the Gem label. His contributions were ''Let The Four Winds Blow'' and ''Crying''. Noel went into songwriting and wrote songs for Merv Benton: ''Be Sweet'' and ''Sell My Soul''. In early 1965 Merv Benton formed his own backing band and he wanted Noel to be part of it. The band was called the Tamlas. While touring with the band in Perth in early 1968, Noel enlisted in the Royal Australian Army. In 1969 he was sent on a tour of duty to Vietnam. 

One of the most popular bands on the Melbourne pub circuit in the mid 70s was Country/Bluegrass outfit Saltbush and they would always ask Noel to get up to do a couple of songs with them, which always went down well. Noel was invited to play at the 1979 Broadford Rock Concert, a three day outdoor music festival organised by the Hell’s Angels. When Ross Nicholson left Saltbush, Noel was asked to take his place. He wrote the A side ''Razorback Mountain Blockade'' on the single released in 1979 on the Infinity label. When Saltbush disbanded Noel began working in a duo with Bernie O’Brien performing at various pubs around Melbourne. They started to build up a collection of songs that each had written and decided to record an album together titled 'Pickin’ The Pieces Up' released in 1980 on Renegade Records.. 

1988 was Bicentennial year in Australia. A two hour documentary Australia – A Celebration of a Nation was broadcast nationally on ABC TV and Noel’s recording of ''Waltzing Matilda'' was chosen for the closing credits and was asked to sing ''Waltzing Matilda'' at the 1988 VFL Grand Final. The Grand Final appearance turned Noel’s life around, all of sudden he was in high demand for pub gigs, corporate functions and television shows.

Noel toured Australia extensively, singing his own brand of Australian music and telling his stories. He supported overseas artist such as Charley Pride and Irish comedian Hal Roach, and performed in Nashville, Bahrain, Brazil, Bali, Hong Kong and San Diego. He appeared regularly on national television shows such as The Midday Show and Good Morning Australia and he recorded a number of albums. In 2001 following an operation he lost sense to his extremities, he had difficulty walking and his fingers did not work, which meant that he could no longer play the guitar. In 2011 Noel was diagnosed with prostate cancer, which unfortunately spread to other parts of his body. Sadly, Noel died on October 10th, 2013 aged 70.

SINGLES
''Matilda / Hold On Me'' 1988 Big Time 

''I'm Falling / Vietnam'' 1988 Big Time
''You'll Never Walk Alone / In The City'' 1990 Musicland
''Blue Gum Christmas Tree / Little Drummer Boy'' 1990 Musicland

ALBUMS
'Pickin The Pieces Up' [with Bernie O'Brien] 1980 Renegade Records

'Noel Watson' 1988 Big Time

'Yesterday' 1990 Musicland

'Blue Gum Christmas' 1990 Musicland

'Georgia' 1990 Redwood

'Spirit Of Australia' 1993 Ritz

'Banjo, Jim And Me' 1995 Goat Shed

'All For Being Alive' 1998 Goat Shed

References

 https://www.sunshinesecrets.com.au/post/that-bloke-with-the-beard-that-sang-waltzing-matilda-the-noel-watson-story

HELEN DRIESSEN TRIO

The Helen Driessen Trio were a close harmony folk pop trio from Melbourne. All three members were siblings who had migrated to Australia from Holland in the mid 1950s. From their first appearances at impromptu parties in 1961 they became very popular playing at venues and supper clubs around Australia. Helen had an unusual but appealing style of singing (similar to Judith Durham) backed by her brothers Herbert on upright bass and Anton on 12 string guitar. In 1967 they cut an EP with Melbourne's W& G label produced by Jack Varney. They appeared on several TV shows including In Melbourne Tonight, In Adelaide Tonight and Bandstand. They supported Tony Hancock, Johnny Ray and Shirley Bassey. They toured Vietnam in 1968 entertaining troops, and then commenced a three year tour of the UK. They added another brother (David) to the band and played under the name the Driessens. 

EPs

'The Helen Driessen Trio' 1967 W&G

No YouTube clip but you can here this track on Soundcloud. CLICK HERE

THE QUAREFELLAS

 

The Quarefellas were four immigrants who met by accident at Mulligan's Irish Restaurant in Perth in 1972. Mick McAuley from Ireland was the restaurants bouncer and spent much of his time bouncing out the rabble. Londoner Anita Blacker worked as a kitchen hand and helped to serve the Irish stew. She studied at the Royal Academy of Music. Alan Ferguson a Scot, was there mainly because he maintained the beer at Mulligans which was the cheapest in town! Fred Rae another Irishman collected the cover charge on the door. The four came together musically after members of the restaurants resident band ended up in hospital following one of the typical brawls at the venue.

The new group previously unknown to each other as musicians named themselves after Brendan Behan's book The Quarefellas (Irish slang for an itinerant musician). The Quarefellas were an instant success . From Mulligan's they went on to cover the Western Australian scene with concert, TV and radio appearances, including an ABC special and much acclaimed appearances at the Perth Concert Hall. The group had a popular residency at Albert's Tavern. They added Colin Merrey before they recorded their first album 'The Quarefellas First (Governor Broome Folk Club)' on the Clarion label in 1974. It was highly successful with the traditional and contemporary folk scene in WA. Merrey left the band before they recorded their second album 'Bottom Of The Punchbowl' the following year. It is unknown how long they soldiered on for.

Members

Mick McAuley (vocals, lagerphone), Fred Rae (guitar, vocals), Anita Blacker (fiddle, vocals), Alan Ferguson (bass, guitar, flute, vocals), Colin Merrey (mandolin, banjo)

SINGLES
''Put A Light In Every Country Window / Bricks And Mortar'' 1974 Clarion 

ALBUMS
'The Quarefella First' (Governor Broome Folk Club) 1974 Clarion 
'Bottom Of the Punchbowl' 1975 Clarion 

BARRY PILKINGTON

 

Barry Pilkington from New Town in Tasmania picked up a guitar when he was four years old. He led his own rock n roll group The G-Men around Hobart in the 50s. Pilkington won a recording contract after appearing on a Tex Morton Show in Hobart in 1959. In 1960 he traveled to Sydney and cut three songs at Festival Studios. ''The Shape I'm In / (You're So Square (Baby, I Don't Care)'' made it on to a various artists EP called 'Rex 4 Star'. The third track ''Be Bop A Lula'' missed the cut. On these tracks he was backed by The Joy Boys. A while later he moved to the mainland because he could go only so far if he stayed. He appeared as a support act for Col Joye, Lonnie Lee, Johhny O'Keefe and Cliff Richard. He appeared on television shows such as Six O'Clock Rock and Sing, Sing, Sing. He also hosted his own TV show in Tasmania called The Teenage Show. It was a long time between drinks before Barry would record again. Tasmanian based label Van Dieman, co-owned by Peter Richman and Nick Armstrong would release two singles (all sides written and produced by Lonnie Lee) by Barry in the early 70s. He fronted The Breakaways for many years. Barry died in 2018.

SINGLES
''Love Everybody / On The Midnight Train'' 1971 Van Diemen 
''She Sings My Song / Darlin' Lady'' 1971 Van Diemen 

EPs
'Rex 4 Star' 1960 Rex

Barry has two songs on this various artists EP -(A) The Shape I'm In / (B) You're So Square (Baby, I Don't Care)

RAY BURTON

 

Ray Burton was born in 1945. He joined Dave Bridge Quartet as a rhythm guitarist in 1961 in Sydney. The instrumental band included Bridge (ex-Col Joye and the Joy Boys) on lead guitar, Warren Foley on drums and Ken White on bass guitar. They were signed to His Master's Voice which issued two singles, "Skip to My Lou" (1961) and "San Fernando Valley" (1962) before disbanding early in the next year. After leaving that band he formed instrumental band The Telstars in Sydney with drummer Sunny Pratt (ex Vibratones), rhythm guitarist Bob Van Eckeres and bass player Ken White. The band signed to the CBS label and released five singles all produced by Sven Libaek between 1963 and 64. Burton composed his songs under the name Ray Doughty. 'Reef Ride’ was the most successful reaching #1 in Switzerland.He joined vocal harmony, rock 'n' roll group, the Delltones, for a year from 1965 to 1966.

In 1967 Burton (under the name Raymond Doughty) was enlisted by pop group, the Executives, on lead guitar. According to Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, they had, "scored a run of hit singles" in Sydney with "My Aim Is to Please You'" (June 1967), "Sit Down I Think I Love You" (August), "It's a Happening World" (March 1968), "Windy Day" (June) and "Summerhill Road" (December). The group toured the United States in 1968 and again in the following year (under the name Inner Sense), McFarlane observed, "by that stage, however, their breezy pop had become outmoded in the face of rock's new progressive phase and the band quietly folded." Most of the members returned to Australia.

While in the US Inner Sense had worked with the talent management company, DiBlasio, Wald & Day, in Los Angeles, which led to Burton collaborating with fellow Australian, Helen Reddy (her then-husband and manager was Jeff Wald), in early 1971. Two of their co-written tracks, "I Am Woman" and "Best Friend", appeared on her debut album, 'I Don't Know How to Love Him' (May 1971). Paramount Records had Ray in their New York studios writing more chart makers - ‘World Of Fantasy’, ‘Dream For A Love’, ‘Astral Plane Ride’ – recorded and performed by Burton and his ex -Executives bandmate Gino Cunico on the album 'Strive, Seek, Find'. The album was voted #1 best album of the month toppling Sly and The Family Stone. A single was released off the album ''Run For Your Life / Grandfathers. Burton's work permit had expired and he returned to Australia. By December 1972 "I Am Woman" had become a #1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. In February of the following year it peaked at #2 on the Go-Set Australian National Charts top 40.

Burton traveled to Melbourne where he joined funk, soul and country music group, Leo de Castro and Friends, in April 1973 on guitar, alongside de Castro on lead vocals, Mark Kennedy on drums and Duncan McGuire on bass guitar. Burton McGuire & Kennedy formed their own eponymous group in June and added Jimmy Doyle (ex-the Delltones, Dig Richards) on guitar in August. In September they were renamed, Ayers Rock, as a jazz fusion, progressive rock group and in the next month, Col Loughnan joined on saxophones. Burton left the group in March 1974 and travelled to the US, "to push his claim for unpaid royalties due from the sales of ''I Am Woman'."

In the US he worked as a session musician for Billy Joel, Dave Mason and Jimmy Webb. He returned to Australia in 1977 where he formed a rock group, the Nightflyers, with Rex Bullen on keyboards (ex-Bakery, Jim Keays' Southern Cross), Ian Davidson on guitar and synthesiser, Gus Fenwick on bass guitar (ex-Pleazers, Band of Talabene, Healing Force), Steve Hopes on drums and John Pugh on guitar (ex-Eighteenth Century Quartet, Cam-Pact, James Taylor Move, Healing Force). They recorded his debut solo album, 'Dreamers and Nightflyers', and two associated singles, "Too Hard to Handle" and "Paddington Green", in 1978, which was produced by Charles Fisher via Warner Records. He returned to the US where he worked as a song writer. His movie credits include: Warner Bros Rabbit Run starring James Caan, two songs ''Hey Man'' and ''You’re Going To Love Me''; Airport 75, song ''Best Friend'' performed by Helen Reddy; My Best Friend’s Wedding starring Julia Roberts. Short films: Lilian – theme song ''Lilian''. Theatre: Of note – worked with the renowned Sam Shepard on the entire score for ‘Melodrama Play’ a musical staged in Sydney.Advertising clients: include Coca-Cola, Revlon, P&O, and of late – in the US the Burger King Ad – “I Am Man”.As of June 2003 Burton was living in Queensland's Gold Coast, where he would occasionally perform at local venues.

SINGLES
''Too Hard To Handle (#50) / Lady Of The Morning'' 1978 Warner Bros
''Paddington Green (#97) / Ain't It Funny'' 1978 Warner Bros

ALBUMS
'Dreamers And Nightflyers' 1978 Warner Bros