Post-punk band Altar Ego was active between 1983 and 1987. The band went through many lineup changes. During their career the band released a couple of singles and EPs. Their song ''Maybe'' was featured on the compilation album The Nine O'Clock Muse, produced and released by Triple J.
Members
Peter Beulke (bass), Peter MacGregor (drums), Tim Fagan (keyboards, sax), Roshan Arulpragasam (keyboards, vocals), Tony Hill (vocals, guitar), Peter Adams (drums), Peter Morton (bass), David Hill (bass), Pat Fraser (drums)
SINGLES
''War / Sand'' 1983 EMI [Custom Pressing] "Vancouver / She's An American" 1987 Hot Records
EPs 'Altar Ego' 1987 Hot Records 'Big Picture' 1987 Mighty Boy
Josh Morgan was an Irish- Australian cabaret singer who’d had great success in 1977 with his tribute song to the recently deceased Elvis Presley. ''Here’s To The King'' produced by former Loved One Ian Clyne reached the Top 40. There is very little info on this chap. Please help
SINGLES ''When We Were Young (#89) / All Shook Up'' 1977 Candle ''Here's To The King (#22) / Feelings'' 1977 Fable ''Whatever (Que Sera) / Cry'' 1978 Fable ''Tas-a-mania / A Man In White'' 1979 Candle
Jamie Dunn (born 12 August 1950) began his early performing days as a singer-songwriter and as drummer for the Brisbane band Hands Down. He then joined another Brisbane band Burke and Wills in 1969. They had a residency on the ABC TV show Eyeforce for one year in 1970 under the name The Platter Pushers. Under that moniker they recorded a single on RCA in 1971, ''As Long As There’s A Twinkle In Your Sprinkle / Make A Move''. The band worked locally until 1972 when they moved to Melbourne. The band played at the Mulwala Festival held at Yarrawonga in the same year. In 1973 they supported Lobo on his tour of Australia. They released two singles on the Image label before disbanding in 1974. Dunn signed on with the Astor label as a solo artist releasing five singles and an album from 1975 to 1980. During this period he also released a single on the Warner Bros label. Jamie Dunn moved into television, working the puppet Agro on Agro's Cartoon Connection, Seven's Super Saturday and The Super Sunday Show. Jamie Dunn died in 2026.
SINGLES ''Jamie Come Home (#42) / When You Walk In The Room'' 1975 Astor ''Mr. Rock And Roll / Easy Money'' 1976 Astor ''Once I Had A Friend / Raggedy Anne'' 1976 Astor ''Another Sunday Afternoon / By The Light Of The Moon'' 1977 Astor ''Fun Fun Fun (#79) / Any Street'' 1978 Warner Bros. ''She'd Rather Be With Me / Dreamtime Lover'' 1980 Astor ALBUMS 'Thankyou Linesmen Thankyou Ballboys' 1979 Astor
Francis Patrick Aloysius Hyde MBE, OAM born 7 February 1916 was an Australian rugby league footballer, coach and radio caller. A New South Wales representative three-quarter, Hyde played his club football in Sydney for NSWRFL Premiership clubs Newtown, Balmain (with whom he won the 1939 Premiership) and North Sydney. Following his playing career, Hyde enjoyed even greater success as a commentator, earning him membership in the Order of the British Empire and a place in the Sport Australia Hall of Fame and the Australian Commercial Radio Industry Hall of Fame. Hyde's contribution to Rugby League is celebrated each year with the Frank Hyde Shield, a three match tournament played between the Newtown Jets and North Sydney Bears.
During the 1970s, Hyde signed on with the EMI label and recorded three albums. His famous rendition of the Irish classic ''Danny Boy'', with ''Try a Little Kindness'' as the B Side were released in 1973 and peaked at #69 on the Kent Music Report. Frank Hyde died in 2007 at age 91.
SINGLES ''Danny Boy (#69) / Try A Little Kindness'' 1973 Parlophone ''Smoke Gets In Your Eyes / And I Love You So'' 1976 Parlophone ''Ballad Of Dally M / The Legend Of Dally M'' 1981 Festival
ALBUMS 'Frank Hyde Sings' 1973 Parlophone 'The Frank Hyde Party Sing-a-Long' 1973 Parlophone 'Frank Hyde Sings For The Good Times' (#84) 1976 Parlophone
In late 1966 ex-Fabulous Blue Jays members drummer Bob Johnson and multi-instrumentalist Paul Shannon formed Grandma's Tonic with guitarist Dennis Whitehead. Soon after they added their old mate Ray Houston from the Fabulous Blue Jays on bass. They became the backing band for popular vocalist Peter Doyle, and they backed him on two singles, ''If You Can Put That In A Bottle / I’m Not The Boy You’re After'' and ''Plastic Dreams And Toy Balloons / You’re My Remedy''. The band also recorded a couple of singles on the Astor label with The Troggs cover ''Hi Hi Hazel'' being the most successful. Paul Shannon was the lead vocalist. The band dissolved in 1968 when Ray Houston joined Melbourne pub band The Escorts.
Members
Paul Shannon (vocals, bass, sax, keyboards), Dennis Whitehead (guitar), Ray Houston (bass), Bobby Johnson (drums)
SINGLES ''Hi Hi Hazel (#95) / Johnny The Hummer'' 1966 Astor ''I Know / Lost Girl'' 1967 Astor
Ken Sparkes (born 20 July 1940) was an Australian radio presenter, television personality, actor, singer, host, disc jockey and voice-over artist. In the late 1950s, while working as a DJ at 2MG Mudgee, and later at 2GB Sydney, Sparkes began recording rock and country songs for Festival Records, including ''I Remember Christmas at Home'' (1959) backed by The New Notes and The Band-Its and ''Ride Wide'' (planned release in 1960 but never saw the light of day). By the mid 1960s Sparkes had taken over the night time slot on 3UZ Melbourne, which was then the dominant radio force in that city. He performed as an actor, singer and host on many pop and late-night Australian shows including Bandstand, Hi Fi Club, Kommotion, Australian Pop Music Awards, Homicide, Bellbird and The Johnny O’ Keefe Show.
In 1965 under the alias K.J.S he released a version of the Jesse Stone track ''Don't Let Go'', backed by popular Melbourne band The Strangers. The song did not chart but has been praised as one of the best in the DJs on Disc genre. In 1967, Sparkes released a single, featuring "Lonely Weekends" by Charlie Rich on the A side, and the Chiffons song, "One Fine Day", written by Carole King and Gerry Goffin, on the B side. In 1969, Sparkes co-founded the record label Sparmac. One of its first signings was the group Daddy Cool, whose first single, "Eagle Rock", was a #1 smash hit, and whose debut album 'Daddy Who? Daddy Cool!' was the biggest-selling Australian pop LP ever released up to that time. The label also launched the career of Rick Springfield, Healing Force and Gerry & The Joy Band. Sparkes won numerous international and Australian radio & TV awards including gold medals at the New York Radio Festival, Hollywood Broadcasters Awards & Australia's Rawards (Australian Commercial Radio Awards). Sparkes died in 2016.
SINGLES ''I Remember Christmas At Home'' 1959 Festival ''Don't Let Go / What Have I Got Of My Own'' 1965 Parlophone ''One Fine Day (#86) / Lonely Weekends'' 1967 Parlophone
ALBUMS 'Songs & Poems Of Australia' [with The Hawking Brothers and Terry McDermott] 1979 Harbour
Culture Shock were a short-lived Australian dance trio consisting of Lorena Novoa (an ex-member of Johnny Young's Young Talent Team), Paul Brandoli and Victoria Wu. Culture Shock became a staple in the nation’s dance scene. They rose to prominence with their unique blend of Euro House, Eurodance, and Hard Trance, earning a place in Australia’s charts. Their success allowed the group to reach wider audiences and create memorable performances on stage, where they opened for international acts like Culture Club, D:REAM, Culture Beat, Cut 'n Move, Pauline Henry, and Des’ree.
The group’s momentum also brought them to the forefront of the media circuit, with appearances at major music festivals, on television, and in radio interviews that showcased their electrifying style. The trio’s dynamic was fueled by Paul’s production mastery, Lorena’s Latin-infused vocals, and Victoria’s classical training, resulting in a sound that resonated deeply with fans. Culture Shock released one studio album, released in 1993 on the Footprintz Productionz label. The album was re-released in September 1994 on Dance Pool/Columbia following the success of "Satisfy the Groove".
SINGLES
"Satisfy the Groove" (#31) 1994 Footprintz Productionz
"My Enemy" (#40) 1994 Footprintz Productionz
"Amor Serenade" 1994 Footprintz Productionz "Who's Gonna Cry for You" 1995 Laser Music
ALBUMS 'Culture Shock' (#33) 1993 Footprintz Productionz
Roger Cardwell, born on July 19, 1934, in Adelaide, began his early gigs singing folk music at the Folk Hut coffee lounge. In the 1960s, he hosted and performed on Nine’s national show Country and Western Hour and Channel 7’s Country Style. Country and Western Hour was a top-rated program that won two Logie awards. When Cardwell left in the mid-60s to join Channel 10, Reg Lindsay took over as compere. In 1996, he was inducted into the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame as a pioneer of country music television. Over a five-decade media career, Cardwell became a household name, presenting news bulletins for all major Adelaide commercial TV networks. He died on October 26, 2019, in Adelaide.
SINGLES ''Black Jack County Chain / Storybook Children'' 1968 RCA
By June 1986, Diesel had returned to Perth and parted ways with Innocent Bystanders, leaving behind Ross Watson but bringing along saxophonist Bernie Bremond, bassist John Dalzell, and drummer John Sherritt. Together, they formed Johnny Diesel & the Injectors with George Dalstrom as a second guitarist. The group played a blend of R&B, blues, and Southern rock, building a local fan base in Perth before deciding to move to Sydney in September 1987. Dalstrom left the band by the end of 1986.
Music journalist Ed Nimmervoll suggested that the name Johnny Diesel either came from Lizotte’s time working as a petrol pump attendant or from a mistaken twist on John Dalzell’s name applied to him as the lead singer. According to Lizotte, though, the truth was the name was never meant to last—it started as a casual joke about the band’s bass player, John Dalzell. “John had one kid and another on the way,” Mark said. “A friend used to call them ‘Johnny Diesel and his little injectors,’ which I thought was hilarious. Then a woman from the [Perth] venue where we played weekly rang me up and said, ‘You’re starting to draw a crowd. I’m putting an ad in the paper—does this nameless band have a name?’ I told her we were ‘Johnny Diesel and the Injectors.’ It was just for a laugh, to amuse John, but the name stuck. When we got to Sydney, management said, ‘Everyone will think you’re Johnny Diesel. Are you okay with that?’ I wasn’t going to make a fuss, so I said, sure, whatever.”
In September, Johnny Diesel & the Injectors moved to Sydney under the management of Brent Eccles, drummer for The Angels. They started playing support gigs for The Choirboys and The Radiators. Jane Barnes, wife of rocker Jimmy Barnes (ex-Cold Chisel), noticed them and recommended Diesel for work on Barnes’ third solo album, 'Freight Train Heart'. When Barnes toured the album in November, Diesel stayed on as lead guitarist, with his band opening the shows. This marked the start of a lasting professional and personal connection between Diesel and Barnes, which became family when Diesel married Jep, Jane Barnes’ sister, in 1989.
Diesel’s band signed with Chrysalis Records, and their self-titled debut album, 'Johnny Diesel & the Injectors', was recorded in Memphis, Tennessee with producer Terry Manning between August 1988 and March 1989. It hit #2 on the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Albums Chart. The first single, ''Don’t Need Love'', came out in October 1988 and reached #10 on the ARIA Singles Chart. The follow-up, ''Soul Revival'', dropped in February 1989 and climbed to #9, while the third single, ''Cry In Shame'', matched the debut’s peak at #10 in May. In total, five singles were released from the album—''Looking for Love'' also made the Top 40, but the final single, ''Since I Fell for You'', underperformed, peaking at just #83.
During their mid-1989 UK tour, they performed live on 14 May for BBC Radio 1’s Tommy Vance Sessions, produced by Tony Wilson. That performance was released in August as a four-track EP, 'Live in London', which made it into the ARIA top 30. At the 1990 ARIA Music Awards, Johnny Diesel & the Injectors took home the award for Highest Selling Album, with over 280,000 copies sold. In 1989, Diesel appeared on Barnes’ live album 'Barnestorming' and later collaborated on his 1990 studio album 'Two Fires'. The band’s only 1990 release was a cover of Percy Mayfield’s ''Please Send Me Someone to Love'' for the Kylie Minogue film The Delinquents, which hit #11 on the ARIA singles chart. Early in 1991, Diesel decided to go solo, leading to the band’s breakup. John Dalzell died in 2025.
Members
Johnny Diesel [Mark Lizotte] (vocals, guitar), Bernie Bremond (sax, vocals), John Dalzell (bass), George Dalstrom (guitar), John Sherritt (drums)
SINGLES ''Don't Need Love (#10) / Never Last'' 1988 Chrysalis ''Soul Revival (#9) / Who's For Better'' 1989 Chrysalis ''Cry In Shame (#10) / Dry Tears'' 1989 Chrysalis ''Lookin' For Love (#28) / Cut Back'' 1989 Chrysalis ''Since I Fell For You (#83)/ Comin' Home'' 1989 Chrysalis ''Please Send Me Someone To Love (#11) / Who's For Better (Live)'' 1990 Mushroom
ALBUMS 'Johnny Diesel and The Injectors' (#2) 1989 Chrysalis
When Blackfire formed in 1992 they immediately attracted the attention of well-known musicians and journalists who sang the band’s praises and offered support gigs. Members had all previously played in Melbourne based and national bands. The lineup was: Bradley Brown (ex-Watbalimba, Interaction) on bass guitar, drums and vocals; Selwyn Burns (ex-Coloured Stone, Mixed Relations, No Fixed Address) on lead guitar and vocals; Kutcha Edwards on lead vocals, Grant Hansen (ex-Interaction, Mercury Blues) on rhythm guitar and vocals, and Kelli McGuinness (ex-Dr Koori, Interaction, Watbalimba) on drums, bass guitar, guitar and vocals. In 1993 they were awarded NAIDOC Artists of the Year.
Their first album, 'A Time to Dream', was released in 1994 by Central Australian Aboriginal Media Association (CAAMA). The album was full of powerful gritty rock and roll songs making a strong political statement about these changing times. Leroy Cummins (ex-Christine Anu Band) joined the group on guitar in 1997 to expand the line-up, as did Corey Noll later on. Blackfire toured extensively throughout Australia before travelling to Asia (Japan, China and Taiwan), alongside Archie Roach and the Naroo Dancers.
In 1996 they teamed up with Crowded House drummer Paul Hester who produced there second album 'Night Vision'. Paul was still playing in Crowded House and when he left the Crowdies, Blackfire was the first band that Paul joined. 'Night Vision' was released through Cannon Music to critical acclaim. The guys then made TV appearances on Recovery, SBS Icam and Good Morning Australia. These appearances took Blackfire to a much bigger mainstream audience. In 1998 Blackfire toured Australia with Carlos Santana to rave reviews. Blackfire often played at many Indigenous Festivals with other contemporary Indigenous acts of the time including, Yothu Yindi, Christine Anu & Kev Carmody. In 2006 Blackfire decided to take a well-earned break.
The band released their third album ‘Re-Generation’in 2023. Songs on the album were written back before the band went off the road; however, they are still relevant today. They also wrote some new tunes and before they knew it, they had 12 songs. The band reformed in 2023 with a new line up. David Leha, Rod Crundwell, Peter Moore, Daniel Jauregui, Leonie Whyman and Monica Mc Donald were added with original members Grant Hansen, Brad Brown Selwyn Burns.
Members
Bradley Brown (bass, drums, vocals), Selwyn Burns (guitar, vocals), Kutcha Edwards (vocals), Grant Hansen (guitar, vocals), Kelli McGuinness (drums, bass, guitar, vocals), Leroy Cummins (guitar), Corey Noll (guitar), David Leha (vocals), Rod Crundwell (keyboards), Peter Moore, Daniel Jauregui, Leonie Whyman (vocals), Monica Mc Donald (vocals)
ALBUMS
' A Time to Dream' 1994 CAAMA 'Night Vision' 1998 Cannon Music
The Driftwood Jazz Band captured the spirit of traditional Dixieland. Formed in 1959 at the Driftwood Club (Phillip Ballroom) in West Rosebud, they went on to perform at many of Melbourne’s top jazz venues. While rooted in Dixieland, they offered personalized takes on the entire jazz gamut, from New Orleans to mainstream. Their lively and unique interpretations of such a broad spectrum of jazz attracted record crowds to the popular Opus 61 club. In 1964 they released an EP on the Crest label. After the group disbanded, Barry Veith went on to form the Barry Veith Big Band, which gained a strong reputation in Melbourne during the 70s. Derek Harris died in 2008, and Brian O'Neill in 2022.
Members
Derek Harris (trumpet), Brian O'Neill (trombone), Barry Veith (clarinet), John Cawthan (vocals, guitar, banjo), John Adams (piano), Peter Barker (drums), Graham McClean (bass)
EPs 'Derek Harris And The Driftwood Jazz Band' 1964 Crest
Short lived Melbourne band, Among Thieves was formed by ex-members of Dear Enemy Les Barker and Chris Langford with vocalist Anton Morgenthaler, keyboardist Sam Panetta and drummer Bret Luton (ex-Geisha). The single ''Faith In Love'' released in 1991 charted nationally. A self-titled album came out in 1992 and was a strong effort, but for some reason, it never gained traction.
Members
Anton Morganthaler (vocals, guitar), Les Barker (guitar), Paul Miller (bass), Chris Langford (guitar, vocals), Sam Panetta (keyboards), Bret Luton (drums)
SINGLES ''Faith In Love'' (#72) 1991 EastWest ''My Heart Just Bleeds'' 1992 EastWest
Brass Carnival formed in Adelaide in the late 60s and was likely one of the town’s first showbands in the 1970s. The band went through many lineup changes over the years. Brass Carnival regularly supported visiting national and international artists including John Farnham, Robin Jolley, Pussyfoot, Cleo Laine, Bev Harrell, and many more. In 1977, they released the single ''One Little Kiss'', which charted in South Australia. In 2020 Gary Burrows reflected on his time with the band ''It does seem a strange name for Brass Carnival, however, we did have a brass section that was with us for years until we decided to move to Sydney and tour up and down the east coast. They were replaced by two synth players and trumpet some of whom stayed with us for the recording of two singles with Nationwide on EMS. "One Little Kiss" did peak at #8 on either 5KA or 5AD printed charts, but I am unable to find any of those charts in existence now''. The band finished up in 1977.
Members
Allen Attwood (guitar, vocals), Phil Banyitis (guitar), Gary Burrows (drums, vocals), Ray Fanning (vocals, trumpet), Alan Griffiths (bass), Ray Howlett (guitar), Bruce Keipert (drums), Tony Mecorella (drums), Greg Myer (trumpet), Jeff Ruetter (bass), Brenton Roberts (keyboards), Mike Ronayne (guitar), Peter Smith (vocals), Graham Sturrock (sax, flute), Renzo Tonin (keyboards, vocals),
SINGLES ''One Little Kiss (#86) / Rock And Roll Lady'' 1977 EMS ''It's All Right With Me / That's Music'' 1977 EMS
Zydeco Jump is a well-loved Australian zydeco band from Melbourne, formed in 1989, known for blending traditional Louisiana zydeco with rock influences and delivering high-energy shows led by accordionist George Butrumlis. They kicked off with gigs at The Club upstairs in the Sushi Bar and soon gained momentum, including landing a spot at the Troppo Carnivale at Luna Park. Their debut was a seven-track cassette, 'You Asked For It,' also released in 1989, featuring George Butrumlis (vocals/accordion), Paul Nuendorf (vocals/guitar), Gary Samolin (drums), Ben Taylor (washboard), Toots Wostry (sax/vocals), and Alan Wright (bass/vocals). They became legendary for their Sunday afternoon sets at the Esplanade Hotel in St. Kilda. Multi-instrumentalist Gerry Hale joined before their second album, 'Port Philip Bayou,' in 1994. With more albums and lineup changes over the years, they continue to perform, offering a vibrant mix of authentic zydeco rhythms and Aussie flair.
Members
George Butrumlis (vocals / accordion), Paul Nuendorf (vocals / guitar), Gary Samolin (drums), Ben Taylor (washboard), Toots Wostry (sax / vocals) and Alan Wright (bass / vocals), Gerry Hale (fiddle / mandola), Karl Hird (sax), Justin Brady (fiddle / harmonica / mandolin / violin)
ALBUMS 'You Asked For It You Got It' 1989 Music Deli 'Port Phillip Bayou' 1994 'I Like It' 2003 Zydeco Jump 'Cookin' Up Some Zydeco' 2007 Sound Vault Records
Born in 1937, Don Henderson picked up a guitar after being inspired by blues legends like Blind Lemon Jefferson and Josh White. Growing up in the middle-class Melbourne suburbs of Essendon and Moonee Ponds, he trained as a fitter and turner but worked various jobs, most often as a carpenter. His time on the Snowy Mountains hydro-electricity scheme inspired one of his earliest and most popular songs, the upbeat ''Put a Light in Every Country Window''. A BLF member, Henderson moved to Sydney, where he repaired instruments and eventually began crafting his own guitars. Folk musician Gary Shearston recalled that Henderson’s Woollahra workshop became a hub for one part of the pre-boom Sydney folk scene, overlapping with groups like the Push and the Bush Music Club; later, Alex Hood established his Folk Arts Centre in the same space.
In the mid-60s, Henderson settled in Brisbane and became a key figure in the early folk scene, performing both solo and with the Union Singers. While his singing voice was limited, he quickly gained national recognition for his songwriting. Influenced by the “libertarians” he met at the Royal George Hotel, he focused on writing about the Australian labour force, blending the “hillbilly idiom” from his youth with an “American finger-picking technique.”
The first recording of Henderson’s singing was an album, 'The Ballad of Women', a record he made in 1964 with the Brisbane Union Singers that featured his songs ''Talking Carpenter'', ''The Happy Song'', and ''Wittenoom Gorge''. The EP 'Basic Wage Dream' (1964), released by the Australian Council of Salaried and Professional Associations featured his songs ''The Basic Wage Dream'' sung by Alex Hood and ''Talking Basic Wage'' sung by Don Ayrton, and formed part of the 1964 basic wage campaign. In 1966 Henderson and the Brisbane Union Singers released 'One Out', featuring thirteen of his songs including ''Hooker Rex'', the anti-war song, ''Boonaroo'', and ''Peace Is Union Business''. On 28 April 1967 at the registrar general’s office, Sydney, Henderson married Sally Watson, an English-born nurse.
In 1970 Henderson released a songbook, 'I Can Sing', which contained twenty-seven songs and a poem. In the introduction he wrote, ''I have seen a few things and met a few people . . . they are my life, and no man wants his life to go for nothing''. His album 'Ton of Steel' (containing thirteen original songs), released in 1971, featured ''The Westgate Bridge Disaster'', written by Henderson at union request as a memorial to the thirty-five men who died when the bridge collapsed during construction. Although Melbourne-born, Henderson had little fondness for its folk venues, admitting, “I never liked Melbourne audiences… never liked singing there… never liked Melbourne as a town.”
Henderson moved with his family to England in 1971, living in London and in Sussex where he wrote, performed, and continued to make and repair guitars. Together with Craig McGregor and John ‘Poli’ Palmer, he co-wrote songs for the rock opera 'Hero', which was performed by the Australian Opera in Sydney in 1976—extracts of two of the songs were included in the compilation 'The Songs of Don Henderson', released posthumously in 2009. The Hendersons returned to Australia in 1979 and after a brief stay in Melbourne they moved to Brisbane, where Don became actively involved in the Queensland Folk Federation. He continued to organise folk concerts and perform at clubs, including the 291 Folk Club, and he contributed to the 1979 album 'Flames of Discontent'. In 1986 he released 'In My Time', containing songs he had written between 1961 and 1979. Henderson’s music is difficult to categorise; many considered him to be an Australian Woody Guthrie. In his own words he was ‘a rake and a rambling man and an anarchist’. He died in 1991.
ALBUMS 'Ballad Of Women' [with The Union Singers] 1964 Union Records
'One Out' [with The Union Singer] 1966 Union Records
'Ton Of Steel' 1971 Union Records 'Flames of Discontent' 1979 Seamen's Union of Australia 'In My Time' 1988 Hot to Trot
References
Sydney Folk Clubs - Warren Fahey
Biography - Donald James (Don) Henderson - Australian Dictionary of Biography
Colin James was born on April 29, 1938, in Coleraine, Victoria. His career as a country singer, variety television performer, songwriter, and radio presenter spanned nearly 60 years, featuring performances at the Sydney Opera House, Seattle’s Coliseum Centre, Victoria’s Government House, and even during a papal visit. At just three years old, he contracted rheumatic fever, which left him in a wheelchair for life. He found joy in listening to early radio programs, and by age 15, he began songwriting. One of his early tunes, ''A Demon Called Love'' was recorded by Keith Riordan in 1959. Nev Pelitt, chief announcer at 3SR Shepparton, gave him a big break, through the Harmony Trail show network.
In the 1960s, he wrote two songs for Chad Morgan, ''Nobody Else But Little Me'' and ''You’re Getting Old Son''. In 1962, he recorded an EP with the Crest label called 'Colin Callin’ followed by another EP in 1965 and during this time opened his own entertainment agency. By 1975, he closed his entertainment agency as it had become too busy, and released an album with Olive Bice, 'Gentle On My Mind', on W&G. The next year, Colin moved to Geelong, teamed up with songwriter Caroline Sleep, and married her in 1980. He later signed with Tamworth’s Hadley Records and recorded three albums with them. In 1984 Colin was inducted into the Hands of Fame, Tamworth. Colin and Caroline divorced in 1990. In 1994 Colin was inducted into Rocky Page’s Hall of Fame and Avenue of Honour in Barmera, SA. In 1995, with his second wife Dianne, he published A Wheelie’s Handbook of Australia, a travel guide for fellow “wheelies” (people in wheelchairs). That same year, he was recognized for his work campaigning for the rights of disabled people, and his photo appeared on a $5 phone card as part of a local legend promotion. In 2000, he carried the Olympic torch for part of its journey to the Sydney Olympics.
In the 2000s, Colin hosted a show on Bendigo’s Phoenix FM radio station. Dubbed “Australia’s Little Giant of Entertainment,” he published his autobiography, If I Can Do It, in 2012. Over the years, he appeared on TV programs like Good Morning Australia, Getaway, The Great Outdoors, and New Faces, and served as a support act for performers such as Reg Lindsay, Frank Ifield, Slim Dusty, Freddie Fender, and many others. He died on August 26, 2014.
SINGLES ''A Thousand Angels / Letter Of Goodbye [with The Lonely Ones] 1964 Crest
''Believe In Yourself 100% / Save Another Day'' 1987 Rich River Records
''I Tried To Grab 'er Abbas (When She Pinched Me Rolling Stones)' (Overseas Version) / I Tried To ''Grab 'er Abbas (When She Pinched Me Rolling Stones)'' (Australian Version) 1981 Hadley ''My Wish To You All / I'll Soldier No More'' [with The Impalas] JW Studios
EPs 'Colin Callin' 1962 Crest 'Colin James And The Lonely Ones' 1965 Crest 'My Wish To You All' 1979 Midland
ALBUMS 'Gentle On My Mind' [with Olive Bice] 1975 W & G 'If I Can Do It, So Can You' 1981 Hadley 'Some Sentimental Songs' 1983 Hadley 'We All Have Dreams' 1985 Hadley 'Save Another Day' 1987 Rich River Records 'Music Man' 1992 Birubi
James Evan Jones was born in 1948 in Broken Hill. He played guitar and sang for the Adelaide band the Gingerbread Men, formed in 1965. The group could have continued on and become a complete success, but Evan's career was interrupted by his conscription into military service (which resulted in him serving in the Vietnam War). The band also included his brother, Idris Lloyd Jones, on lead vocals and guitar, Tony McNicoll on drums, and Dean Birbeck on bass. They released a couple of singles before Idris became lead vocalist for the Mixtures in Melbourne in late 1967. The Jones brothers co-wrote the Mixtures’ hit ''The Pushbike Song'', released in late 1970, which topped the charts in Australia and also made its mark in the UK and US. In 1972, Jones recorded a couple of singles on the Raven label, followed by his 1973 album 'Trudy'. In 1977, Graham Cornes released two of Jones’s songs, ''I Gotta Girl'' and ''Untying the Laces'' as a single.
In 1981, with the band Y Knot, Jones released ''Mm! Mm! Don’t Cha Love Summertime!'' which peaked at #85 nationally. He later worked as a children’s television host, appearing on Here’s Humphrey, C’mon Kids, and Cartoon Connection. Returning to Broken Hill in 1993, he completed a Bachelor of Visual Arts and, since 1994, has regularly exhibited at venues such as the Horizon Gallery in Silverton, the Scotch College Fine Art Show, the Adelaide Central Gallery, and various Rotary and Apex Art Shows.
SINGLES
''Little Black Spider / Shoo Fly Shoo'' 1972 Raven ''Jesus Song (If Jesus Came Tomorrow Would You Care?) / All Men Are Equal'' 1972 Raven ''Give Me A Call / I Wanna Be Your Friend'' 1975 Countryside ''Damn' Ya Darlin' / Half-Hearted'' [with Idris Jones] 1975 Astor ''And I Wish You Were Staying Forever / Jamestown'' 1981 EMI Custom ''Mm! Mm! Don't Cha Love Summertime! (#85) / Hero (Them's The Breaks)'' [with Y Knot] 1981 RCA
The Unichords, formed in Melbourne in the late ’50s while studying at Melbourne University, quickly made a name for themselves with numerous TV appearances and a couple of singles on the W&G label in 1959. Their hit ''Tell Him No'' reached #3 on the local charts, and they became regular performers at lunchtime rock ’n’ roll concerts at Melbourne Town Hall. In the early ’60s, they lent their backing vocals to recordings by Frankie Davidson, Heather Horwood, and Denis Gibbons. Embracing the growing folk scene, they rebranded as The Southern Folk Three for the W&G album 'Gotta Travel On', and later as The Billabong Three for 'Outback', an EP of bush songs commissioned by the Golden Fleece Petrol Company. I am unsure when they disbanded and have no idea what later happened to them. Any additional info is welcome. Cheers Members
Charles Conlan (vocals / guitar), Vincent Campbell (vocals / guitar / banjo / piano), Laurie Arter (bass)
SINGLES ''Tell Him No / Rock Mister Piper'' 1959 W & G ''Tweet Tweet Beat / Bone Dome'' 1959 W & G ''Michael (Row The Boat Ashore)'' [with Denis Gibbons] 1959 W & G ''Goodbye Jimmy, Goodbye / A Teenager In Love'' [with Heather Horwood] 1959 W & G ''Dream Lover'' [with Frankie Davidson] 1961 W & G ''I Care For You / You’re Driving Me Crazy'' [with Frankie Davidson] 1961 W & G ''Jezabel'' [with Frankie Davidson] 1961 W & G ''Tina / The Skye Boat Song'' [with Denis Gibbons] 1962 W & G
Leon Lowes was born in Temora, NSW, and after leaving school, he worked on his parents’ farm. His passion for country music blossomed during long, tough days in the drought-stricken bush of the 1960s, tuned in to local radio station 2WG. When the family sold the farm, they moved to Wangaratta, where Leon stayed for a while before eventually settling in Melbourne. Known for solo albums like 'The Day I Rode the Emu!' and 'Fast Women & Slow Horses', which included hits like "The Flag and Slouch Hat" and "Storms Never Last," he also recorded an EP with The Cannonball group. After marrying Maggie Stewart, the two went on to release several albums together from the mid-1970s through the 1980s. Back in the 80s, Leon also used to perform on 2BBB FM in Bellingen. Leon died in 2017.
SINGLES ''Farside Banks Of Jordan'' (with Maggie Stewart) 1981 Trinity ''Dunny Out The Back / Memories And Make Believe'' 1983 Country Records ''The Day I Rode The Emu / If It's Time'' 1984 Country Records ''Natural High / Waltz Across Queensland'' (with Maggie Stewart) 1985 Larrikin ''Fast Women And Slow Horses / Henry The Heavyweight Kangaroo'' 1987 Selection
EPs
'Leon Lowes and The Cannonball' 1975 Hadley
ALBUMS 'People - Rippling Waters' (with Maggie Stewart) 1974 W & G 'The Day I Rode The Emu!' (with Maggie Stewart) 1984 Country Records 'Fast Women & Slow Horses' 1988 Selection 'Burning Desire' (with Maggie Stewart) Floozie Records
The 1970s were a golden era for singer-songwriters, with talents like Ross Ryan, Doug Ashdown, Graham Lowndes, and Glen Cardier drawing crowds nationwide. Sydney based Peter Campbell was a standout on both secular and Catholic coffee house circuits in the early ’70s. Coming from a deeply evangelical and musical family and inspired by folkies Pete Seeger and Bob Dylan he recorded two excellent but underrated LPs. A trip to Europe in 1974 inspired his debut album, 'Of Time and Its Distance', released on the Trinity label the following year. A single ''Let Me Ride'' was lifted off the album.
Noel Stookey of Peter, Paul and Mary became a fan and in 1980, Campbell traveled to the US to record his second LP, 'Across the Border', at Stookey’s farm in Maine. Peter, Paul and Mary later covered his song "Wild Places" on their album 'Such is Love', and he joined them again to support their 1982 tour of Australia. In 2020, Pete wrote "Waited Too Long," which became the anthem for the United Nations International Summit on Domestic/Family Violence in the COVID-19 Era—a three-day online conference from New York attended by leaders and experts from 47 countries and opened by Pope Francis. While some call it the saddest song in the world, its intimate observations and cinematic detail showcase his strength as a songwriter. Peter has played at all the major folk festivals - Newstead Live Festival, Bundannon Folk Festival, Kangaroo Valley Folk Festival to name a few. In 2025, Peter Campbell released his striking fifth album, 'Burden of Hope', produced and engineered by Brendan Gallagher.
SINGLES ''Let Me Ride / On The Run'' 1975 Trinity
ALBUMS 'Of Time And Its Distance' 1975 Trinity 'Across The Border' 1980 Neworld Media
Formed in 1987, The Paramount Trio featured vocalist Dave Hogan (ex-Southern Lightning), guitarist Warren Rough (ex-The Crackajacks), and drummer Ken Farmer (ex-Percolators). They played a blend of blues ranging from Chicago to the Delta and became one of Melbourne’s top blues acts. With a residency at the Albion Inn in Collingwood, they also performed regularly at Hound Dog’s Bop Shop in North Melbourne and hosted a popular afternoon session at the Rainbow Hotel in Fitzroy. Over their career, they released three studio albums and a handful of singles.
Members
Dave Hogan (vocals, harmonica), Warren Rough (guitar), Ken Farmer (drums)
SINGLES ''Tuff / Rollin' And Tumblin‘ 1989 Preston ''Fishing Blues / Buckland Bounce / Grinding In Your Face'' 1996 Loser ''Morning Train / Chevrolet / Sinking Of The Titanic'' 1997 Loser
ALBUMS 'The Paramount Trio' 1992 Loser 'Step It Up And Go' 1993 Loser 'Electric Country Blues' 1997 Loser
The acid-billy psychedelic cabaret band North 2 Alaskans came together in 1982. Bassist Johnny Topper had played in several groups, including The Pelaco Bros, while Frank Savage and James Williams had been part of The Citizens. They teamed up with the legendary Spencer P. Jones, who had a great time performing with them before moving on to The Johnnys and The Beasts of Bourbon. They played all the top music spots, like the Croxton Park Hotel, Dee Why Hotel, and the Governor’s Pleasure at The Rocks. That same year, they released 'Gonks Go Beat,' a three-track 45 on the Green label, featuring a wild, acid-infused cover of Tommy James and The Shondells’ ''Crimson and Clover.'' Later in 1982, they put out another single on the Missing Link label before calling it quits in 1983.
Members
Steve Watson (vocals), Johnny Topper (bass), Spencer P. Jones (guitar), Frank Savage (guitar), James Williams (keyboards)
SINGLES Gonk Go Beat - ''Crimson And Clover / Incense / That Freaky Gonk Thang'' 1982 Green ''Love Machine / Take A Letter Maria'' 1982 Missing Link
In the early 1960s in Perth, WA, Johnny Young’s backing band, originally called The Strangers, featured John Eddy (guitar), Tony Summers (guitar), Don Prior (bass), and Warwick Findlay (drums). They appeared on the local TV pop show Club Seventeen in early 1965 and released two singles, both on the 7-Teen label under the name Johnny and The Strangers. Young later signed with Clarion Records, a Perth label run by Martin Clarke, who recalled that Young was eager to make a national hit and expand his career. Clarke took Young’s recordings to Sydney, securing a deal with Festival Records to have Clarion manufactured and distributed across Australia.
In 1966, The Strangers changed their name to Kompany to avoid confusion with another Melbourne band called The Strangers. The lineup was now Eddy on guitar, Findlay on drums, Summers on guitar, and Jim Griffiths on bass, replacing Don Prior. Early that year, after opening for the Easybeats, Young recorded ''Step Back,'' co-written by Stevie Wright and George Young of the Easybeats (no relation). Released in May as a double A-side with his cover of the Strangeloves’ ''Cara-Lyn,'' the single hit #1 on the Go-Set National Top 40 in November. It became one of Australia’s biggest-selling singles of the 1960s, second only to Normie Rowe’s ''Que Sera Sera / Shakin’ All Over.'' In October, his EP 'Johnny Young And Kompany' reached #4 on the same chart.
Johnny Young & Kompany relocated to Melbourne in mid-1966. Mick Wade (ex-The Vibrants and The Harts) joined on guitar and organ, but his time with the group was brief. Soon after, they brought in two former MPD Ltd members, Mike Brady (vocals/guitar) and Danny Finley (drums), and welcomed back Don Prior. In 1967, Young departed to pursue a highly successful solo career. The Kompany released two singles on Clarion before disbanding. Tony Summers accepted an offer from The Masters Apprentices, while Mike Brady went on to become a music industry legend. Tony Summers died in 2025.
Members
Johnny Young (vocals), Tony Summers (guitar), John Eddy (guitar), Don Prior (bass), Warwick Findlay (drums), Mike Brady (vocals / guitar), Danny Finley (drums), Morrie Pearson (drums), Jim Griffiths (bass), John Mills (guitar), Graham Nicol (guitar), John Gray (bass)
SINGLES (As Johnny and The Strangers) ''Oh, Johnny No / Club Seventeen'' 1965 7 Teen ''No Other Love / Heigh Ho'' 1965 7 Teen
SINGLES (As Johnny Young and Kompany) ''Step Back (#1) / Cara-Lyn'' (#1) 1966 Clarion ''When Will I Be Loved (#4) / Kiss Me Now'' (#4) 1966 Clarion
EPs (As Johnny Young and Kompany)
'Johnny Young and Kompany' (#4) 1966 Clarion 'Kiss Me Now And When Will I Be Loved' (#4) 1966 Clarion
SINGLES (As The Kompany) ''I've Been Around / Tell Her No'' (#77) 1967 Clarion ''Little Joe The Boxer / The Family Way'' 1967 Clarion
The Fugitives—what can I say? For a band active in the ’60s and ’70s, there’s surprisingly little information out there. I’ve done a fair bit of digging, but haven’t uncovered much. They formed in the early ’60s, started by brothers Ron and Gary Monks, and must have been pretty talented since Johnny Devlin, then RCA’s A&R manager and house producer, got them a recording session. Their debut single, ''I’m Gonna Give My Love to You'', written by Devlin, came out in October 1964. By late 1965, vocalist “Bip” Addison (formerly of The Thunders) joined the lineup. In January 1966, they released another single on the Leedon label, ''All Your Lies'' backed with ''Baby Come Back'', both penned by the band. Daily Mail reviewer Wal Wallis noted they had “quite a lot to learn about presentation and selection of material.” While still with the band, Bip also performed solo before leaving later that year. They toured heavily for the next few years and eventually shifted into a cabaret act. Multi-instrumentalist Ralph White joined just before they recorded their debut album, 'Fugitives', on RCA in 1975, produced by Rocky Thomas. It’s unclear when they disbanded. Gary Monks died in 2016. Any additional details would be welcome.
Members
''Bip'' Addison (vocals), Ron Monks (vocals / guitar), Bill Robins (bass), John Brissett (drums), Gary Monks (sax / flute), Ralph White (trumpet / trombone / keyboards)
SINGLES ''I'm Gonna Give My Love To You / Really Gonna Shake'' 1964 RCA ''All Your Lies / Baby Come Back'' 1966 Leedon ''Rag Doll / We've Got More Than It Takes'' 1975 RCA
