LEN BARNARD

 

Born in Melbourne on 23 April 1929, Leonard Arthur "Sluggsie" Barnard grew up immersed in music. His mother, Kath, was a singer and bandleader, while his father, Jim, played both saxophone and drums. During the Second World War, the teenage Barnard began his professional career as a drummer in his mother's band, performing the swing music that dominated the era. A pivotal influence came when Artie Shaw's Navy Band visited Melbourne, and Barnard became captivated by the drumming of Dave Tough.

In 1948, Len and his brother Bob turned away from contemporary swing and embraced the earlier traditions of classic jazz, inspired by Jelly Roll Morton's Red Hot Peppers recording of ''Doctor Jazz''. When Barnard formed his own ensemble dedicated to this style, he initially played piano before returning to his first love, the drums. A major milestone came in 1952 when Len Barnard's Jazz Band recorded Australia's first long-play jazz album 'Len Barnard's Jazz Band' on the Jazzart label (label produced by Clemens Musical Service, Melbourne). The band featured a number of future jazz luminaries, including his brother Bob Barnard, Ade Monsbourgh and Doc Willis. Although a major Australian tour in 1955 proved financially disastrous and ultimately led to the band's demise, Barnard remained active, working in Brisbane before returning to Melbourne in 1956 to perform with the Palais de Danse big band.

Throughout the 1960s, Barnard worked alongside some of Australian jazz's most influential figures, including Ade Monsbourgh, Roger Bell and Dave Dallwitz. After relocating to Sydney in 1974, he became a sought-after drummer, performing and recording with Judy Bailey, Errol Buddle and John Sangster, including Sangster's celebrated 1975 musical interpretation of 'The Lord of the Rings'. In 1976, Barnard joined the acclaimed jazz ensemble Galapagos Duck, beginning a fruitful association that continued, on and off, throughout the decade. With the band he toured extensively across Australia, Europe and the United States, while also becoming a regular performer at Sydney's renowned Basement jazz club.

Following his departure from Galapagos Duck at the end of 1980, Barnard returned to traditional jazz with his brother Bob's band. During the early 1980s he serialised his autobiography over seven issues of Jazz magazine, providing valuable insights into his philosophy of music and composition. His thoughtful approach reflected a musician deeply concerned with substance, structure and artistic integrity. Barnard continued to perform widely during the following decades, touring Asia with Errol Buddle and Don Burrows and recording with artists including Bob Barnard, American pianist Ralph Sutton and Tom Baker. In 1994 he joined Geoffrey Ogden Browne's ten-piece Cafe Society Orchestra, recreating sophisticated arrangements from the 1920s and 1930s and enjoying a long residency at Sydney's Unity Hall Hotel in Balmain. Further recordings followed, including participation in John Sangster's final major work, 'The Last Will and Testament of John Sangster', recorded in 1997 and released in 2002.

Renowned for his versatility, Barnard moved effortlessly between jazz styles. He possessed a rare combination of swing, finesse and sensitivity, equally capable of driving a traditional jazz ensemble with infectious energy or delivering delicate brushwork on a ballad. Fellow musicians and audiences admired his ability to serve the music above all else, bringing warmth, wit and empathy to every performance. His final written reflections revealed the depth of his musical philosophy: a belief in balancing external time with an inner pulse driven by instinct, communication and creativity. For Barnard, drums were fundamentally a musical instrument, and their true purpose was to help create performances that were flexible, human and expressive.

Len Barnard passed away in Sydney on 5 November 2005 after a prolonged period of ill health. He is survived by his children Heather, Robert, Rebecca and Lucy, and by his partner, Sandra "Sam" Williams. Widely respected as one of Australia's finest jazz drummers, his legacy endures through his recordings, writings and profound influence on generations of Australian jazz musicians.

SINGLES
''Sing On / The Baltimore'' 1963 Astor

ALBUMS

'Len Barnard's Jazz Band' 1952 Jazzart
'Len Barnard's Jazz Band' 1954 AJQ
'Len Barnard's Famous Jazz Band' 1955 Swaggie
'Len Barnard And His Jazz Band' 1960 Swaggie
'The Naked Prince' Len Barnard's Famous Jazz Band' 1961 Telefil

*Note: Len Barnard played on many albums by other artists. Too numerous to mention here.

HARRY AND WILGA WILLIAMS

 

Harry "Buck" Williams was born on 16 August 1927 on the Erambie Mission just outside the town of Cowra, NSW. His father, "Knocker" Williams, led a travelling tent show in which Harry played. His brother was Claude "Candy" Williams, also a musician who recorded on the Rex label in the early 60s. In his 20s, Harry started playing with Alan Saunders. Wilga Munro was born in Tamworth, NSW in 1943, into a musical family, with four brothers and two sisters. She joined the Royal Australian Air Force at the age of 19, serving from 1959 to early 1960s, before returning to Tamworth and started performing.

In 1963 she moved to Newcastle, NSW, where she met Williams at a friend's house, when she was 23. At the time of meeting in 1963, Williams was looking for female vocalist for his band, The Tjuringas ("tjuringa"meaning sacred object). He heard her sing and on the same night asked her to join the band as bass guitar player, which he taught her to play. Williams and Munro started performing together in The Tjuringas around Newcastle in 1971. Other members were Alan Saunders and Keith Saunders. Williams and Munro later began performing as a duo.

In 1972, Harry and Wilga moved to Mooroopna, Victoria, and formed the Country Outcasts in Melbourne, with Ian "Ocker" McKie and Harry's son Bert (Bertie) Williams. The band had a residency at the Grandview Hotel in Fairfield during much of the 1970s. The first song recorded by the Country Outcasts was "Nullarbor Prayer", over several days in a studio in Currabubula. Written and narrated by Eric Onus (brother of Bill Onus), who came up from Melbourne, the song was included on their first album.

They toured widely throughout Australia and New Guinea and released two full-length albums. The Country Outcasts embraced a number of young artists during the seventies so the performance line-up often varied. Some of the other band members included Ray "Buster" Thomas, Bill Brunswick, Debbie Williams, Ian "Ocker" McKie, Carole Fraser, Ian "Bear" Johnson and his sisters Roslyn and Janice Johnson, Henry Thorpe, Laurie Ingram, Claude "Candy" Williams (Harry's brother), Mac Silva and Auriel Andrew.

The band toured many country festivals, including the Wandong Country Music Festival in 1975, and as part of the "All Aboriginal" Spectacular Show in Tamworth in 1995. In 1978 they performed at the Sydney Opera House, and in 1980 at the Myer Music Bowl in Melbourne. They also performed at the Adelaide Festival Theatre. Harry also worked as an actor, appearing in films and on TV, including Black Fire (1972, thought to be the first known film by an Indigenous Australian, directed by Bruce McGuinness) and Matlock. Williams was called "the godfather of Koori country" (music). His eldest son, with his first wife Ella Cooper Williams, Bertie Williams, who was in 1972 co-founder of the Aboriginal Tent Embassy. Williams died in 1991 under the same tree he was born.

SINGLES
''Nullabor Prayer / Once More'' 1975 Angelwood 
 ''My Home-Made Didgeridoo / Arnhem Land Lullaby'' [Wilga Williams] 1974

ALBUMS
'Harry Williams And The Country Outcasts' 1979 RCA
'Harry & Wilga Williams' Hadley 1981

References

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

ROBBY GOLD AND THE ROYALS

 

Robby Gold and The Royals remain one of the more elusive groups of Australia’s beat era, leaving behind a surprisingly modest documentary trail despite their association with EMI. Before joining forces with The Royals, Robby Gold recorded a handful of songs for other labels and performed with a band known as The Goldmen. Whether The Goldmen eventually evolved into The Royals remains uncertain. What can be confirmed is that The Royals were a genuine recording outfit, releasing two singles on the HMV label in Australia. The group's principal songwriter was guitarist David Cosgrove, whose compositions formed the backbone of their recorded output.

Some sources suggest that The Royals supported The Beach Boys at Sydney's Surf City venue in early 1964, although no definitive evidence has surfaced to verify this claim. The Beach Boys were certainly in Sydney during January 1964, performing their headline concerts at Sydney Stadium as part of their Australian tour. Like many Sydney beat groups of the period, The Royals maintained a busy performance schedule, appearing regularly at city venues while also undertaking engagements in regional New South Wales. Beyond their recordings and live appearances, however, much of the band's history remains undocumented. When the group eventually disbanded is unknown, adding yet another mystery to the story of this largely forgotten but intriguing Australian beat-era act.

Members

Robby Gold (vocals), Phil Maxwell (bass),  Brian Maxwell (guitar), David Cosgrove (guitar), Terry Goughlan (drums) 

SINGLES

''I'll Make You Love Me / Got You Again'' 1964 HMV
''Don't Cry / One More Day'' 1965 HMV

NO YOUTUBE CLIPS UNFORTUNATELY

THE OVERLANDERS

 

In 1961, Graham Jenkin founded the Tea and Damper Club, a group dedicated to preserving and celebrating Australian folklore, traditional music and poetry. Through its activities, the club helped keep alive the stories, songs and verse that formed an important part of Australia’s cultural heritage. In 1968, Jenkin joined with his wife, Robyn Jenkin, Tony Strutton and Brenton Tregloan to form The Overlanders in Adelaide. Performing bush songs and traditional Australian ballads, the group developed a strong following through live concerts and radio appearances, entertaining audiences around the country for more than 30 years. 

In 1973, Tregloan joined the Moonshine Jug and String Band, performing on banjo, kazoo, jug and tuba, as well as contributing backing vocals. When the group subsequently evolved into the hard rock band The Angels, he returned to The Overlanders. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, The Overlanders recorded a series of vinyl albums that have since become rare and highly sought after. Among the most notable was the double album 'Songs of the Great Australian Balladists', an extensive collection of traditional Australian bush ballads and poetry spread across four sides. Its repertoire included ''The Tea and Damper Song'', ''The Ballad of the Drover'', ''Out Where the Dead Men Lie'', ''Around the Boree Log'' and ''The Streets of Forbes''. Through recordings such as these, The Overlanders sought to preserve Australia's historic verse and traditional bush music, helping to introduce this cultural heritage to future generations. In 1996, Graham Jenkin was named National Non-Indigenous Person of the Year by the National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) in recognition of his services to Aboriginal history.

Members

Robyn Jenkin (vocals), Brenton Tregloan (banjo, lute, mandolin, flute, guitar), Tony Strutton (bass), Graham Jenkin (guitar)

ALBUMS

'Songs of the Great Australian Balladists' 1978 EMS

'Tribute to Western Australia 150' 1978 EMS

'Songs of the Breaker' 1980 BNE

CLAG

 

Clag were an influential and brilliantly eccentric Brisbane “kiddie-punk” band formed in the early 1990s by high-school friends Bek Moore (vocals), Rachael Cooke (guitar) and Alison Bolger (bass). With their surreal humour, wilfully primitive musicianship and fiercely DIY approach, they became a cult fixture of the Australian underground. Clag’s songs transformed the mundane into something strange and memorable. Goldfish, chips and gravy, shopping-centre security guards and other fragments of suburban life became material for music that could be whimsical, unsettling and very funny at once. Their sound combined rudimentary Casio keyboard melodies, raw guitar and deliberately atonal vocals, inviting comparisons with the Shaggs, Bikini Kill and children's television, though the resulting collision was distinctly their own.

Their performances could be just as peculiar. The band appeared in hospital gowns and, on occasion, performed facing away from the audience with masks taped to the backs of their heads. This mixture of theatrical absurdity and musical simplicity helped establish Clag as one of the more singular groups to emerge from Brisbane’s independent scene. Moore and Cooke were frequently regarded as the creative heart of the band. Clag released an EP in Australia, with further recordings appearing through the American label Spit And A Half and Canada’s Endearing Records, before the group disintegrated in the mid-1990s.

Its members subsequently played in bands including Beaches, Panel of Judges and Minimum Chips, while Clag’s reputation continued to grow long after the group itself had disappeared. Their recorded work was eventually collected on the retrospective album 'Pasted Youth', released by Chapter Music, introducing their wonderfully skewed music to another generation. What Clag left behind was small in volume but unusually enduring in influence: a body of music whose humour, amateurism, invention and refusal to behave conventionally made the band an enduring legend of Australian DIY culture. Bek Moore died in 2016 and Rachael Cooke died in September 2026.

Members

Bek Moore (vocals), Rachael Cooke (guitar) and Alison Bolger (bass), Nicole Thibault (trombone), Bre O'Neil (keyboards), Mick Adams (keyboards), Greg Brady (drums), Jason Cassidy, Greg Wadley (bass), (drums), Meaghan Block, Laura MacFarlane (drums), Chris Gorman (drums)

EPs
'Manufacturing Resent' 1993 Either Way Records

CANDY WILLIAMS

 

Claude ‘Candy’ Williams was an Aboriginal musician, actor and activist who made an important contribution to Australian music, television and Aboriginal advocacy during the mid-twentieth century. Born in 1929 at Erambie Mission, near Cowra in New South Wales, Williams developed a career that crossed music and acting. In 1957, he was best man at famous country singer Jimmy Little's wedding. During the 1960s, he appeared on a number of television programs aimed at teenage audiences and toured with Jimmy Little’s All Coloured Show. He also recorded for the Rex label. Williams established himself as an actor at a time when Aboriginal performers had relatively few opportunities in Australian film and television. In 1961, he played Charlie in the television production Burst of Summer, based on Oriel Gray’s stage play, and by 1963 had appeared in two films made for television. He later appeared in the television series Wandjina! and in two episodes of A Country Practice.

Music was also an important part of the Williams family. Candy’s brother, Harry Williams, performed in a musical duo with Wilga Munro, who later became his wife and was known as Wilga Williams. Harry and Wilga were also associated with the band the Country Outcasts. Candy performed with the Country Outcasts as well, touring throughout New South Wales and Victoria. Beyond his career as an entertainer, Williams was a committed advocate for Aboriginal people. He was a member of the Foundation for Aboriginal Affairs and the Federal Council for the Advancement of Aborigines and Torres Strait Islanders (FCAATSI), organisations involved in the struggle for Aboriginal rights and social equality. Williams lived in Sydney with his family until his death in 1983 from a urinary tract infection. His contribution to Aboriginal music was recognised posthumously in 2002, when he received a Deadly Award for Outstanding Contribution to Aboriginal Music.

SINGLES
''Thou Shalt Not / My Blue Heaven'' 1960 Rex
''Five Brothers'' 1960 Rex

EPs

'Rex 4 Star' *Candy has a track on this EP ''My Blue Heaven''

References

https://ia.anu.edu.au/biography/williams-claude-candy-31741

TEX AND MARY CROFT

 

Tex Croft, born John Joseph Croft in Perth, Western Australia, on 14 May 1934, was a prominent figure in Western Australian country music. He developed an interest in music at an early age and began learning the guitar when he was 13. His talent quickly became apparent, leading him to audition for a radio programme and eventually secure his own show on Perth radio station 6KY. The programme's success saw Tex touring throughout Western Australia with a live variety show featuring a range of performers.

During the 1950s, Tex and Mary Balgera each appeared independently on Australia's Amateur Hour on Perth radio station 6IX. Tex emerged as the winner of the competition, while Mary placed second. As part of the prize, both travelled to Adelaide, and soon afterwards they joined forces as a musical partnership. The duo rapidly gained popularity across Perth and regional Western Australia. Tex became renowned for his distinctive hillbilly style and remarkable yodelling ability, while Mary won audiences over with her performances of popular ballads, including ''Black Hills of Dakota''.

In 1956, Tex wrote what would become one of his signature songs, ''Chicken Yodel''. More than three decades later, the song was recorded by acclaimed Australian country artists Owen Blundell and Rex Dallas. Three years later, in 1959, Tex and Mary travelled to Sydney to meet Festival Records A&R manager Ken Taylor (who was largely responsible for signing such acts as Johnny O'Keefe and Col Joye). Taylor had written ''On Our Selection'' with Tex in mind, but after hearing Mary sing during rehearsals, he encouraged the pair to record the song as a duet. The recording was released by Festival Records, backed with Tex's rendition of Hank Snow's ''Honeymoon On A Rocket Ship''.

In 1960, the couple relocated to Sydney and signed a five-year contract with Rex Records. Performing under the name Johnny (Tex) and Mary Croft, they re-recorded ''On Our Selection'' and released it on an EP that also included ''Kiss, Kiss, Kissin' In The Corn'', ''Charlie Mopps'', and ''The End Of The Pub With No Beer''. After spending three years in Sydney and following the closure of Rex Records in June 1962, they returned to Perth, where they continued performing, making radio appearances, and raising their family.

As the years progressed, Tex also pursued a solo career, releasing a number of singles plus an album and remaining active within the local music scene. His contribution to country music in Western Australia, particularly through his distinctive yodelling style and recordings, earned him a lasting place in the state's musical history. In 1999, Tex and Mary Croft were inducted into the Hands Of Fame at the Australian Country Music Hall of Fame in Tamworth. Tex Croft died on 12 May 2023, just two days shy of his 89th birthday. His legacy endures through his recordings and his influence on generations of Western Australian country music performers.

SINGLES (as Tex and Mary Croft)
''On Our Selection'' / Honeymoon On A Rocket Ship  1959 Festival

''Charlie Mopps'' 1960 Rex

''Kiss, Kiss, Kissin' In The Corn'' 1960 Rex

SINGLES (as Tex Croft)
''The End Of The Pub With No Beer'' 1960 Rex

''I've Walked A Long, Long Way / Round Hole Guitar'' 1968 Clarion 
''I Won't Go Huntin' With You Jake (But I'll Go Chasin' Wimmin) / Long Gone Lonesome Blues'' 1969 Clarion 
''Act Naturally / There Never Was A Time'' 1970 Clarion 
''A Thing Called Love / There Never Was A Time'' 1972 Clarion 
''One Day At A Time / Crossroads'' 1975 Swan Records 
''Beautiful Western Australia'' 1986 Swan Records

EPs (as Tex and Mary Croft)

'On Our Selection' 1960 Rex

ALBUMS (as Tex Croft)

'Country and Western Style' Clarion 

LEATHER SANDWICH

 

The frustrating thing about Leather Sandwich is that, unlike many Melbourne groups of the era, almost no contemporary press coverage, photographs, recordings, or biographical information seem to have survived publicly. There is next to nothing known about this band out of Melbourne who formed in around 1967/68. The only band members I am familiar with is vocalist Roy Chandler who later turned up in a band called The Manx and Ron Cameron who played drums with the Laurie Allen Review. 

Leather Sandwich released one single on the Philips label in 1968. The A side ''Kilroy Was Here'' written by Roy Wood was a nice cover of The Move single. However the B-side is the pick of the two. Self penned by Roy Chandler and organist Rob Parker "Quite Unexpectedly" is a particularly fine example of Australian psychedelia, and many collectors regard it as one of the better obscure Australian psych singles of 1968. That reputation is probably why the record remains sought after despite the group's near-total obscurity. It later turned up on the compilation album '60s Psychedelic, Folk, Woodstock & Sunset Trip' released in 2012. The band gigged regularly around Melbourne and they appeared twice on the TV music program Uptight. It is unknown when they disbanded.

Members

Roy Chandler (vocals), Mike Demkin (guitar), Rob Parker (keyboards), Neil Leone (bass), Ron Cameron (drums)

SINGLES
''Kilroy Was Here / Quite Unexpectedly'' 1968 Philips 

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