MARGARET HOOPER

 

Margaret Hooper, born in 1939, grew up in Blackheath, NSW. Margaret won many talent quests since she was two years old when they put her on a soapbox to reach the microphone on her first radio show. When she was 15, she performed two songs ''Mighty Like A Rose'' and ''Ave Maria'' to world-famous Gladys Moncrieff who commented that "she has a lovely natural voice, nice and even." Margaret was one of the earliest female pop singers signed by Festival Records for its subsidiary label Rex. Margaret released several singles on Rex Records. Later she appeared on Bandstand and Six O'Clock Rock. Her song ''You're Free To Go'' found its way on to the 'Banstand's Swinging Sweethearts' compilation album released in 2000.

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 and band leader.. He also played piano occasionally. Herbie Marks was born in Rooty Hill, Sydney in 1923, NSW. Coming from a show business family, by the time he was six years of age, he was playing mandolin for Harry Clay's Vaudeville in Sydney. Having taught himself to play the accordion at the age of nine, he took lessons from an American called Arbie Hartmann. Marks became a teacher of the accordion at the age of 14. After studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music he consolidated his brilliant technique in a tremendous variety of engagements playing on top radio shows, touring on the Australian Tivoli Circuit and leading his own group in Sydney night clubs. In 1951 he travelled to Europe, appearing with great success in England and on the continent and giving many recitals for the BBC and on French television. He would return again in 1961.

Progressing through his career, and in addition to being an accordion player and master of the instrument, he was a talented showman and magician. He was a music arranger and also composed music for films (The Australians: The Second Assault (1966), Toehold in History (1965) and My Brother Jack (1965) and commercials. He was first heard on record in the early 1950s via the Columbia label then with Regal Zonophone followed by Philips. Some of his recordings were released in France, NZ and the UK. He then signed on with the Festival label in the early 60s and stayed with them until his recording career finished in the mid 1970s. He also led The Herbie Marks Trio with Innocent Marknick on trumpet and bass and Dick Carr on guitar who together recorded a number of albums. He died on December 5, 1980.

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

 

Country singer Ian Betteridge was born in Crows Nest NSW in 1943. In the late 60s he started singing in church, coffee shops and various charity concerts on the Woy Woy peninsula. In 1973 he won four sections of the CCMA Talent Quest in Tamworth, then signed a three-year recording contract with CM Records in Dubbo. In the same year he formed the Ramblin’ Country Band. They performed for seven years every Sunday from 1983-1990 at the Central Coast Leagues Club, Gosford. They released a couple of singles and an album.

​In 1975 Ian won a National Search for a Songwriter Contest, the prize being a trip to Nashville, USA sponsored by TV Week, 2KY, RCA Records, Associated Music and PanAm. He wrote the ''Wedding Song'' which has been recorded in several countries and has been twice to the top of the Hit Parade in Ireland, and featured in the movie Blown Away staring Tommy-Lee Jones and Jeff Bridges. In 1981 and 1984 he won two New Zealand Gold Guitar Songwriting Awards in Gore.  He was elected Central Coast Ambassador and represented the Coast on a promotional tour of New Zealand.

During the 1990s  Ian toured Australia with Tamworth On Parade, visiting every state over an 11 week period, made several TV appearances and host of Its Country Today Live Tamworth. Inducted into the Country Music Hands of Fame and received The Sydney Opera House Country Music Award. He spent 10 weeks in Europe which included a three week tour of Ireland and Scotland plus appearances in Belgium, Holland and the MS Triton in the Greek Islands. Ian visited the USA for nine weeks singing in concerts and festivals in Denver (Colorado), Meridian (Mississippi), Branson (Missouri) and Nashville (Tennessee). And in 1998 he returned to Europe for five weeks and was special guest artist at the Garden City Country Music Festival in Christchurch (N.Z.)

​Ian has performed at festivals in Tamworth, Wandong, West Wyalong, Lismore, Tummburrumba, Port Pierie, Lockhart, Yarramalong, Warnervale, The Entrance, Boyup Brook, Gore (N. Z.), Nelson (N.Z.), Tauranga (N.Z.), Christchurch (N.Z.), Mildura, Campbelltown (Tas), Charters Towers, Mt Isa and the Sydney Opera House. Performed on the cruiseliner S. S. Fairstar. For 10 years he coordinated and compered Telstra Country Connections Concerts in Peel Street during the Tamworth Country Music Festival plus he hosted the weekly country music program Heroes and Friends on 2CCC-FM. Ian Betteridge has released eight albums and many singles over the journey.

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 the family dairy farm at Torrumbarry, near Echuca, Victoria. His mother played piano in a dance band with her brother, and John was always going to sing. From the time he could talk he was singing to people. A big fan of ’60s music, he joined a band and played the hits of Normie Rowe and MPD Ltd. John idolised Johnny Chester and the Hawking Bros and became good mates with Reg Poole, travelling each month to Reg’s Woolshed Country Sundays. In 1977 with the sudden and unexpected passing of his father, he wrote ''A Tribute to My Old Dad''.

With the support of Reg Poole, he travelled to Tamworth in 1978 and recorded his first album 'Country From the Heart' at Hadley Studios. A call from John Minson and he was on the road with Rick & Thel Carey. The following year he appeared with American artist Don King and then toured NZ. He secured a guest spot at the Gore Gold Guitars Awards in New Zealand. In 1984 he recorded in Melbourne and teamed with leading producer Howard Gable and talented musician producer Peter Sullivan. From this session came his hit single, ''Lifting Me Up''. Two crossover albums were produced – 'Ride On Down This Road' and 'Two Sides of John Williams'. He had a handy group of musicians backing him including Gavin Anderson guitar and Roger McLaughlin on bass. John wrote the protest song ''Milk Blockade'' in support of struggling dairy farmers. With good mate Reg Poole he penned the very patriotic song ''I Love This Land Australia.'' After the Wimbledon win of Pat Cash, he wrote ''Pat Cash, You’re Our Hero''.

During the 1990s he released another single, the ’60s classic ''Goodbye Cruel World''. As one of his passions was football, John released a new version of all the AFL footy theme songs. He then recorded an album of old favourites with Reg Poole, 'Fireside Memories', which they marketed on television. In 1994 he was inducted into the Hands of Fame, Tamworth. Working with Nash and Bill Chambers he recorded the album, 'Back On The Border'. From that album came the country duet with Kasey, ''The Losing Side Of Love''. Williams was named Victorian Country Entertainer of the Year and became heavily involved in the growth of the Victorian & National CM Awards, acting as compere for many years. Williams was awarded an Honorary Life Govenor of the Royal Children’s Hospital for his work in organizing fund raising concerts. He has been the host of every Victoria/National Country Awards, they are broadcast live via satellite all over Australia.

During the 2000s he released the single ''Slow Motion''.Wrote a protest song, ''Who Gives a Stuff About the Farmer'', in support of rural Victoria as the government decided to take the irrigation water from the north of the state to Melbourne. Became known for his 25 years of radio, JR’s Country, on 1521 2QN that covered northern Victoria and southern NSW. Back with Bill Chambers and a group of Australia’s best country musicians and a handful of great songs were carefully selected, and a long-awaited album was released 'Mustering Time' in 2010. Another duet, this time with Bill, ''Truck Stop Girl'' was released. Over the years Williams  also recorded songs with Deniese Morrison, Tracy Lee Killeen and Renee Stewart.

In 2017 the album '2015' was released including some of John’s favourites, requested songs and singles that had never made albums. Williams’s love for the land continually keeps him close to the farm and has been one of the reasons he has not been able to give what he would love to have given to music. One of his great joys was to be able to continually play and promote young Aussie artists’ music through his radio show over the years as Australian country became commercial and of excellent quality.

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, NSW. After leaving school, Don worked in the rural industry. He was very interested in country music and was influenced by Buddy Williams, Tex Morton, Ernest Tubb and Gene Autry.  After attending a Buddy Williams concert, his father bought him a Tex Morton guitar which he learnt to play by correspondence. In 1965 he recorded his first EP on the Sunset label. Don and wife Noela began publishing a quarterly newsletter, The Country Music Newsletter as a promotional aid for country music record releases, sent to 12 countries and many subscribers throughout Australia. In 1974 Don formed his own label, Koala Records and recorded more than 300 songs. Don and Noela presented the first country program on 2NCR-FM, which ran for six years. In 1981 The United Nations General Assembly had declared it to be the "International Year Of Disabled Persons". The aim was to increase awareness of the contributions which disabled people can make to the community...and, to encourage disabled people to find a voice. Don Gresham wrote and recorded ''I Have Good Health'' as his contribution to the celebrations. Don was joined by fellow artist Lynette Guest in expressing how fortunate he felt to have good health, and in doing so, empathising with those who weren't so blessed. 

In 1985 he was inducted into the Hands of Fame, Tamworth. Don was a passionate supporter of Australian wildlife in particular the koala. He recorded the single ''Little Koala / Save Our Koalas'' in 1988. All profits from the sale went to the World Research Corporation's Koala Hospital in Coomera QLD. In 1991 and 1997 Don visited Canada where he appeared on Earl and Martha Heywood’s Canadian Barn Dance Club. He met Wilf Carter during Wilf’s last tour. Don died October in 2001.

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

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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

MICHAEL JOHN

 

Disk Jockey and Radio Announcer Michael John Fewster began his career at 5AK in Adelaide aged 18 followed by a permanent slot on the breakfast shift at 2CA in Canberra from the late 60s to the late 1970s. He was also a bookmaker at Canberra racecourse (Thoroughbred Park). Recording under the name Michael John he released some comedic singles in the 70s. His ''Australia's Santa Claus'' originally released on the PK label in 1973, and played mercilessly on 2CA was re released on the Rainbow label a year later and went to #1 on the 2CA Top 40 and charting nationally at #97.

SINGLES
''Australia's Santa Claus / Chewy On Ya Boot'' [as Michael John and The Lads?] 1973 PK
''Chewy On Yer Boot / Ossie The Football Hero'' 1974 Rainbow 
''Australia's Santa Claus (#97) / Sort Of Auld Lang Syne'' 1974 Rainbow Records 

MARK HEMBROW

 

Mark Hembrow (born 1955 in Brisbane) is an Australian actor, writer and musician. He has also worked as a producer and director. Mark first stepped on stage at age 16 at La Boîte Theatre Company as Barnaby Tucker in The Matchmaker and then Sandy in Hay Fever and Apollo in Fetch Me a Fig Leaf: The Musical, all directed by Graham Johnson. He then performed the lead in Once Upon a Mattress at the Brisbane Arts Theatre, which was to be his last amateur production at aged 17.

At 18 years of age, Mark first started working professionally for the main company at Queensland Theatre Company where he worked in productions over two years while doing in-service training. Productions included Springle a secondary school theatre and education production, written by Bille Brown to celebrate 100 years of education. He also performed in Equus, School for Scoundrels, Savages, Jumpers, The Department, Hamlet and Fourth of July before heading to Sydney.

His first professional jobs in Sydney were with the Old Tote Theatre Company (now Sydney Theatre Company) in a production of The Night of the Iguana, and on television series The Young Doctors as Georgie Saint. He released the single ''If I Had Time'' which went #58 nationally. It was produced by Mario Millo and arranged by John J Francis. This single was also released in NZ.

He then worked on two musicals, The Rocky Horror Show and Paradise Regained, followed by his first feature, Goodbye Paradise directed by Karl Schultz. Mark featured in many television shows and films over the years. Mark returned home from the USA, and decided to have a break from acting for a number of years, in order to raise his family. During this time, he wrote two feature film scripts and was composing music.

SINGLES
''If I Had Time (#58) / Sunday Evening Girl'' 1977 Living Sound 

''Street Kids / Moonflight'' 1979 Laser

MOTIVATION

 

When Managing Director of Ramrod Records Syd McDonogh was looking for new talent, the word spread quickly amongst bands around Sydney. Out of the 120 or so that rang Syd he thought there was only one group he considered good enough. Syd stated ''These five boys who called themselves the Motivation came along. They were clean cut, had a good sound and had original material. That was good enough for me''. He signed them up and they released their first single ''Running And Hiding (All The Time)'' backed by ''Boy Meets Girl''. Both sides were written by lead guitarist John Jackson. ''Running And Hiding'' picked up some solid airplay and charted. This was followed by two singles but none of them gained traction. All their singles were produced by Johnny Rebb. ''Can't You See'' made it onto the compilation album 'Upside Down Volume One (Coloured Dreams From The Underworld)' released in 2014. John Jackson would later join Doug Ashdown's band. Ivan Barrow would become a promoter. John Jackson died in 2015. It is unknown what happened to the rest. Please help

Members

John Jackson (guitar), Kevin McCormack, Ivan Barrow (guitar), Paul Norris, Derek Hobbs

SINGLES
''Boy Meets Girl / Running And Hiding (All Of The Time)'' (#52) 1968 Ramrod 
''Can't You See / Mr Lonelyheart'' 1968 Ramrod 
''Forty Years / Sympathy'' 1969 Ramrod 

JANZ

 

Janz were a funk, pop band formed by David Janz (or Jaanz) on lead vocals in 1988. Other original members were David Carr on guitar, Debbie Lavell on backing vocals, Phil Martin on bass guitar, Robert Parde on keyboards and Miles Stewart-Howie on drums. They won the 1988 Yamaha International Rock Music Competition in Japan for "Crime", which was co-written by Janz and Parde.

The group supported Womack & Womack on the Australian leg of their Celebrate the World tour in May 1989. The Australian Jewish News' Lahra Carey caught their performance at Melbourne's Metro Club and felt the support act were "far more uplifting" by presenting "energy and appeal." "Crime" was issued as Janz' debut single in June and reached #70 on Australian singles chart. In October they issued their second single, "Picture", with the line-up of Janz, Martin, Parde and Stewart-Howie. After disbanding the group's lead singer operated the David Jaanz School of Singing as a vocal coach. Parde continued as a songwriter and co-wrote Vanessa Amorosi's "Shine" and Tina Arena's "Wasn't It Good". 

Members

David Carr (guitar), David Janz (vocals), Debbie Lavell (backing vocals), Phil Martin (bass), Robert Parde (keyboards), Miles Stewart-Howie (drums), Vinnie Demore (guitar)

SINGLES
"Crime" (#70) 1989 CBS 
"Picture" 1989 CBS