Cash Backman, (born 1947) whose real name is Arvids Krastins, was born of Latvian parents. He grew up in the Melbourne suburb of Ascot Vale and took up working at a timber mill in eastern Victoria which must have played a part in developing his robust image. The musical side of Cash's life started at the age of fifteen when he began singing at parties and writing songs. It was his talent for composing that won him a contract with Compak Productions. His vocal abilities came to the fore with a cover version of Jim Stafford's hit, ''My Girl Bill'' on Image records. The record became a top ten hit and was interpreted by many as a gay song. However, it was apparently about a girl with the name Bill.
Cash's next chart success came in February 1975 with a revival of Jim Reeve's ''He'll Have To Go'', and he released his first album entitled 'Loving You'. Meanwhile Cash was also developing as an actor, usually taking on tough-man roles in police dramas like Cop Shop, Division 4 and Homicide. Cash moved on to the Rainbird label and released his second album, 'A Little Bit Of Understanding'. One of his compositions, ''Oh Caroline'' (which was about Cash's wife), was released as a single from the album in May 1976. During the latter half of 1977 he toured with the renowned Greyhound Country Music Express. Although further success in the national charts has eluded Cash, he continues to be a top country seller and a popular touring artist. His third album, 'Truck Drivin' Man was released on the Hammard label in 1983.
''My Girl Bill (#9) / I May Never Pass This Way Again'' 1974 Image
''The Man You Desire / Juicy Lucy'' 1974 Image
''He'll Have To Go (#43) / Jimmy (You're The Best Friend)'' 1975 Image
''Jenny (You're The Best Friend) / Country Smile'' 1975 Image
''Caroline / Can't Bring Myself To Tell You'' 1976 Rainbird
''Isn't That So / Can't Bring Myself To Tell You'' 1978 Image
''After The Lovin's Gone / I'll Never Say Never Again, Again'' 1981 Project 9
''More Nights / Livin' In The Country'' 1983 Festival
''Sylvia / If I Didn't Have A Dime'' 1984 Festival
''Jenny (You're The Best Friend) / Father Peters'' 1985
''You Just Gave It Away / It's About Time'' 1987 Double M
''We Can Do It With Love / We Can Do It With Love'' 1987 Double M
''More Nights / Livin' In The Country'' 1983 Festival
''Sylvia / If I Didn't Have A Dime'' 1984 Festival
''Jenny (You're The Best Friend) / Father Peters'' 1985
''You Just Gave It Away / It's About Time'' 1987 Double M
''We Can Do It With Love / We Can Do It With Love'' 1987 Double M
'Loving You' 1975 Image
'Little Bit Of Understanding' 1976 Rainbird
'This Is Cash Backman' 1978 Image
'Truck Drivin' Man' 1983 Hammard
References
http://top100singles.blogspot.com.au/
My husband & I met you in the 70's in Melbourne. Not sure where now.
ReplyDeleteThe only place I can think of is a monthly dance we used to go to in Ferntree Gully. The John Robertson Show Band held it every month. They had their own shop in Croydon, Melbourne.
Does any of this sound familiar?
Hello Arvids,I went to school with you at Ascot Vale Wesr ,I lived in Charles Street as did you.Always remember you walking up the street with your guitar,I was Pam Johnson,now Pam Brown.Hope all is well with you,keep on singing,love your music.Cheers Pam
ReplyDeleteI met him and his son. Arrogant and rude.
ReplyDelete