Jonne Sands, born John Sandstrom, was just shy of 16 when he was positioned to take over from Normie Rowe after Rowe’s controversial conscription. With both talent and looks that made young fans swoon, he found quick, if modest, success in his hometown of Brisbane with his debut single ''It’s Your Life'' in May 1968. His follow-up, ''Mothers & Fathers'', performed even better, charting nationally and breaking through in Sydney, and remains his most recognized song. He also became a familiar face on southern TV shows like Uptight and Bandstand. Still, the big-time pop stardom never quite materialized, despite further singles on the Sunshine label over the next two years.
A lone release for EMI/Columbia in late 1970 didn’t change his fortunes, and his final solo single, ''I Can Promise You Sunshine / Rikky Rikky'', a picture disc on Nuclear Productions, came out in 1973. But his career didn’t end there—he joined the reformed 60’s harmony pop group The Executives in 1974, replacing Gino Cunnico as co-lead vocalist alongside Carole King. With the band, he recorded three Polydor singles and enjoyed renewed success on Sydney’s club and cabaret circuit, along with frequent TV appearances on shows like those hosted by Ernie Sigley and Don Lane, plus the revived Bandstand. Jonne stayed with The Executives until the group dissolved in 1978.
''Mothers And Fathers (#38) / Isn't It A Lovely Day'' 1968 Sunshine
''Change Of Mind (#100) / Gingerbread Man'' 1968 Sunshine
''I've Just Seen A Face / Yeah I'm Hip'' 1969 Sunshine
''Oh! Girl / Confessions Of A Lonely Man'' 1969 Sunshine
''Let The Sunshine In (From "Hair") / Wish It Were You'' 1969 Sunshine
''One Road / Candy'' 1971 Columbia
''I Can Promise You Sunshine / Rikky, Rikky'' 1973 Nuclear
SINGLES
''It's Your Life / I'll Never Dance Again'' 1968 Sunshine''Mothers And Fathers (#38) / Isn't It A Lovely Day'' 1968 Sunshine
''Change Of Mind (#100) / Gingerbread Man'' 1968 Sunshine
''I've Just Seen A Face / Yeah I'm Hip'' 1969 Sunshine
''Oh! Girl / Confessions Of A Lonely Man'' 1969 Sunshine
''Let The Sunshine In (From "Hair") / Wish It Were You'' 1969 Sunshine
''One Road / Candy'' 1971 Columbia
''I Can Promise You Sunshine / Rikky, Rikky'' 1973 Nuclear
EPs
'Mothers And Fathers' 1968 Sunshine
References
http://top100singles.blogspot.com.au/
http://top100singles.blogspot.com.au/


I knew John at High School. He was a talented and nice person.
ReplyDeleteCav Road was his High School wasn't it?
DeleteWonder what he is doing now. My sister Lynda starter his fan club. Lovely guy
ReplyDeleteI grew up with his daughter.
DeleteWas your sister Lynda Mair ?
DeleteWas your sister Lynda Mair ?
ReplyDeleteHi I'm John's daughter- he's living a relatively quiet life in NSW with my mother Carole. He's grandfather to 3 and great-grandfather to 4.
ReplyDeleteWe were.close friends of theirs would love to get in touch.
DeleteHI I use to run his Sydney based Fan Club. My name is Pauline Kelly. Next time your talking to your Dad would you say Hello from me.
DeleteMy friends and I met Jon when he used to perform at the TC Bernie's disco some Saturday mornings. He was lovely and as young teens we adored him
ReplyDeleteI used to go to TC B's each Saturday morning and then to Open Door.
ReplyDelete