JUDY CANNON

Judy Cannon was part of the seismic transitions in the music business that began in the late ‘50s and continued into the ‘60s. As a kid she appeared in school concerts and balls and became involved with children’s radio in Melbourne. Later she joined a girls’ choir and began singing at social events and she made her TV debut at 17. In 1958 she joined The Thunderbirds, one of Melbourne’s first real rock and roll bands. Together they made regular appearances at the big dances of the day at venues like Preston Town Hall, Arcadia and Earls Court and she eventually cut a single with them too titled ''Laughin' On The Outside / Ma (He's Making Eyes At Me)''. This was followed up by ''If She Should Come To You'' backed by The R'Jays. Both singles were released on the Rex label in 1960.

The early ‘60s saw a move to Sydney and with encouragement from Col Joye and Johnny O’Keefe she was quickly appearing regularly on Bandstand, Six O’Clock Rock and The Johnny O’Keefe Show. In 1961 she supported Cliff Richard and The Shadows tour of Australia. When Channel 7 refused to give her a pay rise in 1963 she followed the advice of friends and moved to the UK to try her luck at a time when London was just beginning to swing. As one of the top club and TV performers of the day she got the opportunity to sing with and meet all the big names of the era.

For example, close friend and Record Mirror critic Peter Jones introduced her to the Beatles ahead of their first Australian tour and she encouraged them to enjoy themselves on the trip. Judy landed a regular spot-on Terry O’Neill’s One O’Clock Show. She also did session work with the mercurial and mysterious Joe Meek (real name Robert George Meek), legendary producer of classic British rock and pop in the late 1950’s- mid 60’s, his records included ''Telstar'' by The Tornados, ''Just Like Eddie'' by Heinz, ''Johnny Remember Me'' by John Leyton, ''What Do You Want to Make Those Eyes at Me For''  by Emile Ford and ''Have I The Right'' by The Honeycombs.

Her 1965 single ''Hello Heartache'' was recorded at 304 Holloway Rd, London, Meeksville Sound Ltd. with Joe Meek at the production console, and a young pre-Led Zeppelin Jimmy Page on guitar. It was a classy production with the full orchestral backing of the Ivor Raymonde Orchestra including, strings, brass, percussion and ringing guitar riffs. Judy is in fine voice and although the song fairly bounces along, the lyrics are about lost love and regret at ending a relationship, it was Judy’s best record, and got close to capturing her vocal strengths on vinyl in a way that wasn’t evident on many of her local studio recordings.

Who drummer Keith Moon called her the Director of the Grand Order of Lunars because she had connections all over town and knew where the best parties were happening. In the early '70s she played Electra and was understudy for Angela Lansbury’s lead role in the London stage production of Gypsy. When Lansbury left the successful production, and her replacement Dolores Gray fell ill Judy took the lead role of Rose for a time. She returned to Australia in the early 1980’s, was a member of the Play School cast for some time and performed on the R&R heritage circuit before pursuing a career outside the entertainment industry. Judy Cannon died in 2024 aged 84.

SINGLES

''Laughin' On The Outside / Ma (He's Making Eyes At Me)'' 1960 Rex
''If She Should Come To You'' 1960 Rex
''That Funny Feeling / (Why Did I Tell You I Was Going To) Shanghai'' 1961 Festival
''Uptown / Your Memories'' 1963 CBS
''Tears Of Misery / Tell Him I'm Not Home'' 1963 CBS
''The Very First Day I Met You / Hello Heartache'' 1965 Astor

References

http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/rarecollections/judy-cannon/5500170