THE BLUE ECHOES

The Blue Echoes were one of Australia’s longest-lasting bands, active from early 1964 to late 1983 with various line-ups. They truly found their footing when they consolidated their lineup with Ray Eames on guitar (ex - Fabulous Blue Jays and Jigsaw), Ray Quon on keyboards, drummer Ron Chapman, vocalist Phil Golotta, and Chris Stuttard on bass (ex-Young Once). Phil Golotta also achieved success as a songwriter, penning Jamie Redfern’s ''Hitch A Ride On A Smile,'' which won the 1973 Australian Popular Song Contest.

The band gained a strong following on the pub scene, with Phil Golotta recalling their appearance at the Tottenham Hotel’s opening night. He spoke of playing to packed venues, including crowds of 600 at places like The Tarmac (now The Westside Hotel) in Laverton and the Altona Sports Club. “The queue to get in would be right around the entire hotel,” Golotta shared.

Their only charting single, ''Going To A Party,'' reached #37 in 1973, staying on the chart for just one week, though it sold well among Melbourne hotel-goers. The band released a few albums, with 'Dancing In The Street' and 'High-Heeled Rock N Roll' being the most successful. In the early 80s, after Phil Golotta left, the group recruited Rod Kirkham (of Young Talent Time fame) and Robin Jolley and rebranded as The Echoes. Ray Eames passed away in 2014, and Phil Golotta died in 2025 at the age of 86.

Members

Ray Harris (guitar), Joe Paparone (guitar), John Rodgers (steel guitar), Russell Boyle (bass), Ron Backway (keyboards), Ron Chapman (drums), Phil Golotta (vocals), Larry Groves (keyboards), Andy Doig [Andy Scott] (guitar), Ray Eames (guitar), Don Mudie (bass), Doug Reece (bass), Chris Stuttard (bass), Ray Quon (keyboards), Rod Kirkham (vocals), Robin Jolley (vocals)

SINGLES 
''Back Out On The Road Again'' 1973 Image 
''Going To A Party (#37) / Don't You Want Me?'' 1973 Image 
''Don't Play Around With Love / In The Country'' 1974 Image
''High Heeled Rockin' Roll Shoes / When I Get You Again'' 1975 Image 
''Mary Anne / D. C. 9'' 1975 Image 
''Never Too Old / Angela'' 1978 Hammard

EPs 

'Both Sides Of The Blue Echos' 1974 Allan Eaton Recording Studios
'More Sides Of The Blue Echoes' 1974 BE

ALBUMS 
'High Heeled Rock N' Roll' 1975 Image 
'Dancing In The Streets' 1976 Hammard 
'Clap Your Hands And Shout' 1979 Hammard 
'At The Hop' 1981 Hammard 

References

http://top100singles.blogspot.com.au/