JACK VARNEY

Born on January 15, 1918, in Port Melbourne, Victoria Jack Varney was one of Australia’s most versatile and respected musicians, who played the banjo, guitar, piano and the vibraphone. Jack Varney was a member of the internationally acclaimed Graeme Bell Australian Jazz Band which toured Europe and appeared on the BBC and several European radio networks. He played both banjo and guitar with the band as well as doubling on piano for Graeme Bell. 

During his two years in Europe Jack shared billings with such jazz legends as Erroll Garner, Louis Armstrong, Coleman Hawkins, Humphrey Lyttleton and The Dutch Swing College Band. At the time Jack was named as one of the top four banjo players in the world. Jack’s extensive music career included 17 years as A&R Manger with Australia’s W&G Records, during which time he produced scores of recordings for some of the biggest names in the early days of the Australian recording industry. Included were two very successful groups that he formed - The City Slickers and Happy Jack and the Bar Room Boys- winners of four gold albums. He was also involved in writing commercial jingles.

Outside the recording studio Jack played in television studio orchestras, and also in various groups at Melbourne’s top night spots. Jack Varney was a life member of the Musicians’ Union of Australia, and also a former President and Trustee of the Melbourne branch. After a long battle with Parkinson’s disease Jack Varney died in his 91st year on May 19th - 2008.

SINGLES

''Yellow Bird (#87) / Flying Swan'' [as The Jack Varney 5] 1961 W&G
''I'm So In Love With You / A Prayer For Baby'' [with Kevin Shegog] 1961 W&G
''Two Timin' Baby / You're A Fool'' [with The Hawking Brothers] 1962 W&G
''Stolen Moments / Hand In Hand'' [with The Hawking Brothers] 1962 W&G
''Yellow Bird / Tell Me'' [and his Vibes 'N' Things] 1974 W&G

EPs

'Varney's Vibes' [as The Jack Varney Quintette] 1957 Magnasound

'Country Guitar-Country Piano' [with Bruce Rowland] 1964 W&G

ALBUMS

'Happy Jack And The Bar Room Boys - Special Party' W&G
'Happy Jack And The Bar Room Boys No. 2' W&G
'Sweet And Gentle Cha! Cha! Cha!' [with Mario Messineo] 1972 W&G

References

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