THE RAJAHS

Sydney band that evolved from Dig Richards & The R'Jays, influenced on their own records by Beatlemania. After parting with Dig Richards, the band became Johnny O'Keefe's backing band for a time before establishing themselves as an independent act in the wake of Beatlemania. It was JO'K who suggested their name change to The Rajahs in 1964 and their adoption of turbans as part of their stage gear. On being announced as 'Australia's Beatles', The Rajahs released a six track EP of Beatles covers which was then heavily promoted by the Sunday Mirror newspaper. 

Three more singles followed on the Leedon label but went nowhere. Their last notable actions were to tour Vietnam, becoming the first band to make the trip. Together with Lucky Starr, they were hired by the US Navy to entertain US troops in 1965. While there they managed to perform a number of free concerts for Australian troops. They returned in 1966 but in the same year Festival Records terminated their contract and the band called it a day. John Hayton died in 1995. Mike Lawler died in 2024.

Members

Lindsay King (guitar vocals), John Hayton (guitar vocals), Mike Lawler (bass vocals), Leon Isackson (drums)

SINGLES

''The Mod Nod / One Sided Love Affair'' [with Johnny Devlin] 1964 Festival

''Shout (Parts 1 And 2) / Come On And Take My Hand'' [with Johnny O'Keefe] 1964 Leedon

''Kiss Me Now / You'll Get Over It'' 1964 Leedon
''Cathy's Clown / I Like The Look Of You'' 1964 Leedon
''Let Me Tell Ya 'Bout A Guy / Oh!'' 1965 Leedon

EPs

'The Rajahs' 1964 Leedon

'Beatlemania - The Rajahs - Tribute To The Beatles' 1964 Sunday Mirror