JOHNNY MAC

 Johnny Mac born in 1932 has worked professionally in the music world since the early days of rock, starting out as lead singer of The Downunders in the late 50s in Canada and who opened for Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, Bill Haley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Roy Orbison plus a hot of other stars. Returning to Australia in the early 60's he was asked to host the pilot show Country Music Hour in which he did. Unbeknown to Johnny his show was axed with details that I won't go into. Needless to say Johnny was gutted. Johnny was still in demand though which led to appearances on TV shows such as Stairway to the Stars, Teen Time, Adelaide Tonight, and Six O'clock Rock.

Because Johnny was selling loads of records on his own custom label, Melbourne's W&G came knocking and signed him up on a five year contract. In 1964 Johnny teamed with songwriter Peter Hiscock to form a successful recording combination over the next few years. His first single "Pink Champagne and a Room of Roses", backed by The Seekers, his most popular single was also released in America making Johnny the first South Australian to hit the American charts. Four LP's and numerous singles followed. For six years he was contracted exclusively to Channel Seven in Adelaide working daily on the children's show Wonderland then weekly on Country Style. During this time he also performed at interstate live shows, toured Australia with Lorne Green of Bonanza fame plus two tours of Vietnam entertaining the troops. Johnny's extensive tours over the years with his country band makes him one of the most recognizable personalities.

Johnny moved to the Sunshine label in 1968 and cut one single ''Mister Sticker Licker/Just Step Back''. Another move in 1970 to Festival, he recorded the Laurie Allen penned ''Problems'' backed by Kenny Rogers ''Rueben James''. In 1978 Johnny Mac was inducted into the Australasian Country Music Hands Of Fame.In 1983 while on holiday in America, Johnny purchased Elvis Presley's 1969 Gold Eldorado Cadillac - so for the 2 years he travelled all over Australia displaying the car with its collection of Presley memorabilia, but still manages to perform on stage. In June 2012 Johnny received his OAM for services to country music.

SINGLES

''So Sorry / Johnny's Not Around'' 1963 GAS
''Sad Remembering / You Turned Your Back'' 1964 GAS
''Pink Champagne And A Room Full Of Roses (#61) / It Takes More Than A Big Sombrero'' 1964 W&G
''Don't Waste Time With Teardrops / Down In The Well'' 1964 W&G
''I Found A Flower / Wings Of A Dove'' 1965 W&G
''You Never Can Tell / So Sorry / A Rainbow With No One To Share'' 1965 W&G
''Jingle Bell Rock / I'll Tell The Robin'' 1965 W&G
''That'll Be The Day / You Give Me Heartaches'' 1966 W&G

''I Can't Turn Away / Yellow Bird'' 1966 W&G
''Railroad Tracks / Half-Way Up A Hill'' 1967 W&G
''Mister Sticker Licker / Just Step Back'' 1968 Sunshine
''Problems / Rueben James'' 1970 Festival
''North Adelaide Football Club Song'' 1971 Amoco

''Ballad Of A Man / Don't Spare My Feelings [with Barbara Mac] 1974 Shade

EPs

'Johnny Mac Sings Island Songs' 1977 EMS

ALBUMS

'Pink Champagne And Other Favourites' 1964 W&G
'Railroad Tracks' 1967 W&G
'In Cabaret' 1968 Sphere
'Johnny Mac's Country Style' 1971 Festival

'Johnny Mac Sings Island Songs' 1977 EMS

References


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