By 17 Ray Burton was appearing in Lee Gordon’s many legendary rock’n’roll shows at the Sydney Stadium in Rushcutters Bay. In 1961 he joined the Dave Bridge Quartet as a rhythm guitarist. After leaving that band he formed instrumental band The Telstars in Sydney with drummer Sunny Pratt (ex Vibratones), rhythm guitarist Bob Van Eckeres and bass player Ken White. The band signed to the CBS label and released five singles all produced by Sven Libaek between 1963 and 64. Burton composed his songs under the name Ray Doughty. 'Reef Ride’ was the most successful reaching #1 in Switzerland.
Members
Ray Burton (guitar), Sunny Pratt (drums), Bob Van Eckeres (guitar), Ken White (bass)
SINGLES
''Blackout / Reef Ride (#80)'' 1963 CBS ''The Galloping Comedian (#90) / Zot'' 1964 CBS ''Rip It Up / The Knights Of Madrid'' 1964 CBS ''Beatlemania / Dancing Mood'' 1964 CBS ''Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah / So Unkind'' 1965 CBS
They made their public debut in September 1966 at a Baptist Youth Fellowship rally and by July 1967 they had taken the name The Proclaimers. Led by future opera star Johnathon Summers, the group had up to fifty members. They were first heard on record when they released an EP 'Lord I'll Be Waiting' in 1968. They were signed by the Fabel label where they released a number of singles and albums. They did over 700 live performances across a forty-year career that ended in 2006.
SINGLES
''Oh Happy Day / The Love'' 1969 Crest ''God Is Standing By / Oh Happy Day'' 1971 Fable ''Jesus Christ, What A Man / I Had A Talk With God'' 1971 Fable ''One More Mountain To Climb / Stand By Me'' 1971 Fable ''All His Children / Just A Closer Walk With Thee'' 1972 Fable ''On The Wings Of A Dove / Just A Closer Walk With Thee'' 1975 Fable
EPs
'Lord I'll Be Willing' 1968 Challenge
ALBUMS
'The Proclaimers' 1971 Fable 'Songs We Believe In' 1972 Fable
'From Heaven Down' 1972 Fable 'Live In Concert Vol 1' 1973 Melchizedec Records 'Live In Concert Vol 2' 1973 Melchizedec Records 'Jubilation' 1978 Move
Perth band The Frames got together in the early 80s and decided their set lists would rely heavily on classic Aussie rock rather than all American hits, which most other bands were doing. Staples like ''Counting the Beat'' by The Swingers, Cold Chisel’s ''Khe Sanh'' and ''I Got You'' by Split Enz were three of their signature performances. Their first single '' Please Listen To Me / Never Coming Home'' was released on CBS in 1981. Both sides were written by bassist Mark Donohoe. In 1983 they cut their second single ''Funny Situation / Crocodile Tears'' on the Elite label. Again, both sides written by Donohoe. At one point the band was sponsored by a national airline company which had them playing a few weeks on Great Keppel Island. The support and sponsorship the band got meant they toured a lot and were all fulltime musicians until they called it a day around 1986.
“We were friends and really great mates at the time,” says singer Dean Denton. “A lot of bands have broken up over friendships but we’ve remained mates through the years. We’re all married with kids now but love to get together and play every so often.” Band members are all still involved in music in one way or another and a couple of times a year they like to jump on stage together as The Frames for a good time. Most of their original crowd are now in their late 40s and into their 50s but Dean says it’s pretty cool to see kids just out of high school singing along to all the words of the songs which make up a strong part of Australian classic rock and pop history.
Members
Dean Denton (vocals), Mark Donohoe (bass), Clint Arnold (guitar), Tim Count (keyboards), Ray Vine (sax/keyboards), Max Kittler (drums)
SINGLES ''Please Listen To Me / Never Coming Home'' 1981 CBS ''Funny Situation / Crocodile Tears'' 1983 Elite ''Shadows / Night After Night'' 1985 Elite ''Turn Up Your Radio / Live Mix'' Boss Records
The Fabulaires were an Australian R&B group formed in Adelaide by Greg Champion on guitar and lead vocals, John James "J.J." Hackett on drums (ex-Stars), Jane Lewis on vocals, Ian McDonald on bass guitar (ex-Stars), Jo Moore on vocals and Mick Teakle on guitar. They relocated to Melbourne in the following year where Wayne Burt joined on guitar and vocals (ex-Daddy Cool, Jo Jo Zep & The Falcons). They recorded their debut six-track mini album, 'Apocalypso'. Two tracks, "The Remedy" sung by Wayne Burt and the instrumental "Ghost Riders" were recorded in July 1980; a third track, "Sunglasses" sung by Jo Moore, was recorded in December; and the final three tracks were recorded live at the Aberdeen Hotel in Fitzroy North in March 1981. Hackett left to join Mondo Rock and was replaced by Geoff Hassell on drums.
While touring, Jo Moore tragically died in a car accident in April 1981. The group broke up and the album was released posthumously, late that year, on Rough Diamond Records. It peaked at #52 on the Australian Charts. Champion and Teakle joined Adelaide-based group, Young Homebuyers, which issued two singles followed by an eponymous EP in October 1982. From 1981 Champion was a radio presenter, as a member of Coodabeen Champions, on the Coodabeens Footy Show and The Saturday Soiree. Burt was a member of the Black Sorrows from 1983 to 1985, from 1988 to 1991 and again in 1998. Hackett remained with Mondo Rock until 1990. Drummer JJ Hackett died in 2019.
Members
Greg Champion (guitar vocals), John James "J.J." Hackett (drums), Jane Lewis (vocals), Ian McDonald (bass), Jo Moore (vocals), Mick Teakle (guitar), Wayne Burt (guitar), Geoff Hassell (drums)
As a girl growing up in Kogarah, Claire Poole took dancing lessons and also studied singing and the piano. Her professional career began on radio 2CH, followed in 1950 by a role with ABC radio. Married at 25 to singer Stephen Baker, better known by his stage name Richard Gray, they travelled to London where among other roles, she played piano at the London Palladium and had her first television appearance.
Back in Australia, where television was in its infancy, she formed The Claire Poole Singers, initially a group of eight which grew to 20. In 1960 they appeared on Horrie Dargie's BP Super Show. In 1961 they provided the musical background to a new Channel Seven series, Revue '61 followed a year later by Revue '62 working with Australian stars such as Barry Crocker and visiting performers like Shirley Bassey and Ethel Merman. Over the years, they worked on Channel Ten with the Mike Walsh Show and Barry Crocker's Say It With Music. Claire also taught singing and music to students at her home, but these days it is her son Simon Baker, who is the teacher, and who has also had a successful career as a singer. Claire Poole died in 2017.
Members
Claire Poole, Annette Terrill, Sally Rogan, Joe Andre
ALBUMS
'Songs Of A Sinner' [with Brother William] 1969 World Record Club
The Colours were formed in 1967 by John Camesi to replace The Breakaways in his stable. They started life as The Brethren, but changed their name after a while as they thought the religious implications wouldn't help the group. They performed around Melbourne and throughout the Victorian country area. The Colours released four singles on the Astor label with ''Plenty Of Room Up Top'' the only one to reach the charts. The band appeared on Uptight, Happening 70 and Hit Scene.
Tony Hewitt died in 1985, David Hewitt moved to Bendigo and Peter Smith moved to Adelaide. Former drummer John Annable, as a keyboard player, went on to form a group called Better Days, based in Melbourne. Be advised the spelling of the Hewitt surname could be a typo error on the Astor imprint. I have seen other articles in which the spelling states: Hewett.
Members
Tony Hewitt (vocals/guitar), David Hewitt (bass), John Annable (drums), Peter Smith (organ)
SINGLES
''It's A Woman / Do Wah Diddy Diddy'' 1967 Astor ''Super Peculiar Bus / I Don't Think You Know Me At All'' 1968 Astor ''Plenty Of Room Up Top (#54) / To London And Back'' 1968 Astor ''You Outside / Suddenly You Love Me'' 1968 Astor
Adelaide band The Chosen Few started out as The Outcasts and were formed in the mid sixties. The quintet regularly played Adelaide clubs like The Octagon and Big Daddy’s. In 1966 they competed in the Battle of the Sounds winning the South Australian section. Moving to Melbourne they competed in the national final where they came fifth in 1966. Though not winning they did get a deal with the Go!! record label and released one single. The A side was a cover of the Zombies’ ''Is This a Dream'' and the B side was ''Let Me Down Easy''. Influences were The Zombies, The Animals, James Brown, Wilson Pickett & The Spencer Davis Group, which the band played many covers of.
Members
Mike Siegele (vocals, keyboards), Bob Van Amstel (guitar), Dan Schubert (guitar), Rod Schubert (bass), Brian Fechner (drums)
SINGLES
''Is This A Dream (#89) / Let Me Down Easy'' 1966 Go!!
Born in 1929, Blanch grew up on the family sheep farm and, encouraged by his parents who both played instruments, he learned to play guitar and sing as a child. In the early 50s, he began entering talent contests and his successes soon led to him recording some singles for the Rodeo label. In 1954, he married singer Berice Collins, after which he toured, sometimes working solo and sometimes with his wife. In 1958, their daughter, Jewel Evelyn, was born. In 1961, they worked as a duo for ABC-TV in Brisbane and recorded for EMI Records. They recorded their first album, in Melbourne, for W&G in 1963, billing themselves as the Blanch Family. In 1964, they toured in America but failed to establish themselves and returned to Australia.
They played the Sydney club circuit and appeared on major television shows from 1965-68, during which time a second album was recorded. In 1968, they returned to America, where they worked for the next 10 years as the Blanches. Jewel was signed to RCA Records and as a child actress, she began to appear on television and in films. In 1978, she gained Billboard chart success with ''So Good''. Not to be outdone, her father charted ''The Little Man’s Got The Biggest Smile In Town'', recorded on Mike Curb’s MC label. They each achieved another hit in 1979, Arthur charted ''Maybe I’ll Cry Over You'' and Jewel ''Can I See You Tonight''. Berice, using the name Ida Collins, turned to management.
In 1980, the Blanch Family, somewhat homesick, returned to Brisbane and relaunched their Australian careers. Arthur and Jewel wrote a television special, The Lady And The Cowboy, which featured several noted Australian acts including Smoky Dawson. In 1982, they won a Gold Guitar for the Duet Album Of The Year and the following year Arthur gained the Album Of The Year award. In 1980, Jewel returned to Nashville, where she married Australian Barry Coburn and together, they went into the management of country artists. In the late 80s, Arthur and Berice also relocated to Nashville. In 2001, Blanch received the honour of being elected to the Country Music Roll Of Renown in Australia.
SINGLES
''Somebody Else Is Taking My Place / The Strange Little Girl'' 1962 Columbia ''Our Best Man / If I Had Television On My Telephone'' 1962 Columbia
''China Doll / Keep It A Secret'' 1962 Columbia
''Turn Back The Hands Of Time / How She Could Yodel'' 1963 W&G
''The Same Old Fool / If I Had You On A Desert Island'' 1963 W&G
''Real Cowboy (You Say You're) / I'm A Happy Go Lucky Cowhand'' 1981 Aussi-Tal ''You Bring The Best Out In Me'' 1982 CBS ''Too Late For Regrets / Dreams Of A Country Kid'' 1982 CBS ''I've Come A Long Way / You're Playing Hard To Forget'' / I Should Have Called'' 1983 Reflection ''Rose Colored Glasses / Music Man'' 1983 CBS ''Woman Ahead Of Her Time / A Good Woman's Love'' 1985 EMI ''Best Performance Of The Year / There's So Much That I Forgot'' 1990 Enrec
EPs
'Country Round-Up' 1959 Festival
ALBUMS
'Too Late For Regrets' 1982 CBS 'What Do Lonely People Do' 1983 EMI 'Long Way Home' 1986 Sundown 'You Don't Know Me' 1992 Enrec 'Love Walked In' 1994 BNJ 'Homecoming' 1996 Music City'Songs Of Praise and Inspiration' 1998 Tamworth Music 'Gems & A Few Jewels Volume 3' 2003 Tamworth Music 'Life's Been Good To Me' 2005 Tamworth Music 'What Really Matters' 2009 Tamworth Music 'How Can I Thank You' 2010 Tamworth Music 'Whatever Floats Your Boat' 2014 Tamworth Music 'Songs Of Love' 2016 Tamworth Music
Testeagles were formed as a techno rock trio in Adelaide in 1994 by Matthew Matt on lead guitar and lead vocals, his brother, Adrian Matt on drums and Dean Lawn on bass guitar. Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, felt they "displayed an uncanny ability to combine thudding metal/indie rock with electronic beats and samples to arrive at an intense brand of techno rock."
Their first EP, 'Chum', was released in December 1995, with seven tracks, on an independent record label, DEF Records. They were signed by Stuart MacQueen of Adelaide-based independent label, Krell Records. During 1998 they issued two EPs, 'B-Sting' (March) and 'Friends' (August), on Krell. Early in 1999 Lawn was replaced by Dave Paisawa. The band was signed by Epic/Sony and issued "Turn That Shit Up" as their first single in July that year. In January 2000 "Turn That Shit Up" was listed at #66 on Triple J's Hottest 100 for 1999. The single was followed by "Underdog" (October 1999) and "Like No Other".
Their debut album, 'Non Comprehendus', appeared in February 2000, which peaked at #8 on the ARIA Albums Chart. It was produced by Paul McKercher (You Am I, Spiderbait). McFarlane described it as "A heavy-duty mix of alterna-metal riff-rock, squalling sound effects, experimental electronic beats and samples, it was certainly the most visceral album to chart in the Australian Top 10 since the likes of Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson." Christie Eliezer of Billboard felt the album was similar to material by United States groups, KoЯn and Limp Bizkit. Due to label difficulties, the Testeagles left Sony and the independent label, Krell. The group were regulars at the annual Big Day Out festivals, and last appeared at the Adelaide venue in 2005. Testeagles final performance, before disbanding, was at the Hi-Fi Bar in Melbourne supporting Mammal on 21 June 2008.
Members
Matty Matt (vocals, guitars, sampler, programming), Dave Paisawa (vocals, guitar, bass, sampler, programming), Ady Matt (drums, turntables, programming) Dean Lawn (bass)
SINGLES ''Turn That Shit Up'' (#54) 1999 Krell Records ''Underdog'' 1999 Krell Records ''Like No Other'' 2000 Krell Records
EPs
'Chum' 1995 DEF Records 'B-Sting' 1998 Krell Records 'Friends' 1998 Krell Records
Edward Leslie "Ted" Hamilton (OAM) (born 1937) is an Australian singer, composer, playwright, entrepreneur and actor. In 1955, hailed as a teenage singing sensation, Hamilton began performing in nightclubs, and live on national radio. He guest starred on The Ford Show, Calling The Stars and The Gladys Moncrieff Show. He also had hit records with "Primrose Lane" and "The Things We Did Last Summer". Hamilton was also the featured singer with The Bob Gibson Band, Australia's premier swing-band, and the Australian All-Stars jazz quintet.
In 1956 Hamilton guest starred on Australia's first variety show broadcast on New Year’s Eve on ABC TV. Also in the 1950s, Hamilton featured in variety shows on all channels, including The Hit Parade (ABC), Make Mine Music (ABC), Bandstand (Channel 9), Sydney Tonight (Channel 7), and in the 1960s the seminal variety show Revue 61/62. In late 1965, Hamilton compered In Melbourne Tonight on Monday nights on Channel 9. He also starred in several variety specials, among them Ted Hamilton and Johnny Farnham - together again for the very first time.
Hamilton starred in the famous Australian TV series, Division 4 as Senior Constable Kevin Dwyer, winning best actor and best drama Logie awards. He also performed in a number of national theatre productions. He went on to host his own national variety shows on the ABC: Ted Hamilton's New Wave and Ted Hamilton's Musical World.
Hamilton moved his family to the United States and established a successful acting and corporate career. In 1980, when Rupert Murdoch attempted to establish a television presence in Australia, he acquired the Ten Channel in Melbourne. He invited Hamilton to return to Australia, to host The Ted Hamilton Show. However, the Broadcasting Control Board opposed his ownership and Murdoch quickly surrendered the idea, and sold his interest.
In 1981 Hamilton starred in The Pirate Movie with Christopher Atkins and Kristy McNichol. Hamilton and his partner David Joseph produced The Pirate Movie, the first Australian movie to receive a general release in the United States (2,500 screens 20th Century Fox). Hamilton provided development finance for The Wild Duck (Liv Ullmann and Jeremy Irons) for J. C. Williamson productions, and The Flight of the Navigator for Disney Studios. In 2001 Hamilton returned to Australia, performing in music and acting. In 2011 Hamilton was appointed Australia Day Ambassador. In the 2013 Australia Day Honours List Hamilton was awarded an OAM or service to the performing arts and to the community.
SINGLES
''Primose Lane / Just The Two Of Us'' 1959 HMV ''Pretty Baby / The Things We Did Last Summer'' 1959 HMV ''Ding Dong Bell / Kit, Kit, Kitten'' 1960 HMV ''The Lovin' Touch / You Are My Sunshine'' 1960 HMV ''Get On With Your Livin' (#81) / On This Road'' 1973 Fable ''Dandenong Grass / You Can Never Go Home'' 1974 ATA
''Come Friends Who Plough The Sea'' [Ted Hamilton and The Pirates] 1982 Polydor
Tim Gaze was born in 1953 and at age of 14, was a member of Stonehenge from 1968 replacing Ray Ferguson on guitar and vocals, alongside Nigel Macara on drums, Ross Ward on guitar and vocals, and Warren Ward on bass guitar. Gaze joined his first major band, Tamam Shud, in late 1969 in Sydney, replacing founding member Zac Zytnic, on lead guitar and vocals. Other members were Peter Barron on bass guitar, Lindsay Bjerre on vocals and guitar, and Dannie Davidson on drums. Gaze initially played with the progressive rock group for about six months but quit suddenly, around June 1970, just after recording their second album, 'Goolutionites and the Real People', which was released in October.
Gaze and Davidson then formed another progressive rock band, Kahvas Jute, in mid-1970 with Bob Daisley on bass guitar, and Dennis Wilson on lead guitar and vocals. Gaze contributed his first compositions to their only album, 'Wide Open' (released in January 1971). Soon after its recording Gaze rejoined Tamam Shud, remaining with them until the band broke up in August 1972. Also in the lineup was former Stonehenge band mate, Macara on drums. During this period Tamam Shud provided three tracks for the soundtrack of the Australian surfing film, Morning of the Earth, which became the first Australian film soundtrack to earn a gold record award.
In late 1972, after Tamam Shud disbanded, Gaze and Macara formed Miss Universe with George Limbidis on bass guitar and Phillip Pritchard on guitar. Early in the following year they rehearsed with Ross Hannaford and Ross Wilson (both ex-Daddy Cool) but after about a month Gaze left and Macara followed. Gaze and Macara were founding members of Ariel, another progressive rock group, which formed in 1973, alongside John Mills on keyboards, Bill Putt on bass guitar, and Mike Rudd on guitar and vocals (all ex-Spectrum). Aside from guitar and vocals, Gaze co-wrote tracks for the group's debut album, 'A Strange Fantastic Dream' (December 1973), including their first single, "Jamaican Farewell" (September). He remained with the group until April 1974 and then joined the Stevie Wright Band to tour Australia until the end of that year.
Gaze was a member of John Paul Young and the Allstars on guitar during 1975. In the following year he joined Headland alongside Neville Barker, Peter Bolton, Mick Norris, Bruce Parkinson and Judy Parkinson. In that year he founded Tim Gaze Rock Ensemble with Peter Blyton on bass guitar, Bolton on keyboards and Robbie France-Shaw on drums. Dayride followed in 1977, which included Gaze, Blyton and Bolton. Tim Gaze Band followed soon after and, in 1979, they supplied tracks for the surfing film, Band on the Run. The soundtrack album was re-released in a 2× CD format in 2004; the 1979 line-up was Gaze on guitar and vocals; Bolton on keyboards; Harry Curtis on bass guitar; France-Shaw on drums and percussion; Annette Henery on vocal and percussion; and Suzanne Petersen on vocals, guitar, flute and piano.
In 1985 Gaze, on slide guitar, became a member of hard rockers, Rose Tattoo, alongside Angry Anderson on lead vocals, Andy Cichon on bass guitar, keyboards and piano, Scott Johnston on drums and John Meyer on lead guitar. The line-up released a cover version of Steppenwolf's "Born to be Wild". Meyer left and the group recorded an album, 'Beats from a Single Drum' (1986), as a four-piece for Mushroom Records. The band separated by the end of 1987; Anderson re-released 'Beats from a Single Drum' as his solo album. It provided Anderson's debut single, "Suddenly" (July 1987), which peaked at #2 on the Kent Music Report Singles Chart.
Gaze established his own recording studio and performed in several different bands from the late 1980s to the early 1990s. He was a member of Pete Wells Band in 1991 with Wells on guitar, slide guitar and lead vocals (ex-Rose Tattoo); Lucy De Soto on piano, keyboards and backing vocals; Warwick Fraser on drums (ex-Feather, The Screaming Tribesmen); and Michael Vidale on bass guitar (ex-Jimmy and the Boys). In the following year Tim Gaze Trio issued an album, 'Rough Trade'. From 1992 to 1995 he periodically worked for Gyan including on her second album, 'Reddest Red' (October 1992), for which he co-wrote her single, "Something's Gotta Give" (August) and backing her singing with acoustic guitar for her solo shows.
In March 1993 Tamam Shud reformed with the line-up of Gaze, Barron, Bjerre and Macara. They issued a single, "Stay" (June 1994), and followed with an album, 'The Permanent Culture' (August). The group toured until April 1995 and disbanded again. Gaze returned to studio and session work. In 1996 he recorded his solo album, 'Blue Sierra', with studio musicians Pamela Jo Drysdale on accordion, Rob Grosser on drums, Damien Kennedy on bass guitar and Glen Muirhead on piano and keyboards. According to Australian musicologist, Ian McFarlane, it is "an exceptional release. The material ranged from the tough blues rocker 'Easy Mama' and the gypsy tinged 'Let It Rain', to the gorgeous acoustic ballad 'Say Goodbye'. Prominent throughout was Gaze’s always-tasteful guitar playing." To support the release Gaze formed Blue Sierra with Grosser and Kennedy.
Gaze and Grosser founded Tim Gaze and the Blues Doctors with Daniel Barnett on brass, Jim Conway on harmonica (from Backsliders), Ralph Franke on brass, Graeme Gibb on bass guitar and Mike Gubb on piano and organ. They issued an album, 'Blues Remedy' (1998), on Full Moon Records. McFarlane described how "Gaze went back to his roots, with covers of blues material like Little Walters' 'Blues with a Feeling' and Bukka White's 'Parchman Farm Blues', sitting alongside quality Gaze-penned originals like 'Hell to Pay' and 'Riverside Blues'."
In 2001 Gaze and Grosner formed the Hoochie Coochie Men with former Kahvas Jute member, Bob Daisley. Conway joined the group on harmonica. They released a self-titled debut album in that year, which Hector of Undercover News described as "a 39-minute party animal. Like Paul Christie did with the Party Boys in the 80s, Daisley and crew have produced an equally loose and fun record in their self-titled debut. It combines some blues classics with some very credible new music written by Daisley, Gaze and Grosser." Hector felt that "As accomplished musicians themselves, these guys know how to recreate a great song. Cream's 'Strange Brew', Johnny Winter's 'Dallas' and Jimmy Vaughan's 'Six Strings Down' are not necessarily your obvious band covers but familiar by their quality sounds."
The Hoochie Coochie Men issued two albums with Jon Lord on keyboards (from Deep Purple), 'Live at the Basement' (live album, November 2003) and 'Danger'. 'White Men Dancing' (December 2007). On 14 April 2008 Gaze issued a 2× CD compilation album of both his group and solo work, 'Reckless Love: the Tim Gaze Anthology'. Today he is still gigging and delighting audiences.
ALBUMS
'The Blues Remedy' [with Rob Grosser] 2007 Songline Management 'River City Blues' [with Rob Grosser] 2008 Songline Management 'Pictures Of The Coast' [with Peter Howe] 2009 Bombora Creative 'Live At The Joynt' 2009 IMT 'Better Days' [with Rob Grosser] 2009 Songline Management 'Twang The Drum' [with Rob Grosser] 2010 Songline Management 'Secret Spot-Songs For Surfers' [with Peter Howe] 2011 Bombora Creative 'Following Tom Thumb' [with Peter Howe] 2017 Bombora Creative
Donna Fisk born in 1960 is an award winning singer, songwriter-recording artist and producer with several albums, and a Royal Command performance. She has won five Southern Hemisphere Country Music Awards and the award for Best Female Entertainer at the Australian Country Music Awards. Donna was nominated for a MO Award and has been immortalised in the Hands of Fame park in Tamworth. She features in Andrea Lemon’s book Rodeo Girls go Round the Outside, exploring modern day female trailblazers for Australian Country Music. Donna has toured her own show as well as performing and recording overseas incorporating appearances on local and American television.
She was the voice on many national advertising campaigns including, “The Australian Centenary Of Federation”, and the face of Australian Football League/ Channel 7 theme’ Rock N’ Footy,‘ that ultimately led to performing at the Melbourne Cricket Ground for the prestigious Grand Final to an audience of millions. During her career Donna has shared the stage with the acclaimed artists such as Muhammad Ali, John Denver, Donny Osmond, Dame Edna Everage, Tom T. Hall, Canned Heat, Brian Cadd, Susan Raye, James Morrison, Tommy Emmanuel, Dave Dudley, Blood Sweat and Tears, Frank Ifield and The Seekers to mention just a few.
SINGLES ''Bring Me No More Roses / How Come I Have You'' 1981 WEA ''Little Things Mean A Lot / My Hearts Not Broken'' 1982 WEA ''You Could Have Heard A Pin Drop / Brown Eyed Boy'' WEA ''Read All About It / Open You Arms'' 1985 P.G. ''I'll Be Your Lover (On The Lonely Nights) / Love's Gone'' 1986 P.G. ''She's Driving Me Out Of Your Mind / One Touch Can Say It All'' 1987 Colstal Music ''The Cowboy Song / The Cowboy Song (Instrumental)'' 1988 Colstal Music 1988 'Still In Love With You'' 2014 ShowNet Records 'I Do' [with Allan Caswell] 2020 Checked Label Services 'Shoulder At The Wheel' 2020 'Crying Over' 2021 Checked Label Services 'You Are Christmas To Me' 2021 Checked Label Services
ALBUMS 'Side X Side' [with Johnny Chester] 1985 RCA 'Turn The Key' 1986 P.G. 'Joyride' [with Michael Cristian] Roustabout
The Godbotherers were an offshoot from Sydney bands Craven Fops and Living with Robert from around the late 80s. The two bands were on tour together when the drummer from the Fops broke her arm and couldn't play anymore. Jim White, the drummer who later played with Dirty Three, stood in for a night, but most of the Fops didn't want to continue the tour. Daniel Morphett, the singer from Craven Fops, got together with members of Living with Robert and thus the Godbotherers was born. They played around Sydney for a few years after this, releasing a four song EP entitled 'Jesus Christ It's the Godbotherers!' on Phantom Records.
Members
Daniel Morphett (vocals), Greg Hassall (guitar), Tony Locke (bass), Rob Shannon (drums)
The Shrinking Violets (1987–1990) formed in Sydney. They recorded with Phantom Records. Their first release ''Everything'' charted at #3, on the street independent charts in 1988 followed by a mini album 'Mask' which reached #6, on the same charts. Their track "Never Too Late" was included on compilation 'Young Blood II' - RooArt Records in 1990. After they disbanded Julian Knowles would turn up in Even As We Speak.
Members
Marcus Clement (vocals, guitar), Julian Knowles (guitars, vocals, keyboards), Barry Hayes (bass), Andrew Clement (drums)
Melbourne's, The Paul Trenda Group were formed originally as a school band (Bentleigh High School) in 1964 and performed at over 150 gigs until 1968. During that period the band played at most of the major dances and discos around Melbourne as well as at corporate functions and private parties.
Members
Rob McNaught (guitar), John McNaught (bass), Paul Alsberg (vocals), Joe Burg (drums), Arwin de Goede (keyboards), Bill Kilvert (sax), Bill Lonergan (vocals)
Formed in Geelong in the 60s, The Cherobendys were one of the most popular vocal groups in the field of sacred music. The group's name was a combination of their christian names. They were winners of the Melbourne and Victoria Youth for Christ Talent Contest and Grand Champions of the National Y.F.C Contest. They were featured on radio and TV and toured New Zealand in 1969. They recorded a couple of EP's. One on the Pointer label and one on the Crest label.
Members
Cheryl Nankervis (piano) Robin Nankervis (vocals), Wendy Aitken (vocals)
Aloi Head and the Victor Motors were born in the mid 80’s out of Rob Craw, and his brother Al. Rob’s band at the time, the Huxton Creepers, were the hottest ticket in town, the next big thing. Rob and Al began jamming with mates of Al’s: Victor E. Gugger on bass and Mark “The King” Johnstone on drums. An extraordinarily basic rhythm section. The King has the loudest voice of any drummer anywhere. He claims that when he sings the insides of his head shake. Jon Von Goes (JVG), who for years has been the voice of RRR on Sunday afternoons, wanted to be a part of it and elbowed his way into those sessions. He didn’t exactly hip and shoulder Rob out. The Huxton Creepers were more than a full-time thing. JVG quit the Hollowmen to join Aloi Head and as a result the Hollowmen went from strength to strength. The first gig Aloi Head and the Victor Motors played was at the Middle Park Hotel. The sound bloke for that gig was Mal Stanley who now presents Jazztrack on ABC Classic FM.
Members
Rob Craw (vocals guitar), Victor Gugger (bass), Mark Johnstone (drums), Al Craw (guitar), Jon Van Goes (vocals), Andrew Heard (bass), Bob Acland (guitar)
SINGLES ''Ball...Yes! / Beer, Beer / The Bad Man'' 1991 MDS
ALBUMS
'Poo' 1987 PolyEster
'Aloi Head And The Victor Motors' 1991 Van Der Haar Records
In 1977 Bob Elliston formed a band called the Panton Hill Umbrella Club (known affectionately as the Phuc band) with many of his old friends from the 60s. The band became very well known in the Melbourne scene at pubs, clubs and festivals. The band released an album 'Sofisticated' on the Pumphandle label in 1981. They were a hard band to classify, but probably best described as a country jazz band which included jug music. The Panton Hill Umbrella Club had up to seven members (depending on who was available) and around thirteen instruments. They played their last gig in 1982.
Members
Bob Elliston (vocals/dobro/guitar), Tony Dunn (bass), Ron Davis (guitar), Brent Davey (banjo/keyboards), Tim Shaw (sax/clarinet), Ken Farmer (washboard/tambourine), David Hampson (guitar), Rowan Flude (harmonica)
