Australian Music Archives

As we wrap the 1st quarter of 1965, we will learn to dance "The Cling", hear minor chart entries from 'regulars' Colin Cook, Johnny Devlin (Did McCartney really co-write?) and Dinah Lee. The highest chart success was Laurie Allen and Bobby Bright's "I Belong to You" on the GO!! label. We also hear the strange case of how a five-minute folk song reached 33 on the national chart in 1965! Gary Shearston did it! A new female artist hits the charts the charts for the first time; Lynne Randell, and Merv Benton wraps the quarter; short but certainly sweet!

Part A of the 1st quarter of 1965 is another streamlined episode but not short on highlights. The Seekers hit No.1 with the Tom Springfield written and produced "I'll Never Find Another You". Ray Brown & The Whispers hit the ground running with the double-sider, 20 Miles/Devoted to You. We'll also hear a quite brilliant, organ-fuelled instrumental entry from The Playboys, before they link with Normie Rowe. And Brisbane band, The Pacifics, morph from a Surf to a Garage band with Bobby Dean as vocalist. Enjoy the music!

Returning to the Johnny Rebb Story this week with Part 2. Part 1 was published as Episode 24, August 22, 2021. In this episode, Johnny Rebb goes solo, leaving his band, The Rebels. He moves labels to CBS Coronet and moves to the USA where he was to record two 45s on the DOT label. A return to Australia and a return to CBS follows with the first of many collaborations with The Atlantics appearing. The Johnny Rebb story is one of persistence and determination. It's a great Australian story with two more episodes to come, such was the breadth of Johnny's recording career.

1964 rounds out with some significant chart entries from Australian artists. The highest-charting entry is from Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs with Over The Rainbow/That I Love, reaching No.2. Jay Justin scores his second-highest chart success with Reminiscing reaching No.18. Dinah Lee, Little Pattie & Bryan Davies all hit the charts, yet none reached the higher echelons. We'll also hear the the first chart entry for Tony Worsley & The Fabulous Blue Jays. And, a touch of satirical whimsy with "The Opera House is Falling Down"?! Plus more; enjoy!

After a lean three months for Australian artists post The Beatles tour, the final quarter of 1964 is split into two parts, such was the flood of releases. Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs achieve the highest chart position with Sick and Tired/About Love. Another Linda Lee label artist, Johnny Noble has his biggest chart success with Lonely City. Dinah Lee continues her momentum with Reet Petite/Do The Bluebeat. And a couple of 'veterans' soldier on with more chart success; Johnny O'Keefe & Lucky Starr. Enjoy the music!

Returning to the Chart Series and the 3rd quarter of 1964; a relatively lean period for Australian artists as Beatlemania begins to bite. However, there was a handful of high-charting Australian artist releases and a couple from NZ artists who were very successful in Australia. Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs continue their surge with Don't 'Cha Know/Mashed Potato. If you're up to it, count the "Yeahs" in Mashed Potato! Rob E.G. hits with a self-composed big ballad, When You're Not Near. The Mod Queen, Dinah Lee, makes an Australian Chart debut with Don't You Know Yockomo. And, the epic hit from Ray Columbus & The Invaders is released to join a bevy of overseas stars in reaching No.1. And much, much more, including Noeleen Batley's Little Treasure From Japan.

As the Australian Summer of 2021-22 closes out, we wrap the Australian Summer of Surf 1962-3. There's more tales to tell of Surf Music Australia - in the future. Of course, the highlight of this episode is the fondly-remembered debut 45 from Little Pattie; now recognised by the NFSA as a "Sound of Australia"! We'll hear surf music offerings from two performers who, up to this point, had stayed on the songwriting side of Surf; Johnny Devlin & Jay Justin. The Atlantics' follow-up to Bombora, The Crusher, charts. And we hear a Barry Gibb 'Surf' composition; Surfer Boy for Noeleen Batley. And there's certainly more! Enjoy.

A whole month of Surf Music this week, October 1963; the Summer of Surf was well and truly rolling! We'll hear music from: The Delltones, The Denvermen, The Aztecs, The Dave Bridge Trio & more! Amongst the people, places & instruments to be referenced in this episode are: Ben Acton, the Rev. Alan Walker, the Maroubra Ice Rink, Deadly Earnest and a balalaika!! So take a listen to how Surf Music took over the airwaves in October of 1963.

Labour of Love this one: I'm one of 'those' fans of Surf Music, particularly Australian! When my children were young, I used to annoy them by playing Surf Music to-and-from every beach visit! I also think in this 'summer of discontent' it's positive to remember the sun, sand and surf days of 1962-4. In this 1st episode we cover the period, late '62 to September '63. Amongst the luminaries in this first episode (often as a group member) are Dave Lincoln, Laurie Arthur, Peter Robinson, Les Green, Darryl Stewart (?!), Vince Melouney, John "Bluey" Watson, Rod Rumble, Marty Van Wyk, Roland Storm and, of course, The Atlantics. Find a cool spot, grab a cold drink and remember the fun times of the Surf Music Era - Australia.

The first half of 1964 rounds out with very few Australian releases high in the charts. In fact, the highest-charting 45 is from New Zealand's Bill & Boyd; the beginning of a very successful recording career in Australia. Rock 'n' Roll revival is certainly a theme with entries from Johnny Devlin, Merv Benton, Johnny Chester, and Johnny O'Keefe with "Shout Parts 1 & 2", a revival of his 1959 hit, this time with the backing of "Australia's Beatles", The Rajahs! And a chart entry from another under-recorded female singer, April Byron who was soon to come under the patronage of The Bee Gees. Enjoy the sounds of mid-1964.