Kerrie Biddel auditioned in 1968 at the age of 21 as vocalist for the band Affairs and became their lead singer. They won the National Battle of the Sounds and in 1970 went to England. While in England the members found different directions and Kerrie came back to Australia. She began appearing with the Daly Wilson Big Band while with them she married David Glyde front man for Sounds Incorporated. In that year they moved to Canada with the help of Phil Birnbaum who briefly managed her for a year. She lived in Toronto and made her living doing session work. After she returned to Australia and signing to Bootleg Records she started working on an LP straight away the S/T LP was a best seller 1973. Here to download from "Man Of Sorrows" with Neil Williams recorded for H.M.V. Records "Hail All Hail" b/w "My Boy's Different" (EA-9890) from 1972. Both sides are from "Man Of Sorrows" with the B side sang by Kerrie.
Greg Bonham was raised on his father's sheep farm in Wagga Wagga, with two brothers and two sisters and from the age of eleven was fronting the Bonham kids own band, but a network talent quest called "Showcase", which he won hands down, was soon to bring him national recognition and Greg Bonham's solo career has begun. Greg decided to seriously study music and finally he scored top honours at Sydney's conservatorium of music. With the farm far behind him, now based in Sydney. Starring in Hilton Hotels and entertaining U.S. military personnel. The ten year period bases in Sydney armed Greg with seven single recordings, a live album at Sydney's spectacular Opera House and over 150 national television appearances but finally ambition urged him overseas, to England. After five years in England, an engagement in Miami Florida brought Greg to the U.S.A. Merv Griffin introduced him to American television audiences, leading to major booking throughout the country. Here to download is Greg's first single for Festival Records in 1968 "Just A Little Guy" b/w "One Girl Ago" (FK-2616) produced by John Egginton. Greg's leisure time is fishing, especially now, from his new waterfront home on North Miami Beach, which he shares with his wife, Liz and daughter Rebel.
Cash, whose real name is Arvids Krastins was born of Latvian parents. He grew up in Ascot Vale a Melbourne suburb. At the age of 15 he began singing and writing songs, his first hit was a cover of Jim Stafford's hit "My Girl Bill" for Image Records in 1974. The song became a top 10 hit. His next chart success was in February 1975, with another cover, this time Jim Reeve's "He'll Have To Go". He was also developing into an actor with roles in Division 4 and Homicide as a tough man. Here to download is Cash's 1976 single "Caroline" b/w "Can't Bring Myself To Tell You" (RB-271) from his 2nd LP “A Little Bit Of Understanding” on Rainbow Records. "Caroline" was about his wife.
I was unable to find a lot on this band except it must have been a popular name in the 70's. There was The Breakaway in Perth between 75-76, Hobart also had The Breakaway 68-70 and Melbourne had The Breakaways from 62-66. Breakaway here for you to download are from Brisbane, members were Ray Van Ross and Peter Robbins. Recorded for Sunshine Records they released two singles "Country Boy" 1974 and also out of '74 their first single "God Give Us Strength" b/w "I Don't Know Why" (K-5467)
Here is another song that could have come from the Concert For Darwin LP. This time it's Ted Maher with his song about Cyclone Tracy, which took most Darwin residents by surprise. Despite several warnings the people of Darwin did not evacuate or prepare for the cyclone. Many residents continued to prepare for Christmas, and many attended Christmas parties, despite the increasing winds and heavy rain. But who is Ted Maher? there is nothing on the net that I can find about this singer the only Ted Maher on the net is an American registered nurse convicted of arson in a 1999, and I'm sure it's not this Ted. The single was released on M7 Records in 1975 and both sides of the single were written by E. Maher and produced by Rory Thomas. Here to download is that single "Tracy" b/w "Good Morning World" (MS-092).
Karen Knowles was born on the 4th of March 1964 and was educated in Melbourne at the Methodist Ladies' College. She became nationally famous on the popular television program Young Talent Time, where she was a member of the Young Talent Team from 1975 to 1980. In 1980 she signed with Fable Records and became the first Australian schoolgirl to receive a Gold record with her Top Ten single "Why Won't You Explain" the music was by Guido and Maurizio De Angelis with the English lyric by Dennis Walter. Here to download is that single from 1981 and it's B side "Rock Me" (FB 337) produced by Ron Tudor for Fable.
Lucky Starr is one of the founding members of the Australian Pop Music Industry. A regular on television shows such as Bandstand and also hosted Six O’clock Rock for one season. In 1962 Lucky recorded a hit record “I’ve Been Everywhere”, which to date still remains one of Australia’s all time favourites. Lucky was also the first Australian performer to entertain the troops in Vietnam; in fact paying his own way there and made five subsequent trips into the war zone. Here to download is he's 1964 single "The Three Trees b/w "Don't Ask Me Why" (FK-761) recorded for Festival. The A side was written by Andrey Marshall and the B side written by Lucky. Lucky’s style ranges from Rock & Roll, to Country through to Jazz and is in fact similar to the late great Bobby Darin.
Bandanna was basically a biker’s band. They were a Sydney based Blues/Boogie/Rock band of the 80’s formed in 1986 by Larry Macmillan, Terry Duffy, Graeme Newtown and Rick Doolan. They were similar to George Thorogood in sound but were more like Dire Straits doing Z Z Top in looks. They had over 15 members go through their stables before they disbanded in 1990. They released a mini LP in 1986 "Bag Fulla Boogie." and two singles. Here to download is their single from 1988 "Boogie Down Under" b/w "Boogie Down Under-Motor Mix" (104847) on Possum Records. The single was produced by Matthew Hughes.
Another Rolf Harris single, this time recorded in 1967 "Pukka Chicken" b/w "Here Come the Bees (Love Has Gone)" (DO-5051) on Columbia Records. The A side penned by Rolf and the B side written by Hubert Pattison. Here to download is "Pukka Chicken" which was released on a Best Of Rolf Harris back in 1999 but has long been deleted. The several Best Of CD’s since have never included the song and I'm sure the B side has never seen CD. So enjoy another one of Rolf's zany songs that only Rolf can sing. I'm pretty sure there's never been a covered version of this one.
Coleman's broadcasting career started in the late 1970s in Australia when he was chosen a member of the reporting team for the popular afternoon children's TV magazine show Simon Townsend's Wonder World, created and hosted by journalist Simon Townsend. This was followed by several years as a DJ and presenter on the ABC's youth radio network Triple J. On post #28 we see Jonathan teaming up with Ricky May in 1983 recorded the single “Built For Comfort (I Ain’t Built For Speed)". This time he is accompanied by The Brenda Gee Singers on the 1981 WEA single "Aussies On 45" (100188). Here to download is that single with it's B side "Aussies On 45" Jonathan Coleman is also the voice of the popular Australian 70s and 80s music radio program "My Generation", heard on the Australian Radio Network.
This track could have come from post #168, recorded and written in 1975 by Johnny Ashcroft "Darwin Lives On" was written about Cyclone Tracy that devastated the city of Darwin, on Christmas Eve to Christmas Day, 1974. The total proceeds of this single went to the Darwin Appeal. It was recorded at Alberts Studio's for RCA Records and produced by Rocky Thomas. Thomas & The Good Music Orchestra provided the B side of the single with an instrumental version of the song. Here to download is "Darwin Lives On" (102563)
In December 1978, Ol' 55 recorded their third LP " Cruisin' For A Bruisin' " (MLF 234). It was not successful, even with the release of five singles from the album which all were unsuccessful on the charts. In March of 1979 Ol' 55 signed overseas deals with CBS for the release of the album in Canada and with PolyGram in Europe. But with splits in the ranks of the band stopped any follow up on the deal. The album was recorded at Trafalgar Studios in Sydney and was produced by Charles Fisher in 1978. Here to download is the album recorded on Junction Records.
Glenn Barrie Shorrock born on 30 June 1944, in Chatham, Kent; UK is an Australian singer who is best known as a founding member and lead singer of Little River Band. He came to fame in Australia, as the co lead singer of '60s band The Twilights. They scored major Australian hits with singles including "Needle In A Haystack", and their cover of The Hollies' "What's Wrong With The Way I Live", which was recorded at Abbey Road Studios in London. After The Twilights split in early 1969, Shorrock joined the early supergroup Axiom with Brian Cadd and members of other leading Australian pop groups. Although Axiom lasted only a couple of years, they had several hits and recorded two highly acclaimed LPs. Shorrock remained in the UK after the split of Axiom, and during this time he performed with the multinational band Esperanto. In late 1974, just before returning to Australia, he was invited to join a new line-up of Mississippi who were in England at the time. He joined the group as lead singer, and soon after they returned to Australia they changed their name to Little River Band. The group went on to become one of the most successful bands ever to come out of Australia, and the first Australian group to achieve major commercial success in the U.S. Glenn left Little River Band in 1982 and was replaced as lead singer by John Farnham. In 1985 Glenn released the title track to the John Badham film starring Kevin Costner, American Flyers. Here for you to download is that single recorded for Capitol Records "American Flyers' b/w "Duchess Is Returning" (CP 1802) Shorrock returned to the L R B in 1988 but, despite several quality albums, the band did not regain its earlier stellar recognition. He left the band again in 1996.
Marty Rhone was born Carl Van Rhoon, on 7th of May 1948. Of Dutch Indonesian ancestry, he started singing at an early age and at 17 went straight from school to a professional singing career. In late 1965 Marty and his band The Blue Feelings went to audition for a new record company called Spin Records, which was run by Nat Kipner. Nat liked Marty, but not the band, and as a result Marty signed with the label as a solo act. Nat Kipner had seen The Soul Agents performing at a Sydney club and was very impressed with the band, so in January 1966 Marty Rhone and The Soul Agents joined forces and became part of the Spin roster along with Steve & The Board, the Bee Gees, Jeff St. John & The Id, Tony Barber, The Dave Miller Set and Ronnie Burns. The next twelve months was a hectic schedule taken up with recording, touring and television appearances. There were many highlights in their touring schedule including support to The Rolling Stones on their 1966 Australian tour. In 1967, The Soul Agents took on a full time residency performing at one of Sydney’s biggest Nightclubs, and Marty moved to Melbourne where he continued to do television and personal appearances and remained there until early 1970 when he was conscripted into the army for a two year period. Out of his battle greens in 1972, Marty enrolled at the NSW Conservatorium of Music on a government grant for a two year period and then turned his attention toward acting, where he worked both live theatre Godspell and on television with roles including Number 96, Certain Woman and Class of ’75. Here to download is the EP "Marty Rhone & The Stars Of Godspell - 5 Great Hits From Godspell" (SPG.001) released on EMI Records in 1975 it also featured the singing of Carmen Tanti, Peita Toppano and Emma Gray. The music arrangement was by Rory Thomas and Arthur Pettett produced the EP. In August 1975, Marty signed to the M7 label and burst into the charts with “Denim And Lace”, which became the year’s second biggest selling single.
As a result of the 1970 radio ban, during which many Australian radio stations refused to play Australian and British music released by major labels, the Mixtures recorded a cover of Mungo Jerry's "In the Summertime" and received much more airplay than had initially been expected for a group on a small record label. The single went to #1 in Australia for six weeks. They followed up with "The Pushbike Song", which went to #1 in Australia for two weeks, hit #2 in the UK Singles Chart, and went to #44 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the U.S. The next single, "Henry Ford", peaked at #43. Here for you to download is the B side of "Henry Ford" "Home Away From Home" (FB-062) produced by David MacKay for Fable Record and written by Mick Flinn and Fred Weiland. The next single "Captain Zero" went to #5 in 1971, their last big hit. The group released material together for several more years before breaking up in 1976.
Russell Morris moved to London in 1973 to record a new album. When he got there he discovered there was no record contract waiting for him. He then relocated to New York and set to work on an album there. This S/T LP released in 1975 on Robie Porter's Wizard label in Australia and on RCA for US release, included re-recordings of "Wings Of An Eagle" and "Sweet, Sweet Love", with ten new songs penned by Russell including the single "Let's Do It", which reached #14 in November '75. It took two more years before he was granted his Green Card, enabling him to work in America. By that time, any chance of an American career had evaporated. By the time Russell returned home he found a very different Australia than the one he had left behind five years earlier. He fronted a variety of bands during the Eighties including Russell Morris & the Rubes, The Russell Morris Band and The Lonely Boys, and he has notched up a number of solid hits and fine, well received Albums over the years. But for now here to download is the 1975 S/T album recorded on Wizard "Russell Morris" (ZL-208)
Cyclone Tracy was a tropical cyclone that devastated the city of Darwin, Northern Territory, from Christmas Eve to Christmas Day, 1974. It is the most compact hurricane or equivalent strength tropical cyclone on record in the Australian basin, with gale-force winds extending only 48 kilometres. Tracy killed 71 people, caused $837 million in damage and destroyed more than 70 percent of Darwin's buildings, including 80 percent of houses. Tracy left homeless more than 20,000 out of the 49,000 inhabitants of the city. A benefit concert at the Sydney Opera House in January 1975 raises $75,000 for victims of the Cyclone Tracy disaster. Under the musical direction of Tommy Tycho and performances by Brian Cadd & The Bootleg Family, Don Lane, William Shakespeare, Rolf Harris, Mary Jane Boyd, Colleen Hewitt, Barry Crocker, Paul Hogan and Winifred Atwell to name a few. Released by RCA M7 and Festival Records and produced by Roger Woodward, Robert Gunn. Here to download is the 1975 double album "Concert For Darwin" (SMX-44978) live at the Sydney Opera House.
Matt Flinders, born Sylvan Louis Bonett in Alexandria, Egypt, is a singer who rose to prominence in the late 1960s in Australia. Of French, English and Italian background, he migrated to Australia with his family in 1951. After singing on a few radio and TV commercials, Matt Flinders was discovered by Ron Tudor of Astor Records who suggested the name change to Matt Flinders (after the explorer Matthew Flinders) which was deemed to be easier to pronounce and remember than his birth name. Matt had two top ten singles in Australia: "Picking up Pebbles" in 1969 which reached No.1 in Melbourne, and "Butterfly" 1971. He appeared on his own television show, Matt Flinders and Friends 1972-1973, as well as his own radio show, both for the ABC. Here to download is he's 1969 EP "Picking Up Pebbles" (AEP 4069) on Astor Records, Produced by Ron Tudor and the music was arranged and conducted by Johnny Hawker.
Recorded on Robie Porter's Wizard Records "G'Day L.A. (Pavlova)" b/w "Jumbuck" (ZS-1204) was one of the Rolf Harris's songs that escaped me. I must say I had never heard it till I came across it at a record fair in Sydney a few weeks ago. Both sides of the single were written and produced by Rolf and was released in 1984. I can't find out much more about the song except that it's Rolf to a tee with the traditional Aussie humour that he is famous for.
