Best Aussie 1 Song Podcasts (2024)

1
Singers-EP.11-Cheryl Gray Part 1 28:30

6M ago28:30

28:30

Apologies for the delay in getting this episode published. The throat is still not clear and then, I had to update my audio editor; and we know what can happen with updates! Cheryl Gray's career has been a remarkable one. In this first episode we sort out the 'name' issue (Cheryl Gray/Samantha Sang), trace Cheryl's remarkable musical grounding and …

1
Groups-EP.8 The Atlantics Pt.1 33:19

8M ago33:19

33:19

After a few months off the scene, I'm back with an opening episode featuring the music of The Atlantics. This episode focusses on 1963 and The Atlantics rapid rise in the space of a few months. As well as the classics; Bombora and The Crusher, we'll hear The Atlantics as backing band for Kelly Green, Kenny Shane and Johnny Rebb. There's a lot of gr…

1
TV-Series-Ep.3 The Johnny O’Keefe Show 1962 35:33

12M ago35:33

35:33

Made it again after more medical misadventures; Covid this time, with various implications for the voice! I am going to take a three-month break with the publication of this one; recharge the batteries! Episode 3 of the TV Series is taken from an LP, The Johnny O’Keefe Show (a 1962 episode). The LP was reissued on CD. However, no attempt was made t…

1
Australian-LPs-EP.1-My Favourite Kinda’ People 44:49

1y ago44:49

44:49

Apologies for the delay in publishing the next episode but I’ve been making a one-person assault on Medicare; many tests but not much to see! This episode is another where we play and comment on a whole LP; in this instance, “My Favourite Kinda’ People”, W&G 1965. The “My” in the title refers to Brian De Courcy who managed four of the seven artists…

1
Singers-EP.10-Johnny O’Keefe Part 2 35:40

1y ago35:40

35:40

Episode 2 of the Johnny O’Keefe story covers the period from July ‘58 to August ‘59. This was a period of significant advancement for Johnny O’Keefe & The Dee Jays.; several hit records and the release of the first LP; the seminal TV show, Six O’Clock Rock began; several appearances on Lee Gordon Big Shows and an appearance on promoter Bill Watson’…

1
TV-Series-Ep.2 Bandstand 1963 38:13

1+ y ago38:13

38:13

A belated return to the Television Series with Brian Henderson’s Bandstand ‘63. This episode was released as an LP, from which the songs used in this podcast have been digitised. The songs also appeared on the Brian Henderson’s Bandstand CD, issued in the “SPIN” series around the turn of the century. The LP is a part-snapshot of the Australian Musi…

1
#69 Singers-EP.9-Johnny O’Keefe Part 1 34:09

1+ y ago34:09

34:09

This weeks episode takes us back to the Singers series, with Part One of the Johnny O’Keefe story. The first episode takes us from July ‘57 to May ‘58. So there’s a lot to go and a lot more research to do! Particular thanks to Bob Hayden and Don Hudson for their definitive work, “Johnny O’Keefe Discography”(2020) which lays out a complete and accur…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.45 1966 June 28:25

1+ y ago28:25

28:25

After the Christmas/New Year break, we return and head into the Australian Music hitting the charts in June 1966. The highest charting 45 was a double-sider for Johnny Young & Kompany on the Clarion label out of Perth. In fact, three Perth groups hit the charts this month, along with a group out of Hobart and another out of Adelaide; certainly refl…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.44 1966 May 26:51

1+ y ago26:51

26:51

May 1966, the last month of Autumn, brings a load of 60s classics entering the charts, including Frank Sinatra’s return to the top of the charts with Strangers in the Night. On the Australian artist side, Normie Rowe reaches the highest position with Pride & Joy/The Stones That I Throw (and who wrote that one?). We’ll also hear debut chart success …

1
Australian-Charts-EP.43 1966 April 32:54

1+ y ago32:54

32:54

April of 1966 brings us Bobby & Laurie’s No.1 hit, Hitch Hiker. The Easybeats reach No.3 with Come and See Her, yet another Wright-Young composition. There’s certainly a couple in the “should have been bigger” category; Mike Furber & The Bowery Boys with You Stole My Love reaching 36, and The Allusions with Gypsy Woman reaching 27. There’s some sat…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.42 1966 March 28:30

1+ y ago28:30

28:30

In March of 1966 we’ll hear hits from The Seekers, Patsy Biscoe, The Purple Hearts and Steve & The Board; quite a contrast! We’ll also attempt to unravel the “Bay City” dilemma: Why did so many bands have “Bay City” in their name? The Cherokees, Tony Worsley, Little Gulliver, Pat Carroll and The Wild Colonials also enter the charts. Quite a month f…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.41 1966 February 35:12

1+ y ago35:12

35:12

A swag of high-charting Australian Music in February 1966: The mighty, The Throb, lead the way with Fortune Teller. Other big hits come from Normie Rowe, The Twilights, MPD LTD and The Groop. We’ll hear debut 45s for Margie Bayes and The Sonomatics, and a return to the charts for Ernie Sigley and Merv Benton. Enjoy a great month of Australian Music…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.40 1966 January 30:34

1+ y ago30:34

30:34

This week: A return to the Chart series and January of 1966; the year that some historians claim to be the pivotal year for 1960s musical culture. In Australia, 1966 began with three big hits of the weeks ahead entering the chart: Tony Barber, ex-Aztec with Someday, The Easybeats with Women/In My Book, and Ray Brown and The Whispers with Tennessee …

1
Singers-EP.8-Frankie Davidson Part 2 39:25

1+ y ago39:25

39:25

Episode 2 of the Frankie Davidson story, covers the years 1961-63. Have You Ever Been To See Kings Cross hits high in the charts. We also learn of the unusual intent of Frankie’s LP of the same title. There’s a W&G custom recording for Lawrence Dry Cleaners which grew a life of its own and, around mid-1963, Frankie heads to London to pursue his dre…

1
Singers-EP.7-Frankie Davidson Part 1 32:06

1+ y ago32:06

32:06

Here’s Episode One of the Frankie Davidson Story; a bit later than expected. As it turned out there isn’t a lot that has been written about Frankie. The History of Aussie Music Blogspot has an excellent summary and Glenn A Baker wrote a thorough obituary at the time of Frankie’s recent passing. I discovered a three-hour field interview on the NLA s…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.39 1965 Pt.4D 44:02

1+ y ago44:02

44:02

December of 1965 again sees Billy Thorpe and The Aztecs at the top of their game with the double sider, Love Letters/Dancing in The Street reaching a national high of 3. Tony Worsley also hits with the double-sider Missing You/Lonely City reaching a 27 high.There’s a couple of ‘sleepers’ this month which should have reached a much higher chart posi…

1
Episode 24: Doctor Jones 48:18

1+ y ago48:18

48:18

Episode 24 of Every Aussie #1 Song Ever! My nasal passages were quite full so you may notice an especially sultry tone to my voice...apologies! Back to '97 again! Time to call the Doctor, let's hope they're in session. All the regular segments are here - artist facts, song ratings, chart watch and a play through of the song! Thanks for tuning in. H…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.38 1965 Pt.4C 41:42

2y ago41:42

41:42

Heading into November of 1965 and, in a sad irony with the recent passing of Judith Durham, we’ll hear The Seekers’ No.1 hit, the poignant The Carnival Is Over. Normie Rowe takes the 2nd highest position with Tell Him I’m Not Home/Baby Call On Me. We’ll hear from The Easybeats & The Cherokees, with national chart debuts from Sharon Black, Yvonne Ba…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.37 1965 Pt.4B 34:39

2y ago34:39

34:39

October of 1965 and Ray Brown & The Whispers score the highest-charting hit with In The Midnight Hour. We have follow-up hits for Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs, The Times & M.P.D. Ltd. First chart entries from Max Hamilton & The Impacts, with Gil Matthews on guitar, and Richard Wright & The Vikings. We will also hear a rare reissue; in this instance, M…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.36 1965 Pt.4A 41:02

2y ago41:02

41:02

September of 1965 brings us 15 Australian-artist songs that made the Top 100, highlighted by Normie Rowe and The Playboys #1 smash double-sider, Que Sera Sera/Shakin’ All Over. Groups that made the national chart include; The Easybeats, The D-Coys and The Flies. The Bee Gees make their biggest chart impression to this point. And, of course, much mu…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.35 1965 Pt.3B 33:39

2y ago33:39

33:39

A return to the Chart Series and the month of August 1965. An amazing month with five songs that would in time be considered as 60s classics entering the Australian chart, including the Righteous Brothers’ Unchained Melody. The highest charting Australian release was Billy Thorpe and The Aztecs’ double-sider Twilight Time/Hello Josephine. We’ll als…

1
Top10-Series-Ep.2 1960 30:42

2y ago30:42

30:42

Episode Two of the Top Ten series brings us to 1960 and we find Johnny O’Keefe and Col Joye still dominating with three Top Ten hits each. The other four are once-only (for 1960) Top Ten appearances for Noeleen Batley, Lonnie Lee, Johnny Ashcroft and Rolf Harris. 1960 also brings three Australian artist No 1s whereas in 1959 there was only one. The…

1
Top10-Series-Ep.1 1959 32:40

2y ago32:40

32:40

Before we move too far from the beginning, here’s a Top Ten episode, featuring the Top Ten Australian artist hits of 1959. All chart positions are taken from David Kent’s Australian Chart Chronicles, compiled on a national basis. Interestingly, only four Australian artists (+ one in a shared chart entry) are to appear in the Top Ten, with two of th…

1
TV-Series-Ep.1 Bandstand 1962 42:46

2y ago42:46

42:46

A couple of weeks off after this episode; the postponed summer holiday happens in winter! And now for something completely different; Brian Henderson’s Bandstand! This is an early-1962 episode described in the liner notes as a “Super Bandstand”. Festival released the soundtrack on an LP titled, “Brian Henderson’s Bandstand”. The sound quality on th…

1
Australian-EPs-Ep.2 Johnny O’Keefe & The Dee Jays 33:00

2y ago33:00

33:00

This week we return to the EP series with an episode focussed on Johnny O’Keefe & The Dee Jays’ first five EPs, 1958-60. This is an attempt to look at the career of Johnny O’Keefe from a different perspective. Future episodes will move through the EPs of the 60s and the early-70s; and there’s plenty of them! In researching this, and future, episode…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.34 1965 Pt.3A 36:38

2y ago36:38

36:38

July of 1965 is jam-packed with great Australian Music. Ray Brown & The Whispers score the highest chart position, closely followed by The Seekers. And, another bag of chart debutants; Peter Doyle, The Spinning Wheels, Buddy England, Billy Adams, The Kravats and, The Kini Quartet. Regulars, Ray Columbus & The Invaders, The Playboys, The Henchmen an…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.33 1965 Pt.2C 46:09

2y ago46:09

46:09

Another whole month of Australian Music; in this episode, June of 1965. Chart high points come with double-siders from Billy Thorpe & The Aztecs and The Easybeats. Laurie Allen & Bobby Bright reach No.20 with their 2nd 45. And a wide range of chart debuts from; Marcie Jones, John Perry, The Twilights, The Rondells, The Flies, Jade Hurley & The Wesl…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.32 1965 Pt.2B 32:05

2y ago32:05

32:05

After recovering from Covid, the voice is back in operation: May of 1965 brings us the first release for Normie Rowe & The Playboys with the controversial “It Ain’t Necessarily So”. The highest chart position is achieved by The Seekers with “A World of Our Own”. The Pink Finks, led by Ross Wilson, have a hit with “Louie Louie” and establish their o…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.31 1965 Pt.2A 34:43

2y ago34:43

34:43

In this episode we feature April releases only, such was the Australian artist output, although there were only two that reached the Top 10 nationally. We’ll hear the first release from The Changing Times; the name itself an apt description for the month. There’s a noticeable shift to ‘tuff’ R&B, aligning with The Rolling Stones ascendancy; The Spi…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.30 1965 Pt.1B 26:11

2y ago26:11

26:11

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 rea…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.29 1965 Pt.1A 26:24

2y ago26:24

26:24

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 …

1
Singers-EP.6-Johnny Rebb Part 2 30:05

2y ago30:05

30:05

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 …

1
Australian-Charts-EP.28 1964 Pt.4B 47:45

2y ago47:45

47:45

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 t…

1
Episode 23: MMMBop 56:57

2+ y ago56:57

56:57

Episode 23 of Every Aussie #1 Song Ever! Back to the 90s we go for a familiar bop no doubt. Put your poster back up on the wall and settle in. Enjoy! All the regular segments are here - artist facts, song ratings, chart watch and a play through of the song! Thanks for tuning in. Hope you enjoy the chatter as the show progresses through the Australi…

1
Episode 22: Till The Lights Of London Shine Again 43:16

2+ y ago43:16

43:16

Episode 22 of Every Aussie #1 Song Ever! This new episode taking you way back to 1940! Simpler times? Probably not, just different. Enjoy! All the regular segments are here - artist facts, song ratings, chart watch and a play through of the song! Thanks for tuning in. Hope you enjoy the chatter as the show progresses through the Australian chart hi…

1
Episode 21: Without Me 48:04

2+ y ago48:04

48:04

Episode 21 of Every Aussie #1 Song Ever! Well well well, can you believe we're still kicking and back with a new episode! A new guest joins us as we head back to 2002 to shave our head and bleach our hair. Enjoy! All the regular segments are here - artist facts, song ratings, chart watch and a play through of the song! Thanks for tuning in. Hope yo…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.27 1964 Pt.4A 41:31

2+ y ago41:31

41:31

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…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.26 1964 Pt.3 42:36

2+ y ago42:36

42:36

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/Mas…

1
Theme-Series-EP.3 Surf Music 1963 31:30

2+ y ago31:30

31:30

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 tw…

1
Theme-Series-EP.2 Surf Music 1963 October 34:58

2+ y ago34:58

34:58

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 …

1
#39 Theme-Series-EP.1 Surf Music 1962-3 36:44

2+ y ago36:44

36:44

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…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.25 1964 Pt.2B 35:12

2+ y ago35:12

35:12

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…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.24 1964 Pt.2A 29:53

2+ y ago29:53

29:53

The 1st part of the second quarter of 1964 is led off by Johnny O'Keefe and perhaps his best-remembered ballad, She Wears My Ring. The highest charting hit is Billy Thorpe and The Aztecs' first big one; Poison Ivy, backed with Broken Things. We'll hear the last chart entries from the now-distant Summer of Surf, including The Delltones' Out The Back…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.23 1964 Pt.1B 33:36

2+ y ago33:36

33:36

Perhaps the term "uber-diverse" best captures the spirit of this episode. We'll hear songs written by Barry Gibb, Dmitri Kabalevsky, Georges Bizet, Joe Halford & Jay Justin, Artie Wayne & Ben Raleigh and many more! Featured artists include Rob E.G., Jimmy Little, Judy Stone, Little Pattie and, The Cicadas and again, many more. Three of my favourite…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.22 1964 Pt.1A 33:05

2+ y ago33:05

33:05

Another split quarter to open 1964 because of the volume of Australian Music released. Sadly though, not many will reach the higher rungs of the charts as The Beatles' dominance starts to bite. The quarter opens with a rare instrumental track from The Hawking Brothers, Mexicali Rose, my copy of which is in less than pristine condition; "Sound" apol…

1
Groups-EP.7 So You Wanna‘ Be Pt.2 36:55

2+ y ago36:55

36:55

In part two of unpacking the 1975 compilation LP, So You Wanna' Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star Vol. 1, we go national with Blues Rags & Hollers from Adelaide, The Five from Brisbane and Glen Ingram & The Hi-Five from Perth. There's even a NZ band that (sort of) became an Australian band; The Librettos! We delve into the mystery of Melbourne band, The Myst…

1
Groups-EP.6 So You Wanna‘ Be Pt.1 34:20

2+ y ago34:20

34:20

A bit late with last week's episode but: A different approach this week, with ten tracks from the 1975 compilation LP, released on Festival; "So You Wanna' Be a Rock 'n' Roll Star Vol. 1". These ten tracks come from the period 1964-6. Groups featured, playing some absolute garage, beat-boom gems include; The Amazons, Chris Hall & The Torquays, The …

1
Australian-Charts-EP.21 1963 Pt.4B 48:16

2+ y ago48:16

48:16

A Surfin' end to 1963 as Australian artists ride the Surf Music boom. Little Pattie's much celebrated double-sided debut 45 highlights the last few weeks of 1963. There's Surf Music from around Australia with chart hits not only coming from Sydney but also from Adelaide, Melbourne and Brisbane bands. The Atlantics hit with The Crusher, the followup…

1
Australian-Charts-EP.20 1963 Pt.4A 41:11

2+ y ago41:11

41:11

So much Australian content for the last quarter of 1963 that I've split it into two parts. Part A will take us through to mid-November, as the 'Summer of Surf' cranks up. The Delltones, The Denvermen, The Joy Boys & Johnny Devlin provide the surfin' action. Some old favourites chime in with new music, including Jimmy Little and his best-remembered …

1
Australian-EPs-EP.1 Whole Lotta‘ Shakin‘ & Rock Time 27:02

2+ y ago27:02

27:02

A fill-in of sorts for this week's episode; the first in the Australian EPs series. This episode features two very early Australian EPs; Johnny O'Keefe & The Dee Jays with Whole Lotta' Shakin', their first EP, 1957, and The Crescents with their first EP, Rock Time, 1960. The two EPs are connected through Johnny O'Keefe because in his alias as "John…

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