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Awesome Aussie Songs

Awesome Aussie Songs

98 episodes — Page 1 of 2

Ep 99Hangin' Five by The Delltones

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Following the huge success of Come a Little Bit Closer, The Delltones struck gold again when they released Hangin' Five in 1963. The song is now regarded as a classic of the surf music era. Our special guests are Pee Wee Wilson and his fellow Delltone and the lead singer of the Hangin' Five, Col Loughnan.

Jan 19, 202647 min

Ep 98Take Me Back to Rock n Roll by Col Joye

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We have released this new episode to pay tribute to Col Joye who passed away on 5th August 2025, Aged 89. To put it simply, Col Joye is Australian Music Royalty. A leader of the Rock n Roll revolution in this country from the very start, Col Joye and the Joy Boys were at the forefront of spreading this new 'devils music' to the masses in the late 1950's. Col Joye and the Joy Boys were the first Australian act to hit No.1 on the local charts and in all, they have released over 50 singles, 30 EP's and 40 albums. An ARIA Hall of Famer and also awarded an Order of Australia, Col Joye has achieved plenty on the actual music side of things, with a string of No.1 hits and literally thousands of sold out shows, however, it is the business side of the industry that Col and his many family members of the Jacobsen clan have found amazing success. As a promoter, manager and producer Col has helped create and encourage many stars in the making, including one of the worlds biggest selling acts, the Bee Gees. A star of the hit parade and constant chart topper, Col was also the star of the iconic television show Bandstand.

Aug 8, 202511 min

Ep 97Col Joye and Bandstand

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We have released this new episode to pay tribute to Col Joye who passed away on 5th August 2025, Aged 89. To put it simply, Col Joye is Australian Music Royalty. A leader of the Rock n Roll revolution in this country from the very start, Col Joye and the Joy Boys were at the forefront of spreading this new 'devils music' to the masses in the late 1950's. Col Joye and the Joy Boys were the first Australian act to hit No.1 on the local charts and in all, they have released over 50 singles, 30 EP's and 40 albums. An ARIA Hall of Famer and also awarded an Order of Australia, Col Joye has achieved plenty on the actual music side of things, with a string of No.1 hits and literally thousands of sold out shows, however, it is the business side of the industry that Col and his many family members of the Jacobsen clan have found amazing success. As a promoter, manager and producer Col has helped create and encourage many stars in the making, including one of the worlds biggest selling acts, the Bee Gees. A star of the hit parade and constant chart topper, Col was also the star of the iconic television show Bandstand.

Aug 8, 202511 min

Ep 96Heaven is My Woman's Love by Col Joye

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We have released this new episode to pay tribute to Col Joye who passed away on 5th August 2025, Aged 89. To put it simply, Col Joye is Australian Music Royalty. A leader of the Rock n Roll revolution in this country from the very start, Col Joye and the Joy Boys were at the forefront of spreading this new 'devils music' to the masses in the late 1950's. Col Joye and the Joy Boys were the first Australian act to hit No.1 on the local charts and in all, they have released over 50 singles, 30 EP's and 40 albums. An ARIA Hall of Famer and also awarded an Order of Australia, Col Joye has achieved plenty on the actual music side of things, with a string of No.1 hits and literally thousands of sold out shows, however, it is the business side of the industry that Col and his many family members of the Jacobsen clan have found amazing success. As a promoter, manager and producer Col has helped create and encourage many stars in the making, including one of the worlds biggest selling acts, the Bee Gees. A star of the hit parade and constant chart topper, Col was also the star of the iconic television show Bandstand.

Aug 8, 202512 min

Ep 95The Joy Boys - Hit Makers not Col's Backing Band

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We have released this new episode to pay tribute to Col Joye who passed away on 5th August 2025, Aged 89. To put it simply, Col Joye is Australian Music Royalty. A leader of the Rock n Roll revolution in this country from the very start, Col Joye and the Joy Boys were at the forefront of spreading this new 'devils music' to the masses in the late 1950's. Col Joye and the Joy Boys were the first Australian act to hit No.1 on the local charts and in all, they have released over 50 singles, 30 EP's and 40 albums. An ARIA Hall of Famer and also awarded an Order of Australia, Col Joye has achieved plenty on the actual music side of things, with a string of No.1 hits and literally thousands of sold out shows, however, it is the business side of the industry that Col and his many family members of the Jacobsen clan have found amazing success. As a promoter, manager and producer Col has helped create and encourage many stars in the making, including one of the worlds biggest selling acts, the Bee Gees. A star of the hit parade and constant chart topper, Col was also the star of the iconic television show Bandstand.

Aug 8, 202521 min

Ep 94Col Joye and the Bee Gees

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We have released this new episode to pay tribute to Col Joye who passed away on 5th August 2025, Aged 89. To put it simply, Col Joye is Australian Music Royalty. A leader of the Rock n Roll revolution in this country from the very start, Col Joye and the Joy Boys were at the forefront of spreading this new 'devils music' to the masses in the late 1950's. Col Joye and the Joy Boys were the first Australian act to hit No.1 on the local charts and in all, they have released over 50 singles, 30 EP's and 40 albums. An ARIA Hall of Famer and also awarded an Order of Australia, Col Joye has achieved plenty on the actual music side of things, with a string of No.1 hits and literally thousands of sold out shows, however, it is the business side of the industry that Col and his many family members of the Jacobsen clan have found amazing success. As a promoter, manager and producer Col has helped create and encourage many stars in the making, including one of the worlds biggest selling acts, the Bee Gees. A star of the hit parade and constant chart topper, Col was also the star of the iconic television show Bandstand.

Aug 8, 202519 min

Ep 93The Vietnam War - A Rock n Roll Tour by Col Joye

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We have released this new episode to pay tribute to Col Joye who passed away on 5th August 2025, Aged 89. To put it simply, Col Joye is Australian Music Royalty. A leader of the Rock n Roll revolution in this country from the very start, Col Joye and the Joy Boys were at the forefront of spreading this new 'devils music' to the masses in the late 1950's. Col Joye and the Joy Boys were the first Australian act to hit No.1 on the local charts and in all, they have released over 50 singles, 30 EP's and 40 albums. An ARIA Hall of Famer and also awarded an Order of Australia, Col Joye has achieved plenty on the actual music side of things, with a string of No.1 hits and literally thousands of sold out shows, however, it is the business side of the industry that Col and his many family members of the Jacobsen clan have found amazing success. As a promoter, manager and producer Col has helped create and encourage many stars in the making, including one of the worlds biggest selling acts, the Bee Gees. A star of the hit parade and constant chart topper, Col was also the star of the iconic television show Bandstand.

Aug 8, 202541 min

Ep 92Yes Sir That's My Baby by Col Joye & the Joy Boys

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We have released this new episode to pay tribute to Col Joye who passed away on5th August 2025, Aged 89. To put it simply, Col Joye is Australian Music Royalty. A leader of the Rock n Roll revolution in this country from the very start, Col Joye and the Joy Boys were at the forefront of spreading this new 'devils music' to the masses in the late 1950's. Col Joye and the Joy Boys were the first Australian act to hit No.1 on the local charts and in all, they have released over 50 singles, 30 EP's and 40 albums. An ARIA Hall of Famer and also awarded an Order of Australia, Col Joye has achieved plenty on the actual music side of things, with a string of No.1 hits and literally thousands of sold out shows, however, it is the business side of the industry that Col and his many family members of the Jacobsen clan have found amazing success. As a promoter, manager and producer Col has helped create and encourage many stars in the making, including one of the worlds biggest selling acts, the Bee Gees. A star of the hit parade and constant chart topper, Col was also the star of the iconic television show Bandstand.

Aug 8, 202515 min

Ep 91Oh Yeah Uh Huh by Col Joye & the Joy Boys

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This is a new episode to pay tribute to Col Joye who passed away on the 5th August 2025, aged 89. To put it simply, Col Joye was Australian Music Royalty. A leader of the Rock n Roll revolution in this country from the very start, Col Joye and the Joy Boys were at the forefront of spreading this new 'devils music' to the masses in the late 1950's. Col Joye and the Joy Boys were the first Australian act to hit No.1 on the local charts and in all, they released over 50 singles, 30 EP's and 40 full length albums. An ARIA Hall of Famer and also awarded an Order of Australia, Col Joye has achieved plenty on the actual music side of things, with a string of No.1 hits and literally thousands of sold out shows, however, it is the business side of the industry that Col and his many family members of the Jacobsen clan have found amazing success. As a promoter, manager and producer Col helped create and encourage many stars in the making, including one of the worlds biggest selling acts, the Bee Gees. A star of the hit parade and constant chart topper, Col was also the star of the iconic television show Bandstand. Rock On Col Joye!!!!

Aug 8, 202518 min

Ep 90Reissue: Rockin Rollin Clementine by Col Joye & the Joy Boys

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We have re-released this episode to pay tribute to Col Joye who passed away on the 5th August 2025, aged 89. To put it simply, Col Joye was Australian Music Royalty. A leader of the Rock n Roll revolution in this country from the very start, Col Joye and the Joy Boys were at the forefront of spreading this new 'devils music' to the masses in the late 1950's. Col Joye and the Joy Boys were the first Australian act to hit No.1 on the local charts and in all, they released over 50 singles, 30 EP's and 40 full length albums. An ARIA Hall of Famer and also awarded an Order of Australia, Col Joye has achieved plenty on the actual music side of things, with a string of No.1 hits and literally thousands of sold out shows, however, it is the business side of the industry that Col and his many family members of the Jacobsen clan have found amazing success. As a promoter, manager and producer Col helped create and encourage many stars in the making, including one of the worlds biggest selling acts, the Bee Gees. A star of the hit parade and constant chart topper, Col was also the star of the iconic television show Bandstand. Rock On Col Joye!!!!

Aug 8, 202535 min

Ep 89Reissue: Bye Bye Baby by Col Joye and the Joy Boys

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We have re-released this episode to pay tribute to Col Joye who passed away on the 5th August 2025, aged 89. To put it simply, Col Joye was Australian Music Royalty. A leader of the Rock n Roll revolution in this country from the very start, Col Joye and the Joy Boys were at the forefront of spreading this new 'devils music' to the masses in the late 1950's. Col Joye and the Joy Boys were the first Australian act to hit No.1 on the local charts and in all, they released over 50 singles, 30 EP's and 40 full length albums. An ARIA Hall of Famer and also awarded an Order of Australia, Col Joye has achieved plenty on the actual music side of things, with a string of No.1 hits and literally thousands of sold out shows, however, it is the business side of the industry that Col and his many family members of the Jacobsen clan have found amazing success. As a promoter, manager and producer Col helped create and encourage many stars in the making, including one of the worlds biggest selling acts, the Bee Gees. A star of the hit parade and constant chart topper, Col was also the star of the iconic television show Bandstand. Rock On Col Joye!!!!

Aug 8, 202518 min

Ep 88The First Aussie Rocker - John Charter

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As a member of the first ever Rock n Roll band formed in Australia (Alan Dale and the House Rockers) John Charter was there from the very start and is a true pioneer of music in this country. This episode has been released on hearing of the sad news that John has passed away in April 2025. It was originally released on the All Australian Music Stories podcast in 2018 and documents Johns extraordinary career. Rock on John Charter!!!!

Apr 18, 20251h 38m

Ep 87Help is on its Way by the Little River Band

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Help is on its Way was released in April 1977 and it was the lead single from the bands third studio album Diamantina Cocktail. The song was the Little River Bands first and surprisingly only No.1 hit in Australia. Our specials guests are LRB legends, Beeb Birtles and the songs writer, Glenn Shorrock.

Mar 23, 202529 min

Ep 86REISSUE: Curiosity Killed the Cat by the Little River Band

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This is a reissued episode on the Little River Band and their debut single Curiosity Killed the Cat The Little River Band are one of the most successful acts in the history of Australian music. On the US Billboard charts, they’ve had 10 singles reach the Top 20 and they’ve sold more than 30 million records worldwide. The band were renowned for their tight harmonies and brilliant live performances. Our specials guests are LRB legends, Beeb Birtles and Glenn Shorrock.

Mar 23, 202541 min

Ep 85I've Been to Bali Too by Redgum

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I’ve Been to Bali Too was Redgums follow up single to their No.1 classic I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green). Out of nowhere Redgum had become hot property. I Was Only 19 not only went to No.1 but the song found a place in the heart of a nation. Living in Bali for a time is how John came to write the Bali Blues, which would one day morph into I’ve Been to Bali Too.

Mar 23, 202521 min

Ep 84REISSUE: I Was Only 19 by Redgum

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This is a reissue of our 50th episode on one of the most important songs ever written in Australia, I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green) by Redgum. Our special guest is the writer of this iconic song John Schumann. Here is the link to songs updated film clip from the movie Danger Close https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNTb9_zTvcQ

Mar 23, 202559 min

Ep 83A Little Piece of Peace by Digby Richards

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This episode is on one of the true pioneers of Australian music, Digby Richards and his 1972 hit song A Little Piece of Peace. When released as a single by RCA Records in June 1971, A Little Piece of Peace reached 14 on the Australian charts – a dozens years after his first hit record, Digby was back on the charts again. Sadly, Digby died in 1983 of pancreatic cancer, he was just 42-years-old. His musical legacy lives on and we hope this episode pays tribute to his contribution to Australian music. Our special guest is Digby's former drummer and friend Leon Isackson, as well as Digby's younger brother Doug Richards.

Oct 14, 202433 min

Ep 82REISSUE: Dig Richards & The R 'Jays

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In the early days of Rock 'n' Roll, Dig Richards & the R'Jays were one of the biggest bands in the land. With his movie-star good looks, Dig was Australia's very first teenage idol, and with his band the R'Jays, they were at the forefront of the Rock 'n' Roll revolution in in Australia. They were the first Aussie band to release a full-length album through Festival Records and as a live act, they were as popular as any local band. They also appeared on many of Lee Gordon’s Big Shows and they played alongside the touring American superstars, more than holding their own.

Oct 14, 202435 min

Ep 81Horror Movie by Skyhooks

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This episode is on Skyhooks and their classic hit Horror Movie. The song was released in December 1974 and became the bands first No.1 single. Our specials guests are Skyhooks guitarist Bongo Starkie and the bands producer, the legendary Ross Wilson.

Oct 14, 202435 min

Ep 80REISSUE: Living in the 70's by Skyhooks

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Skyhooks first hit the charts with their debut single Living in the 70’s. This episode takes a look at this song and the early years of the band. Our special guest is Skyhooks guitarist Bob “Bongo” Starkie.

Oct 14, 202420 min

Ep 79Pride / 20 Miles / Fool Fool Fool by Ray Brown & The Whispers

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In the Mid 1960’s Ray Brown and The Whispers were as big as any other band in Australia. Their popularity rivalled that of Billy Thorpe and The Aztecs and The Easybeats. Incredibly the bands first three singles went straight to the top, going all the way to number 1 on the Sydney charts. The bands fourth single reached number 2. They may not hold the reverence as a band that they once did, however, for many fans of the day, Ray Brown and The Whispers are still regarded as one of our finest bands of the time. Thanks to The Whispers guitarist Lawrie Barclay for the use of his memoirs for this episode and thank you to Dean Mackin for providing the voice of Lawrie.

Jul 5, 202447 min

Ep 78Lost in Love by Air Supply

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We take a look at Air Supply’s breakthrough international hit Lost in Love. This is our second episode on the band, one of the most successful acts to come out of Australia. Our special guest is Air Supply’s hugely talented lead singer Russell Hitchcock.

Jun 23, 202434 min

Ep 77REISSUE: Love and Other Bruises by Air Supply

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To coincide with the release of our latest episode, Lost in Love by Air Supply, we have reissued our first episode that focuses on the bands early days and their debut hit single Love and Other Bruises.

Jun 23, 202431 min

Ep 76REISSUE: Bye Bye Baby by Col Joye & the Joy Boys

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This is a reissue of our Bye Bye Baby episode, originally recorded in 2020. We have decided to re-release our first episode on the band, to coincide with the release of our episode on Col Joye and the Joy Boys next big hit, Rockin Rollin Clementine. Our special guest is Col Joye

Jun 10, 202418 min

Ep 75Rockin Rollin Clementine by Col Joye & The Joy Boys

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Its mid-1959 and Col Joy and the Joye Boys had just created history, becoming the very first Australian rock band to make it to number 1 on the charts with the release of Bye Bye Baby. It was now time to follow up the No.1 and the pressure was on. The band came up with another early classic of Australian music Rockin Rollin Clementine. Our special guest is Col Joye.

Jun 10, 202435 min

Ep 74You're So Vain by Chocolate Starfish

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This episode is on the band Chocolate Starfish and their reworking of the Carly Simon song ‘You’re So Vain”. Our Special Guest is the bands frontman, Adam Thompson.

Jun 10, 202429 min

Ep 73Come A Little Bit Closer by The Delltones

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Come A Little Bit Closer is the comeback record released by The Delltones following the death of their lead singer Noel Widerberg. With the support of Noels family, The Dellies recruited former Crescents member Col Loughnan and they hit the studio with Johnny O'Keefe as producer. Together they created a classic version of Come A Little Bit Closer. The song was the highest selling Australian single for 1963, as well as winning Song of the Year at the Australian Radio Awards. Our specials guests are Pee Wee Wilson and Col Loughnan.

Aug 1, 202335 min

Ep 72What’s Love Got to Do With It by Tina Turner

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What's Love Got to Do With It by Tina Turner has become an all time classic song. In this episode we speak with the songs co-writer and producer Terry Britten. Not only did What's Love Got to Do With It win Terry a Grammy Award for Song of the Year in 1985, the song has also gone onto be inducted into Grammy Hall of Fame and has sold over 2 million copies worldwide. The former Twilights guitarist sums it up perfectly in this episode "Can you believe it, this Adelaide boy from Tea Tree Gully going all the way to the Grammys". Yes, we do realise Tina's not an Aussie but her links with Australia are many and in this episode we pay tribute to Tina and her Australian connection.

Jun 22, 202353 min

Ep 71Curiosity Killed the Cat by Little River Band

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This episode is on the Little River Band and their debut single Curiosity Killed the Cat The Little River Band are one of the most successful acts in the history of Australian music. On the US Billboard charts, they’ve had 10 singles reach the Top 20 and they’ve sold more than 30 million records worldwide. The band were renowned for their tight harmonies and brilliant live performances. Our specials guests are LRB legends, Beeb Birtles and Glenn Shorrock.

Mar 21, 202341 min

Ep 70Velvet Waters by Tony Worsley & the Fabulous Blue Jays

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This episode is on Tony Worsley and the Fabulous Blue Jays and their hit song Velvet Waters The group came together when leading promoter Ivan Dayman teamed up Brisbane singer Tony Worsley with well known Melbourne band The Blue Jays. Before teaming up with Tony, The Blue Jays were one of Melbourne’s most popular bands, having formed in 1959. The band went through various line up changes and included musicians Frankie Brent, Chris Lawson, Doug Stirling, Bob Johnson, Laurie Allen, Johnny Cosgrove, Alan Easterbrook, Ray Houston, Dennis Tucker, and Doug Flower. By the time the Blue Jays had teamed up with Tony the band consisted of drummer Bob Johnson, guitarist Mal Clarke, Ray Eames on lead guitar, Paul Shannon playing sax and Royce Nicholls on Bass. Jimmy Cerezo would replace Ray Eames. Originally Velvet Waters was an instrumental song by American band The Megatrons before Australian songwriter Dorothy Dodds added lyrics to the tune. The first version with lyrics was recorded by Bruce Gillespie. Our special guest is Tony Worsley

Jan 2, 202345 min

Ep 69Hey Are You Johnny Diesel?

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This mini episode comes from episode 16, Crying Shame by Johnny Diesel and the Injectors. Since their self-title debut album was released in 1989, Mark Lizotte aka Diesel has become a mainstay of the Australian music scene. Diesel emigrated to Australia in 1971 with the Lizotte family settling in Perth. After his first band Innocent Bystanders broke up, together with a few bandmates they formed a new group – a then unnamed band – here’s Diesel telling the story of how Mark Lizotte morphed into Johnny Diesel.

Oct 27, 202210 min

Ep 68Johnny Cash is Still in the Air

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This mini ep takes a look at music royalty Col Joye and the Joy Boys and the time they had to hold the attention of an 8000 strong crowd waiting for Johnny Cash to arrive at the stadium. The band was at the very start of rock n roll in Australia and they are true pioneers. In this era, Col Joy and the Joye Boys popularity and chart success is only rivalled by that of Johnny O’Keefe and the Dee Jays. They also hold the distinction being the first Australian act to have a Number 1 record with Bye Bye Baby. You can hear more from Col in our episode on Bye Bye Baby which is episode 5 – there is also another mini ep on the time Col was playing for our troops at the Vietnam War, when suddenly he found himself at the Battle of Long Tan.

Oct 27, 202212 min

Ep 67Blueys Dad is a Rock Star

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As Blueys father, he is perhaps the most beloved heeler dog dad in the history of animation – Bandit is voiced by Custards’s Dave McCormack. Custard where part of Oz music history when they played at the Crowded House farewell to the world concert, staged at the Sydney Opera House – via their first hit song Apartment, Custard had already had history with the iconic building. Here's Dave talking about Apartment and how they came to shoot the songs film clip. For more on Custard, check out episode 48 where we take a look their song Girls Like that.

Oct 27, 202212 min

Ep 66Is That Me at the MCG?

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This mini episode comes from 90’s band Fini Scad – they were band that shone brightly, if only briefly and are best known for their song Coppertone. We spoke with Fini Scads drummer Jono McPhee and he was brutally honest about the highs and lows of the music business. While it wasn’t always sunshine and lollipops for Fini Scad, they still had plenty of ‘rock star’ moments. They toured with Midnight Oil and they were selected by Micheal Gudinski to play at Mushrooms 25th Anniversary at the MCG.

Oct 27, 20229 min

Ep 65Death of a Pop Star

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In this mini episode we take a look at the tragic death of one of Australia’s early pop stars, the lead singer of The Delltones, Noel Widerberg. The singers death came as a huge shock to teenager all around Australia. The excitement that came with this new craze of rock n roll, was suddenly shattered with the death of one of their teen idols. We speak with The Delltones legend Pee Wee Wilson

Oct 27, 202221 min

Ep 64You Shot Me You Bastard!

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This mini ep is about the time Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs toured with way-out English performer Screaming Lord Sutch. We speak with member of the Aztecs Tony Barber, no, not the Sale of the Century host but the bands guitarist. Tony emigrated to Australia in 1964 and he became a driving force on the beat pop scene. You can hear more about Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs in episode 28 were we take a look at their first No.1 hit record Poison Ivy

Oct 27, 202211 min

Ep 63Kidnapped at the Battle of Long Tan

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This mini episode is on Aria Hall of famer, Col Joye and the time he found his himself in Vietnam during the war and right smack in the middle of the Battle of Long Tan. For the full story of Col’s experiences performing during the Vietnam War period check out episode 34.

Oct 27, 202212 min

Ep 62Order Me a Gudinski Burger Please

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This mini ep takes a look at ground breaking Australian rock band, Ayers Rock. Formed in 1973, Ayers Rock were the first Australian act signed with Mushroom Records to break internationally. When Ayers Rock recorded their debut album, Big Red Rock, they recorded it live-in-the-studio and it was a ground breaking album.

Oct 27, 202216 min

Ep 61Rockin’ the Viet Cong

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In the world of music, The Rajahs are not a household name, however, they’ve had some extraordinary moments in their career. Before they renamed themselves The Rajahs, the band were previously known as The R’Jays and they were one of the most popular acts in Australia. As Dig Richards and the R’Jays, they spread the gospel of rock n roll across the country and their success was only rivalled by the likes of Johnny O’Keefe and Col Joye. Here’s Drummer Leon Isaccson telling us about how the band became the first Australian band to tour Vietnam during the war, performing for the Australian and American troops.

Oct 27, 202212 min

Ep 60Not Tonight Mr Sinatra

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Diana Trask is a music trail blazer – following World War 2, she was the first Australian female to break into the big time in the USA. She was the first to star on Prime Time American television, she was nominated for a Grammy and her diversity saw her cross-over from Jazz to pop and then go onto have a successful career in Country Music. 18 of her singles made the Billboard Country Charts. As a songwriter, she wrote a US top 10 hit for the Osmond Brothers and throughout her career Diana’s friends have included Johnny Cash and Glen Campbell. Here’s Diana talking about her experience meeting Frank Sinatra and what it was like being around one of the most famous entertainers at the height of his fame.

Oct 27, 202214 min

Ep 59To Love Somebody by The Bee Gees

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Without doubt, The Bee Gees are the most successful act to come from Australia. In this episode of Awesome Aussie Songs, we take a look at one of their early international smash hits To Love Somebody. Rather than just the Gibb Brothers performing as a trio, the 1967 to 69 incarnation of The Bee Gees was a 5 piece band capable of heart felt ballads, as well as equally being at home with some ‘four to the floor’ Rock n Roll. We speak with The Bee Gees original lead guitarist Vince Melouney and he shares some fascinating insights into the early years of group and how they came to take on the world and win! There are also historical interview excerpts from Barry, Robin and Maurice, as well as plenty of information and facts to keep even the most fanatical Bee Gees fan satisfied. This episode is a celebration of the band and their contribution to popular music.

Aug 13, 202248 min

Ep 58I Honestly Love You by Olivia Newton-John

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It's with a heavy heart we release this episode on the Queen of Australian music, Olivia Newton-John. Around 6 months ago we spoke to Olivia's friend and band leader Chong Lim about Olivia. I Honestly Love You won the Grammy Award for Record of the Year 1974. The song was co-written by Jeff Barry and fellow Australian icon Peter Allen.

Aug 10, 202236 min

Ep 57Rock & Roll (I Gave You The Best Years Of My Life) by Kevin Johnson

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Kevin Johnson is one of the countries finest singer / songwriters. While he has had plenty of success in Australia, it is on international scene where his thought provoking music has been truly appreciated. Kevin has made the charts in the US, UK and across Europe and his songs have been covered by the likes of Tom Jones and Mac Davis. Rock & Roll (I Gave You The Best Years Of My Life) is one of the most covered songs ever written by an Australian, in this episode we speak with Kevin about his career and how he came to write a classic song.

Jul 8, 202256 min

Ep 56Woman You’re Breaking Me by The Groop

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The episode is on The Groop and their song Woman You’re Breaking Me. As a recording act, The Groop had two distinct periods featuring various different members. The Groop Mark 1 was a folk band and spanned 1964 to 66, while The Groop Mark 2 1966 to 69, had a pop rock sound. Our Special guest is former member of The Groop and one of Australia’s greatest songwriters, Brian Cadd.

May 17, 202239 min

Ep 55Needle in a Haystack by The Twilights

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When looking back at the biggest bands of the mid to late 1960’s in Australia, The Easybeats and The Masters Apprentices immediately spring to mind and rightly so, both these bands were absolutely massive, however, ranking right alongside them in the popularity stakes was Adelaide band, The Twilights. The Twilights had 9 singles make the charts over a 2 year period including a No.1 hit with Needle in a Haystack. As well as a No.1 hit record, they also had another 4 singles make it into the Top 5 on the National Charts. It wasn’t just on the charts that the Twilights excelled either, they quickly gained a reputation for being one of finest live bands in Australia. This is further highlighted by the fact they would go onto become the national winners of the prestigious Hoadley Battle of the Sounds competition in 1966. The winners prize included a trip to London for the band and a recording session at Abbey Road Studios - and as luck would have it, The Beatles just happened to be down the hallway recording Penny Lane. Our special guests are former Twilights, Australian music icon Glenn Shorrock and Grammy Award winner, Terry Britten.

Mar 27, 202240 min

Ep 54You’re the Voice by John Farnham

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John Farnham is an Australian music icon. In this episode we take a look at the highest selling Australian single of all time, You're the Voice. Our special guest is Farnsie's musical director, keyboardists and right-hand man, Chong Lim.

Feb 14, 202250 min

Ep 53I’ll Be Gone by Spectrum

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This episode is on Spectrum and their No.1 smash hit, I’ll Be Gone. Spectrum formed in Melbourne in 1969 with Mike Rudd providing vocals, guitar and harmonica, Bill Putt on Bass, Drummer Mark Kennedy & Lee Neal playing Keyboards. One of the highlights of the episode is the original demo for I’ll Be Gone, and it’s quite different to the song that we now know and love. We also take a look at Spectrum’s alter ego band, The Indelible Murtceps – and yes, cleverly Murtceps is Spectrum spelt backwards. Our special guest is Spectrum’s (and the Murtceps) Mike Rudd.

Feb 1, 202248 min

Ep 52Love Junk by Johnny Diesel

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This episode is on Diesel and his first solo single Love Junk. Love Junk was the first release from his hugely successful debut solo album Hepfidelity. Our special guest is the man himself, Diesel.

Jan 23, 202219 min

Ep 51Bombora by The Atlantics

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This episode is on the legendary band The Atlantics and their instrumental classic, Bombora. We speak with The Atlantics lead guitarist Jim Skaithitis. When it comes to surfing, Australia has always been at the forefront of the sport and that’s no different when it comes to surf music, with Sydney band The Atlantics leading the charge. The instrumental rock craze was inspired by the UK band The Shadows – there was Shadow-wanna be bands spring up all over the globe. The Shadows inspired a generation of up and coming musicians. Rather than kids now wanting to be Elvis, suddenly every kid wanted to be Hank Marvin and become a guitar hero. While The Atlantics were unabashed fans of The Shadows, their own original and innovative sound saw the band stand out from the rest. Over the years The Atlantics have gone onto gain their own international acclaim and are now ranked among the finest bands of the surf rock genre.

Jan 8, 202244 min

Ep 50I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green) by Redgum

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This is our 50th episode at Awesome Aussie Songs and we are proud to release an episode on one of the most important songs ever written in Australia, I Was Only 19 (A Walk in the Light Green) by Redgum. Our special guest is the writer of this iconic song John Schumann. Here is the link to songs updated film clip from the movie Danger Close https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNTb9_zTvcQ

Dec 30, 202159 min