"ever since we met, darling I've been keepin' score"
The hits of Johnny O'Keefe and the Dee Jays are very well known to the majority of Australians, either from being around at the time, or through the TV specials and stage shows that have been presented since his untimely death from a heart attack in 1977. Rather that go through his hits I will talk about my own experiences.
He was all over the radio from his first hit "Wrong Note Billy Goat/I'm Alive" He invented his own rock and roll and co-wrote much of his own stuff, and to this day his 50's sides are uniquely his in every way. I first saw him perform live at the Sydney Stadium opening for the overseas acts. They must have hated following him, he blew them away. I can recall poor old Jimmy Rogers trying to sing "Bimbombay" after JOK's set, and being booed off the stage. He was a fine act but sounded so tinny after John finished.
I caught his shows whenever I could right through until the end. Live was his forte. He did some mighty sides when he toured America, then came home and continued on unabated, having his biggest hit with "I'm Counting On You/Right Now". His recording work seemed to fall away after then, only releasing hurried sides recorded for TV shows. Not long before his death, he released a re-recording of his early hit "So Tough" and did an album. He seemed to be interested again and I had the feeling he was heading back to the big time.
A great originator backed by some very fine musicians. Try and catch the Lou Cash guitar solo on "Peek a Boo", especially the extended version that sometimes turns up. Poorly recorded, as Oz rock sides were in those days, but listen to the man work.
"and now, I'd like to sing a warm and tender ballad about love"
Back to Australian 50's Rock and Roll
Copyright © 2001 Brian Brett
