Australian 1960s Rock n Roll Girls Let Loose. They Had Talent But They Didn’t Reach Success

Australian Bandstand. Prime time television. Spring 1960. The rock ‘n’ roll era was global. Australia had to have its own version of what Dick Clarke and other TV hosts were presenting on American primetime television as rock ‘n’ roll grew more and more popular in the was considered family entertainment and it was focused on Australian teenagers. That’s why, in every scene, the host, Brian Henderson, drank vast quantities of Coca-Cola., the major sponsor. Australian rock ‘n’ roll TV was big and introduced several major stars including the Bee Gees. This scene involves the Cherrystones, a girls rock ’n’ roll singing group that Brian Henderson, the host of Australian Bandstand, really liked. I don’t know how successful they became (not very I suspect) but there is something so 1950s or early 1960s about the two sisters and their “cute“ way of performing. I am intrigued by rock ‘n’ roll and its history and how quickly the world of the late 1950s and 1960s adopted it as the most popular – pop music. At this time, for millions of teenage fans, especially girls, Elvis was King an so was Jonny. Behind Jonny the dancers are doing the Lindy hop. Looking at it today, it is so innocent, as though these boys and girls had never physically touched each other before. And in my recollection as a teenage Lindy hop dancer, it was beyond sexy to watch the girls Lindy hop and indescribably exciting. Australian artists in the early 1960s were heavily influenced by the rock ’n’ roll music emanating from the United States and the United Kingdom. Artists like Elvis Presley, Buddy Holly, and later The Beatles and The Rolling Stones had a profound impact on the style and sound of Australian rock. This era saw the emergence of local Australian rock ’n’ roll artists who began to gain popularity both domestically and internationally. Bands like The Easybeats, who are often remembered for their hit “Friday on My Mind,“ and solo artists like Johnny O’Keefe, who is often called the “Wild One“ and considered the pioneer of Australian rock ’n’ roll, were prominent figures. Television shows like “Bandstand“ and radio programs played a crucial role in promoting rock ’n’ roll in Australia. These platforms helped local artists gain exposure and grow their fan base. The Australian rock scene was not monolithic; it encompassed a range of styles from traditional rock ’n’ roll to more beat and pop-oriented sounds. This diversity allowed for a rich tapestry of music that catered to various tastes. The rock ’n’ roll scene was closely tied to the youth culture of the time, representing a shift in social norms and attitudes. It was a form of expression and rebellion for many young Australians, reflecting broader changes in society. Please support my efforts to present more from my archive by going to Thank you.