I saw JOK many times at the old tin shed, they used to be the warm up for a lot of the American shows, the crowd would start chanting "we want Johnny"- I remember one of the US performers was reported as saying 'who the hell is this Johnny" - the Americans were always a bit of a let down after John had done his stuff
@yummiemouse Yeh, early 60's. I used to watch this when I cam home from school. He had already began to dress more conventionally when he went on tv. In the 50's his outfits were really wild like gold lame jackets and brightly coloured suits trimmed with fake fur or leopard-print velvet trim & he didn't jump about as much cos the cameras couldn't follow him. Tv ruined his act.
Yeeeeew! That's my great uncle John (Catfish) playing the drums. He's into his 70s now and still plays twice a week. Truly humble and happy man, sends me joke emails and youtube vids everyday that are either sick as fuck or funny as hell. Legend bloke, glad to be related to such a great human being and thanks to him for helping bring great music and joy to the world. Rock on legend.
@batsupra was talking to my dad last night, he was saying he played in bands opening for JO'K rather than actually for him... But he said he has met your great uncle heaps of times and as recently as last year... He is friends with a close family friend of ours Milton Saunders, Dad also said Your uncle was a hero to my dad...
5/2/11 I'M 62 YEARS OF AGE AND A VIETNAM VETERAN, and there is no mention of JOK supporting us when i was just 19 and the concert that he gave us in Vietnam was beyond words, he put in his all for us and 40 odd years later I still remember it as yesterday. And yes I've still got the photo to prove it RIP JOK
Yes Johnny and his generation, Billy Thorpe and his generation and Fred and his generation. Jesse and his generation takes us to now. I lost a decade between Billy and Fred? No; I reckon they merged.
Oh lawdy lawdy,what memories.The days when young people were freed from the oppression they had been under for years. Life hasnt been the same since then.Thanks Johnny for turning us loose.You will live forever.
@TeenageTragedyx : you poor thing. Your YT moniker is spot-on. Tragic !!Hopefully, with more time, maturity & more life experience, you will come to appreciate & realise genuine on-stage entertainment & talent for what it really is. You clearly lack any capability for putting musicology in its 'then' time-era & value-system of its day. Just listen to that crowd !! Today's music is mostly crap, compared to the golden era. Smart youngsters know that & are back-tracking as I speak.
@quizmaster85 : yep !! Right on !! And that's exactly why the excerpt from this footage was chosen as the opening theme for ABC's "Rage" great series .. in deference to the peerless JOK .. the first great pioneer .. the original & best sheer-manic entertainer in Australian rock 'n' roll history / heritage.
Kiddies the great one JOK was Mr. Entertainment in Australia. Yes, some very great American acts came to Australia and played "the old tin shed" Sydney Stadium, they were only support acts for Johnny. He remained number one. I saw JOK as support act for the last Johnnie Raye expo show about 1957. When JOK and the Deltons hit the stage, I can hear the stomping feet and the cries for Johnny Johnny. YES SIR IN AUSTRALIA HE IS THE KING OF ROCK & ROLL. RIP JOK.
When J O'K was on stage at the stadium, the place erupted. Bill Haley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Gene Vincent, Little Richard and the rest of the overseas bands never got the kids as going like The Wild One did.
I went to his dances at Balmain and Leichhardt and all of Lee Gordon's Big Shows at The Stadium. He wasn't the best but everyone in australia loved him.
Probably the most famous footage of all, of JOK performing live at the Stadium with his old pals The Delltones. And didn't he give this - probably his most famous early song of all - one hell of a work-out. Just look at that crowd go wild, rocking to The Wild One - I know if I'd been there I couldn't have stayed seated. This Is A Priceless Clip. Humble thanks, Baaesser !!
What a great song. What's really interesting here, is that the tall guy singing backing vocals (Mr. Ian "Peewee" Wilson) is STILL singing with the Delltones - actually he IS the Delltones. at this moment (July 28th, 2009) he is at home recuperating from a hip replacement operation some 3 or so weeks ago. The band fires up again in September.
I was only Knee high to a grass hopper when this came out..... but from then on Rock and Roll !!!! Go Johhny O"keefe.. I think his nephew is a smart bloke...Deal or No Deal...
Yes, the vocal group is the Deltones. They let this crowd in for free one Saturday afternoon before the Bobby Rydell show. They did the film shoot then got the crowd out then back in again (with tickets this time) for the real show, again featuring O'Keefe.
The O'Keefe version was a lot wilder than the Isley Brothers record, when the Isleys did it live later, like on Shindig, they did it more to the O'Keefe arrangement. JOK forever.
No the Isleys were the first to perform this song, so naturally this guy is trying to be like the Isleys. There is nothing wrong with that because thats music business, but the fact that you people refuse to admit it is funny. You think that this guy is better than Ron Isley. Okay. I'll give it to you we're all in titled to our opinion, but you cant say that this is original. This artist is a typical POP artist. He copies his persona from better artist. Elvis and Isleys got it from the streets.
What do you mean O'Keefe arrangement!? There is no O'Keefe arrangement! This is all Isley! He brings nothing new to the table. He copies the Isleys note for note word for word!!
wether he could sing or not is not the issue here, the fact is that he was the first Australian rock n roll star who actualy had the balls to push the boundaries in his consevative homeland he supported many up and coming local artists right through untill his death in the 70s without Jok it would be fair to say that we would have never had the Audacity to grow up and challenge the Americans at there own game he gave local artists the confidence that they to could achieve.
This comment has received too many negative votesshow
It would have been worth something if it was an original idea. All he did was a bad imitation of the Isleys. This is basically a gospel song, something he knows nothing about. If you had seen the Isleys perform this live, with the dancing, splits, ects.,These guys stiff as boards, except when O'keefe is bouncing in place like a baby getting ready to drop a huge load in his diaper.
luvureally, a "gospel song"? The Isleys don't give that impression. What church did they go to, the 'Church of Satan' ? BTW Johnny O'Keefe does a great performance of this song! Are you a racist?
If you knew anything about Black American gospel music you would recognize it. This is basically a gospel arrangement and sound that speaks of love and sex instead of Jesus as have many classic soul/r&b songs. "Midnight Hour" and "Stand By Me" were based on spirituals. And I am great fan of Johnny Cash, Brenda Lee, Everly Bros., etc., so I am not racist. Only prejudiced against bad music.
They obviously dont know or dont care about the facts. Their like sheep "J O'k was the best not caring that this guy is just a popstar who was told what to perform and how to perform and did not add anything rawness like the Isley's of even Elvis.
Johnny liked to do everything his own way, no one ruled or owned him. He actually recorded and co wrote a little known nunber "The wild one". This song was most famous outside of australia by iggy pops cover version. Although this song has been covered by Buddy Holly, Suzi Qautro, jerry Lee lewis etc.
So i am not sure where you got you so called "information"?
luvureally - agree with you -the incredible thing about JOK is how someone with no voice actually made it big as a singer all energy and great shelf promotional skills!
He was quite an interesting mental case- actually believing that he had died in a car accident-With the death of Elvis he was convinced he would be next and he was self suggestion he would be a great subject for a non musical movie adaptation
The Isley Brothers "Twist and Shout" was a cover, just as Johnny O'Keefe's "Shout",The Beatles, Rolling Stones,etc etc etc, and just about every artist at the time did covers.
Yeah but Elvis and the Isleys learned how to perform in the streets. This guy is like the 1950s male version of Gwen Stefani. He doesnt even know where the music he is performing came from
Another to die too young. My wife and I saw him live; he was amazing.A bit of trivia, he was a Capricorn, as was Elvis and also Ward Austin. They all knew each other as good friends. Ward was the only Australian DJ to ever meet Elvis. BTW, I am a Capricorn. I used to listen to "Pally" Austin, here and in New Zealand. When Pally went to U S A his replacement at Radio Hauraki was Wolfman Jack.
Nobody like them anymore; all off their faces now.
Isley went to jail because HE was a thief -- not O'Keefe. Isley didn't pay his taxes yet continued to live a life of luxury and paying people under the table.
O'Keefe's record company would have had to pay royalties otherwise they would be jailed.
Everyone knew who wrote the song and how well it did for O'Keefe. You can't hide that.
cytuber you're right, Isley is in prison because he didn't pay his taxes and he also stole money from his dead brother's estate, but it does not change the fact that he has more talent and soul in his thieving, greedy, money grubbing pinkie toenail than this talentless toad had in his entire body. The Isley's released this song in 1959 and have remained musically relevant since then. He is a great singer, songwriter, producer. O'Keefe does not wear any of those crowns.
luvureally, O'Keefe is long dead, he should be recognised for what he was, not vocally sound but a great entertainer who gave the kids what they wanted to hear at the time, he saw a niche in the marketplace and exploited it. He virtually pioneered RnR in this country and should be acknowledged for that. He appeared in many Lee Gordon productions alongside overseas imports who were fashionable at the time and his popularity overwhelmed the one hit wonders on the same show.
His popularity "overwhelmed" because he was homegrown, a national hero. When James Brown first toured U.K. he was booed because they thought he was imitating some English guy(can't remember the name) who had been imitating Brown! Props to O'Keefe because he was the first, not because of any overwhelming talent on his part. And who were these one hit wonders on the show?
luvureally, A galaxy of stars not!!Dick Caruso, Paul and Paula, Rod Lauren, Chan Romero, Marv Johnson,Jack Scott, Damita Jo, Little Peggy March. Not too many household names there. A short time later Crash Craddock appeared at the old stadium with O' Keefe as the lead in. There were others also but it's a long time ago. Regards from downunder..
u r right, not many household names there. But I believe Marv Johnson's "You've Got What It Takes" is probably more broadly know than anything O'Keefe ever did, even Paul & Paula and Little Peggy March produced one hit wonders more memorable than Mr. O'keefe. Who doesn't know "I will Follow Him. Damita Jo was one of U.S. greatly underrated singers, but there were so many at that time! When it comes to popular music of 20th century, U.S. produced more great singers than any country.
luvureally, I take your point,however greatness is a very subjective term and surely could not be applied to any of the performers mentioned here, longevity is the measure of overall success and these people came and went in a heartbeat. They had their fifteen minutes of fame and good luck to them we should all be so lucky.....
Interesting that you mention "I Will Follow Him". Originally a French instrumental, then a French-language hit for an English singer, Petula Clark, before Peggy March covered it.
You seem to have a chip on your shoulder about "underrated" USA singers. Perhaps the above info will shave a little above the chip.
If it wasn't no Johnny O'keefe, there would have been no Little river band, INXS, Air surply, Men at Work, Oliva- newton John etc. Next time do a little research.
O'keefe wrote a little known song called "the wild one". Which has been countlessly covered by Buddy Holly, Jerry lee lewis, iggy pop and even Elvis Presley etc. Just a little fact, you might find interesting.
I agree with you there. American music did play a part in popular music.
Before O'keefe started out, the australian broadcasting companies didn't pay any attention. But he paved the way for these bands to succeeded.
I believe that american music started it, British music evolved the style eg "The Beatles". Australia developed some really great bands. As did the US and English. We have all played a part in the history of music.
This clip brings back memories of 50 years ago,,when JOK came back from the US and performed this on Six O'clock Rock,,a far better show than the prissy Bandstand..
That is Pee Wee Wilson on the left,,and the guy second from the right,,was Noel Widerberg,,who was killed in a car accident early in the Delltones career..
One of the guys playing sax,,is Jimmy Sloggart.. I didn't see the old bespectacled "Professor" on string bass,,a member of JOK's early band..
Nobody could sing and perform with as much passion and soul as Johnnie O'Keefe, he gave everything to entertain and i am just glad we have some clips here to see what a great entertainer he was, i saw him live a few times in the 60's and it's too hard to put into words here just how fantastic it was to see him live, a young Elvis, James Brown and Little Richard rolled into one,
Get fucked... He's Australias first rocknroll legend who was around at exactly the same time as Elvis... He kicked arse and continued to do so while Elvis did soppy C grade movies, got fat and did Las vegas..
Im biased toward my music and you're biased toward yours the difference is that the musicians I listen to are the who the musicians you listen to copied to make their music. Give me a break please do your credibility a favor and dont ever disrespect Ron Isley. Watch The Isleys perform this song and then watch this.
Hi Bluey. I hope you feel better after your spell of "Pom Bashing." I merely offered the opinion that his was an awful clip. Whether this guy was any better or worse than others of his time seems immaterial.
Just purchased the 2 DVD set,"Shout"-The Johnny O'Keefe Story.
This was originally on TV in 1984. Excellent performances by Terry Serio as JOK and John McTernan(?)as Lee Gordon. Most songs are full length in this 3 and a half hour bio. Great stuff.
hey curioustruth, yes that is Peewee & a few members of the original Delltones. When they supported Johhny O'Keefe in the late 50's they where known as Johhny O'Keefe & the "dee jays", cheers.
WOuld you believe that this version of this song started my career in music and now is still an industry that supports 16 happy people in tan affiliated field. Thanks Johnny OK
Fantastic, i remembar him growing up in OZ , he was our KING of RnR , thank god we have something to remember his fantastic performances, my fav song of Johnnies is " She wears my ring " pure class
Something about Ozrock and rebellion go together. All the same, I had a PIX magazine from early 60's where JOK was tas talking about his toaster (with photos)
There's only one (wild one) JK
jasonfishintrip 1 week ago
Love it love it the wild one. JK
jasonfishintrip 1 week ago
Pee Wee was a lifesaver at Bronte Beach in the 60's
Okky22 1 month ago
His father was mayor of Waverley
Okky22 1 month ago
J O'K! LEGEND!!!
irynski 2 months ago
pee wee was cool
cobboGHS91 2 months ago
I saw JOK many times at the old tin shed, they used to be the warm up for a lot of the American shows, the crowd would start chanting "we want Johnny"- I remember one of the US performers was reported as saying 'who the hell is this Johnny" - the Americans were always a bit of a let down after John had done his stuff
elfsh59 5 months ago
johnny's son is my soccer coach and his grandson is one of my best friends lol
nicoletti96 5 months ago 4
@nicoletti96 are u talking sh it?? if your tellilng the truth that is fukn off its head
TheLennonlegends 3 months ago
i'm mates with his dad johnny junior and he looks exactly like him :)
WogBoyBra 6 months ago
Someone needs to show justin bieber this video
bonnie1loverastafari 9 months ago
was this in the 60's???
yummiemouse 9 months ago
@yummiemouse Yeh, early 60's. I used to watch this when I cam home from school. He had already began to dress more conventionally when he went on tv. In the 50's his outfits were really wild like gold lame jackets and brightly coloured suits trimmed with fake fur or leopard-print velvet trim & he didn't jump about as much cos the cameras couldn't follow him. Tv ruined his act.
bobgould99 7 months ago
an uncle of mine played in Johnny's band on sax!
devilsman60 10 months ago
Yeeeeew! That's my great uncle John (Catfish) playing the drums. He's into his 70s now and still plays twice a week. Truly humble and happy man, sends me joke emails and youtube vids everyday that are either sick as fuck or funny as hell. Legend bloke, glad to be related to such a great human being and thanks to him for helping bring great music and joy to the world. Rock on legend.
batsupra 10 months ago
@batsupra His Names Jim McBeath, he played for Johnny a few times (not sure how many though)
he is 70 this year also.. They might know each other, i will have to ask him...
DaveSWN 10 months ago
@DaveSWN Nice man, yeah hit him up!
batsupra 9 months ago
@batsupra was talking to my dad last night, he was saying he played in bands opening for JO'K rather than actually for him... But he said he has met your great uncle heaps of times and as recently as last year... He is friends with a close family friend of ours Milton Saunders, Dad also said Your uncle was a hero to my dad...
Pretty cool
DaveSWN 9 months ago
my dad used to drum for him at live shows, i'm 30 this year (2011) and i love this music!!!
DaveSWN 11 months ago
@DaveSWN Who was your dad dude? Does he know John Percer (catfish) who also drummed alot for johnny?
batsupra 10 months ago
5/2/11 I'M 62 YEARS OF AGE AND A VIETNAM VETERAN, and there is no mention of JOK supporting us when i was just 19 and the concert that he gave us in Vietnam was beyond words, he put in his all for us and 40 odd years later I still remember it as yesterday. And yes I've still got the photo to prove it RIP JOK
MrLinso49 1 year ago
I truly love this!!!!! I wanted to be JOK when I was younger!!!
hecnj001 1 year ago 2
Younger generations will probs have no idea about this!!! I pity them.....
hecnj001 1 year ago
What energy!
napalmnacey 1 year ago
Yes Johnny and his generation, Billy Thorpe and his generation and Fred and his generation. Jesse and his generation takes us to now. I lost a decade between Billy and Fred? No; I reckon they merged.
eddie100 1 year ago
I was there at surf city
bluerok1 1 year ago 6
Simply the best saw him years ago on same bill as Bill Haley & Comets, he was fantastic, stole the show, greatest Aussie singer of all time
aussieagle 1 year ago 5
I really hate his recorded version of this great song, but this live performance is incredible, he really did some great songs.
TheDJGrandPa 1 year ago
Awesome!
I just wish the audience could have screemed more softly
mjlykos 1 year ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
he's little
PeepToeBoots 1 year ago
The real King of Rock'n'Roll
sedoble 1 year ago 4
What more could you ask for? Johnny O'Keefe, The Deejays and the Delltones together on stage at the old 'Tin Shed' at Rushcutters Bay.
caz4777 1 year ago 54
And that's the Dell Tones providing the harmonies. The tall guy standing next to Johnny is Ian "Pee Wee" Wilson.
caz4777 1 year ago 8
Oh lawdy lawdy,what memories.The days when young people were freed from the oppression they had been under for years. Life hasnt been the same since then.Thanks Johnny for turning us loose.You will live forever.
grumblebum42 1 year ago
Arguably Australia's greatest rocker, and this performance demonstrates why. Never to be forgotten.
elamang18 1 year ago 4
This comment has received too many negative votes show
so repetitive!
TeenageTragedyx 1 year ago
@TeenageTragedyx : you poor thing. Your YT moniker is spot-on. Tragic !!Hopefully, with more time, maturity & more life experience, you will come to appreciate & realise genuine on-stage entertainment & talent for what it really is. You clearly lack any capability for putting musicology in its 'then' time-era & value-system of its day. Just listen to that crowd !! Today's music is mostly crap, compared to the golden era. Smart youngsters know that & are back-tracking as I speak.
colindominy 1 year ago
creepy.
cosmicarbiteroftaste 2 years ago
The first thing that comes to mind is the opening theme for RAGE which featured a couple of moments from this classic clip.
Johnny O'Keefe was KING!
quizmaster85 2 years ago
@quizmaster85 : yep !! Right on !! And that's exactly why the excerpt from this footage was chosen as the opening theme for ABC's "Rage" great series .. in deference to the peerless JOK .. the first great pioneer .. the original & best sheer-manic entertainer in Australian rock 'n' roll history / heritage.
colindominy 2 years ago 3
Kiddies the great one JOK was Mr. Entertainment in Australia. Yes, some very great American acts came to Australia and played "the old tin shed" Sydney Stadium, they were only support acts for Johnny. He remained number one. I saw JOK as support act for the last Johnnie Raye expo show about 1957. When JOK and the Deltons hit the stage, I can hear the stomping feet and the cries for Johnny Johnny. YES SIR IN AUSTRALIA HE IS THE KING OF ROCK & ROLL. RIP JOK.
AustralianRoad 2 years ago 4
I was there~!!
When J O'K was on stage at the stadium, the place erupted. Bill Haley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Gene Vincent, Little Richard and the rest of the overseas bands never got the kids as going like The Wild One did.
I went to his dances at Balmain and Leichhardt and all of Lee Gordon's Big Shows at The Stadium. He wasn't the best but everyone in australia loved him.
sixpackjack503 2 years ago 3
ABOUT 1 week ago i went to karalika theater to act out jhonny o kefe our production was on aus rock
DCshoesusa100 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
a respectable imitation of the Isley brothers' classic..
aduunka 2 years ago
Probably the most famous footage of all, of JOK performing live at the Stadium with his old pals The Delltones. And didn't he give this - probably his most famous early song of all - one hell of a work-out. Just look at that crowd go wild, rocking to The Wild One - I know if I'd been there I couldn't have stayed seated. This Is A Priceless Clip. Humble thanks, Baaesser !!
colindominy 2 years ago 3
great song from an almost lost vid, thanks. But, it seems like Johnny needs some serious preparation H. Great!!!!!!!!!!
barbiefl09 2 years ago
What a great song. What's really interesting here, is that the tall guy singing backing vocals (Mr. Ian "Peewee" Wilson) is STILL singing with the Delltones - actually he IS the Delltones. at this moment (July 28th, 2009) he is at home recuperating from a hip replacement operation some 3 or so weeks ago. The band fires up again in September.
DPrinceODarkness 2 years ago
well i guess you can see the likeness between johnny and andrew... but in terms of stage presence IT'S ALL JOHNNY!
daveycard 2 years ago
Thanks flybreath for the share - OMG thats a Classic.
rockchick80s 2 years ago
I was only Knee high to a grass hopper when this came out..... but from then on Rock and Roll !!!! Go Johhny O"keefe.. I think his nephew is a smart bloke...Deal or No Deal...
carpetcle 2 years ago
He used to go to Waverley College.
yvetteclaire 2 years ago
Get real Harmesy. Jack Scott is a legend.Okeefe was an entertainer but Jack Scott had many hits in different genres. Also he wrote most of them!
dhplunger 2 years ago
it might be an Isley Brother classic song but O'keefe brings his enthusiasm and gruff voice to the table!!!.........
Terrilliser 2 years ago
my names O'Keefe, wounder if were related.. hmmm
djdanok 2 years ago
top stuff
anthony19678 2 years ago
Yes, the vocal group is the Deltones. They let this crowd in for free one Saturday afternoon before the Bobby Rydell show. They did the film shoot then got the crowd out then back in again (with tickets this time) for the real show, again featuring O'Keefe.
The O'Keefe version was a lot wilder than the Isley Brothers record, when the Isleys did it live later, like on Shindig, they did it more to the O'Keefe arrangement. JOK forever.
EdMatzenik 3 years ago
No the Isleys were the first to perform this song, so naturally this guy is trying to be like the Isleys. There is nothing wrong with that because thats music business, but the fact that you people refuse to admit it is funny. You think that this guy is better than Ron Isley. Okay. I'll give it to you we're all in titled to our opinion, but you cant say that this is original. This artist is a typical POP artist. He copies his persona from better artist. Elvis and Isleys got it from the streets.
Escobar88 3 years ago
What do you mean O'Keefe arrangement!? There is no O'Keefe arrangement! This is all Isley! He brings nothing new to the table. He copies the Isleys note for note word for word!!
luvureally 3 years ago 2
Looks like the backing grroup in this clip are the Deltones
Okky22 3 years ago
JOK great Australian Rock n Roller He was one of Australia's great talent who will always be remembered
MrCool756 3 years ago 15
To all the haters bagging this out - just go away. J O'K was a genius.
gomanly 3 years ago
wether he could sing or not is not the issue here, the fact is that he was the first Australian rock n roll star who actualy had the balls to push the boundaries in his consevative homeland he supported many up and coming local artists right through untill his death in the 70s without Jok it would be fair to say that we would have never had the Audacity to grow up and challenge the Americans at there own game he gave local artists the confidence that they to could achieve.
borntadie77 3 years ago 3
Awful.
Umskiddy 3 years ago 3
Such energy and excitement....no one did it like O'Keefe...Really miss him!
holymolypink001 3 years ago 2
This comment has received too many negative votes show
It would have been worth something if it was an original idea. All he did was a bad imitation of the Isleys. This is basically a gospel song, something he knows nothing about. If you had seen the Isleys perform this live, with the dancing, splits, ects.,These guys stiff as boards, except when O'keefe is bouncing in place like a baby getting ready to drop a huge load in his diaper.
luvureally 3 years ago
What a plonk you are.
kitwalker2006 3 years ago 3
he isnt the only one to make a cover of it and who cares? if u like it good if u dont thats fine but shouldnt not like it coz its a cover
TOMMASCRAWLEY 3 years ago 2
I dislike it because it is a bad cover.
luvureally 3 years ago
luvureally, a "gospel song"? The Isleys don't give that impression. What church did they go to, the 'Church of Satan' ? BTW Johnny O'Keefe does a great performance of this song! Are you a racist?
bellimbopinni 3 years ago
If you knew anything about Black American gospel music you would recognize it. This is basically a gospel arrangement and sound that speaks of love and sex instead of Jesus as have many classic soul/r&b songs. "Midnight Hour" and "Stand By Me" were based on spirituals. And I am great fan of Johnny Cash, Brenda Lee, Everly Bros., etc., so I am not racist. Only prejudiced against bad music.
luvureally 3 years ago
They obviously dont know or dont care about the facts. Their like sheep "J O'k was the best not caring that this guy is just a popstar who was told what to perform and how to perform and did not add anything rawness like the Isley's of even Elvis.
Escobar88 3 years ago
Escobar88 now we have these people around today who think that Beyonce does Etta James better than Etta James! Madness will never end.
luvureally 3 years ago 3
Johnny liked to do everything his own way, no one ruled or owned him. He actually recorded and co wrote a little known nunber "The wild one". This song was most famous outside of australia by iggy pops cover version. Although this song has been covered by Buddy Holly, Suzi Qautro, jerry Lee lewis etc.
So i am not sure where you got you so called "information"?
crowdedenz87 2 years ago
luvureally - agree with you -the incredible thing about JOK is how someone with no voice actually made it big as a singer all energy and great shelf promotional skills!
He was quite an interesting mental case- actually believing that he had died in a car accident-With the death of Elvis he was convinced he would be next and he was self suggestion he would be a great subject for a non musical movie adaptation
WobblingBaby 3 years ago
I have never been a fan of Presley, but I know that he had far more talent and range than this guy could have ever dreamed of having.
luvureally 3 years ago
Well you have just proven that you know nothing about the "King of Australian Rock and roll" mister Johnny O'keefe.
crowdedenz87 2 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
I know that this is a pale, soulless version of the Isley Bros classic.
luvureally 2 years ago
Well that is your opinion
I actually like this version better then the Isley brothers version. But thats just my opinion and you have yours.
crowdedenz87 2 years ago 2
I put flower's on JOK's grave every year. My grandparent's are buried 34 steps away from JOK.
Col Joy, NEVER FAILS to send a floral tribute in the shape of a guitar, on JOK'S anniversary/death.
SparkysSparklers 3 years ago
man i have 2 do this for my hw =(
ronaldinho2171 3 years ago
The Isley Brothers "Twist and Shout" was a cover, just as Johnny O'Keefe's "Shout",The Beatles, Rolling Stones,etc etc etc, and just about every artist at the time did covers.
blueycarlton 3 years ago 2
Yeah but Elvis and the Isleys learned how to perform in the streets. This guy is like the 1950s male version of Gwen Stefani. He doesnt even know where the music he is performing came from
Escobar88 3 years ago
I guess that you know nothing of this great mans life.
Here is an idea, do a quick search on google or wikipedia.
You cannot just make a false claim to back up your statement.
crowdedenz87 2 years ago
Yes, esco, we disagree. I have seen footage of Isleys and seen JOK live. I stand by my previous comment.
rootrat1au 3 years ago
Another to die too young. My wife and I saw him live; he was amazing.A bit of trivia, he was a Capricorn, as was Elvis and also Ward Austin. They all knew each other as good friends. Ward was the only Australian DJ to ever meet Elvis. BTW, I am a Capricorn. I used to listen to "Pally" Austin, here and in New Zealand. When Pally went to U S A his replacement at Radio Hauraki was Wolfman Jack.
Nobody like them anymore; all off their faces now.
rootrat1au 3 years ago
This is the birth of Rock and Roll in Australia....Gotta love it hey.....
fxstwg1340 3 years ago 2
Not hating... But he reminds me of Joe Peschi, both PIMPS, both short...
hairbandharry 3 years ago
What a legend.... They booed Bill Hayley off stage for Johnny... RIP man
beachdude1962 3 years ago 4
I was a small grubby kid but I remember my sis rockin' out to Australia's own Elvis!! :)
dragster58 3 years ago
this is probably an ignorant comment but it looks like those guys are grinding hahaha
pat07vivere 3 years ago
escobra88.....
if you had any idea how amazinf JOK was...... you would respect him just as much as those american singign stars such as elvis....
ecnad07 3 years ago
gimmie this over t-pain any day
gavlaing 3 years ago
He didnt pay for this; he probably isnt racist but he is a theif. Ron Isley is in jail and broke because this business.
Escobar88 3 years ago
Isley went to jail because HE was a thief -- not O'Keefe. Isley didn't pay his taxes yet continued to live a life of luxury and paying people under the table.
O'Keefe's record company would have had to pay royalties otherwise they would be jailed.
Everyone knew who wrote the song and how well it did for O'Keefe. You can't hide that.
cytuber 3 years ago
cytuber you're right, Isley is in prison because he didn't pay his taxes and he also stole money from his dead brother's estate, but it does not change the fact that he has more talent and soul in his thieving, greedy, money grubbing pinkie toenail than this talentless toad had in his entire body. The Isley's released this song in 1959 and have remained musically relevant since then. He is a great singer, songwriter, producer. O'Keefe does not wear any of those crowns.
luvureally 3 years ago
luvureally, O'Keefe is long dead, he should be recognised for what he was, not vocally sound but a great entertainer who gave the kids what they wanted to hear at the time, he saw a niche in the marketplace and exploited it. He virtually pioneered RnR in this country and should be acknowledged for that. He appeared in many Lee Gordon productions alongside overseas imports who were fashionable at the time and his popularity overwhelmed the one hit wonders on the same show.
harmesy37 2 years ago
His popularity "overwhelmed" because he was homegrown, a national hero. When James Brown first toured U.K. he was booed because they thought he was imitating some English guy(can't remember the name) who had been imitating Brown! Props to O'Keefe because he was the first, not because of any overwhelming talent on his part. And who were these one hit wonders on the show?
luvureally 2 years ago
luvureally, A galaxy of stars not!!Dick Caruso, Paul and Paula, Rod Lauren, Chan Romero, Marv Johnson,Jack Scott, Damita Jo, Little Peggy March. Not too many household names there. A short time later Crash Craddock appeared at the old stadium with O' Keefe as the lead in. There were others also but it's a long time ago. Regards from downunder..
harmesy37 2 years ago
u r right, not many household names there. But I believe Marv Johnson's "You've Got What It Takes" is probably more broadly know than anything O'Keefe ever did, even Paul & Paula and Little Peggy March produced one hit wonders more memorable than Mr. O'keefe. Who doesn't know "I will Follow Him. Damita Jo was one of U.S. greatly underrated singers, but there were so many at that time! When it comes to popular music of 20th century, U.S. produced more great singers than any country.
luvureally 2 years ago
luvureally, I take your point,however greatness is a very subjective term and surely could not be applied to any of the performers mentioned here, longevity is the measure of overall success and these people came and went in a heartbeat. They had their fifteen minutes of fame and good luck to them we should all be so lucky.....
harmesy37 2 years ago
touche
luvureally 2 years ago
Interesting that you mention "I Will Follow Him". Originally a French instrumental, then a French-language hit for an English singer, Petula Clark, before Peggy March covered it.
You seem to have a chip on your shoulder about "underrated" USA singers. Perhaps the above info will shave a little above the chip.
jemb2000 2 years ago
If it wasn't no Johnny O'keefe, there would have been no Little river band, INXS, Air surply, Men at Work, Oliva- newton John etc. Next time do a little research.
O'keefe wrote a little known song called "the wild one". Which has been countlessly covered by Buddy Holly, Jerry lee lewis, iggy pop and even Elvis Presley etc. Just a little fact, you might find interesting.
crowdedenz87 2 years ago
ok but if there were no American music, none of that music would exist. And O'keefe nowhere near the league of those you mentioned.
luvureally 2 years ago
I agree with you there. American music did play a part in popular music.
Before O'keefe started out, the australian broadcasting companies didn't pay any attention. But he paved the way for these bands to succeeded.
I believe that american music started it, British music evolved the style eg "The Beatles". Australia developed some really great bands. As did the US and English. We have all played a part in the history of music.
crowdedenz87 2 years ago
he will always be the best,rock singer
kinghtlee 3 years ago
what a legend
nicmarto 3 years ago
WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW ***** what a entertainer and performer
ShamansLoveEnergy 3 years ago
This clip brings back memories of 50 years ago,,when JOK came back from the US and performed this on Six O'clock Rock,,a far better show than the prissy Bandstand..
That is Pee Wee Wilson on the left,,and the guy second from the right,,was Noel Widerberg,,who was killed in a car accident early in the Delltones career..
One of the guys playing sax,,is Jimmy Sloggart.. I didn't see the old bespectacled "Professor" on string bass,,a member of JOK's early band..
Australia's best R&R showman !!!!
mindoropogi1 3 years ago
Nobody could sing and perform like this guy. Look at him go. Legend
jizzbomb999 4 years ago
This man just blew me away. I have to say this is the best version I've ever heard - hands down. Respect to the Aussies people.
keithfansf 4 years ago 6
bitch stole my last name [fo real]
johnald705 4 years ago
This comment has received too many negative votes show
Drugo
MS85ToyotaCrown 4 years ago
fuck you
gary240263 4 years ago
Nobody could sing and perform with as much passion and soul as Johnnie O'Keefe, he gave everything to entertain and i am just glad we have some clips here to see what a great entertainer he was, i saw him live a few times in the 60's and it's too hard to put into words here just how fantastic it was to see him live, a young Elvis, James Brown and Little Richard rolled into one,
aussieagle 4 years ago
please dont compare this phony to James or Elvis
Escobar88 3 years ago
Get fucked... He's Australias first rocknroll legend who was around at exactly the same time as Elvis... He kicked arse and continued to do so while Elvis did soppy C grade movies, got fat and did Las vegas..
beachdude1962 3 years ago
esco, you don't know what you're talking about.
rootrat1au 3 years ago
Im biased toward my music and you're biased toward yours the difference is that the musicians I listen to are the who the musicians you listen to copied to make their music. Give me a break please do your credibility a favor and dont ever disrespect Ron Isley. Watch The Isleys perform this song and then watch this.
Escobar88 3 years ago
Escobar88, the very fact that you refer to Johnny O'Keefe as a phoney reveals your immaturity. Do your researh before making stupid comments.
bellimbopinni 3 years ago 2
i can't beleive he has a newphew who hosts Deal or no deal!
ruantengyi 4 years ago
he rocks u all suck
moggy41 4 years ago
I have read the other comments and it seems that I will have to get my computer fixed - this clip sounded awful to me!
leoseries 4 years ago
Leoseries you have to remember this clip is nearly 50 years old from 1959, and isn't recorded with "state of the art" equipment.
You're in the UK.
What Brit rocker at the time had the energy and audience reaction this bloke got?
Harry Webb?,Adam Faith?,Marty Wilde?
All manufactured "pop" singers.
JOK had a "hit" record in the US and appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show in 1960.
Even "Sir Cliff" didn't succeed there until 1976 with "Devil Woman",a song penned by an ex-pat Aussie, Terry Britten.
blueycarlton 4 years ago 2
Good point Bluey. The Brit stuff of this vintage is of similar quality. Even The Beatles. (Heaven forbid).
bellimbopinni 4 years ago
Soundwise that is!
bellimbopinni 4 years ago
Hi Bluey. I hope you feel better after your spell of "Pom Bashing." I merely offered the opinion that his was an awful clip. Whether this guy was any better or worse than others of his time seems immaterial.
leoseries 4 years ago
G'Day Leo.
Your comments on the "She's My Baby" clip,
"Shout was so awful"
"This clip was even worse"
"I'm still trying to understand the favourable comments"
I was not "Pom Bashing" just pointing out that compared to the UK acts of the time,JOK did have some success in the US.
Until '64 UK artists could not make an impression there either.
Even Cliff struggled, I remember queing up with hundreds of other kids to see "The Young Ones" at the flicks.
Cheers,
Bluey.
blueycarlton 4 years ago 2
Yes, no "movies" in those days. We went to the flicks, which is what I still call them. Shame, our young people are using seppo words and phrases..
rootrat1au 3 years ago
man this is me personlly, but he def is no isly brothers nor chuck berry. he's good...but there great!
jmac1507 4 years ago
AAAhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh GO JOHNNY..I remember you rockin' out Sydney way mate!!!
dragster58 4 years ago
Just purchased the 2 DVD set,"Shout"-The Johnny O'Keefe Story.
This was originally on TV in 1984. Excellent performances by Terry Serio as JOK and John McTernan(?)as Lee Gordon. Most songs are full length in this 3 and a half hour bio. Great stuff.
blueycarlton 4 years ago
I've been waiting for that mini series for years. Thanks blueycarlton. It even has a bit of Ed Sullivan from what I can remember.
bellimbopinni 4 years ago
Yes, bellimbopinni, disc 1+2 ends/starts with his appearance on the Ed Sullivan Show.
Purchased DVD from Umbrella Entertainment in Northcote Vic.
blueycarlton 4 years ago
Man, now thats good every time! Does anyone have a copy of J'OK on the Ed Sullivan Show, circa 1960?
bellimbopinni 4 years ago
Isn't that the Delltones backing him? I recognized Peewee
curioustruth 4 years ago
hey curioustruth, yes that is Peewee & a few members of the original Delltones. When they supported Johhny O'Keefe in the late 50's they where known as Johhny O'Keefe & the "dee jays", cheers.
jimbojon2 4 years ago
Yes, the Delltones. Still performing and pulling good crowds. Still sounding fantastic.
rootrat1au 3 years ago
can anyone tell me when this concert was late 50's or early 60's? He died way too young but always remembered esp 6 o'clock rock on tv.
Kazlectic 4 years ago
He was the King.
1633ruthlor 4 years ago
Thoroughly overrated 'Musician'. Excellent performer, however.
StrangelyBrownNo1 4 years ago
WOuld you believe that this version of this song started my career in music and now is still an industry that supports 16 happy people in tan affiliated field. Thanks Johnny OK
pulp999 4 years ago
Fantastic Aussie Rock n Roll.
Compare this to the Isley Brother's original and you can see why he used to blow away the visiting American acts off stage in the 1950's.
drunkill 4 years ago
Fantastic, i remembar him growing up in OZ , he was our KING of RnR , thank god we have something to remember his fantastic performances, my fav song of Johnnies is " She wears my ring " pure class
aussieagle 4 years ago
he was australia's king of rock and roll.
XJ6forever 4 years ago
cool i like that song when i listen there in a dishwasher liquid comercial jijiji really
brunim527 4 years ago
Something about Ozrock and rebellion go together. All the same, I had a PIX magazine from early 60's where JOK was tas talking about his toaster (with photos)
Brakawolf 4 years ago
He blew Chuck Berry away at the old stadium.
NormanGunston 4 years ago
he actually did, it is a real fact.
face it....
crowdedenz87 2 years ago
He was 'The King'. Pure and simple!!!
craigguild 4 years ago
good work jonno
mitchganger 4 years ago
Good stuff
JoeClawsy 5 years ago
excellent video, performers like him started the Australian rock n roll
hazza50 5 years ago
So good, and so hard to get. Saw him at the Sydney Stadium about this time and he knocked them dead - every time. A totally charismatic performer.
foz405 5 years ago
cool.... nice
funnylumpy 5 years ago