Johnny O'Keefe (1935-1978) was named 'the wild one' of Australian rock 'n' roll, after his first hit song, "wild one", in 1958. O'Keefe was Australia's first major rock 'n' roll star, with a raw voice and an energetic stage presence to match. Over the next 15 years, he had 35 hit records in Australia and hosted two popular TV shows: Six O'Clock Rock and The Johnny O'Keefe Show. However, despite an ambitious tour of America, he was unable to emulate his Australian success overseas.
"Johnny O'Keefe reached the top of his chosen profession, despite not being blessed with a wonderful voice. What he lacked in vocal ability, he made up for with a fierce determination to succeed, an uncanny ability to pick a hit song, a sheer magnetism on stage and a work ethic that would have destroyed most." - http://www.johnnyokeefe.com/
Hit singles - (http://www.johnnyokeefe.com/jokhits.htm)
1957
(You Hit The Wrong Note) Billy Goat / I'm Still Alive (The Chicken Song)
1958
So Tough / That'll Be Alright Festival FK
1959
Shout / What'd I Say Lee Gordon
She's My Baby / Own True Self Lee Gordon
1960
Don't You Know / Come On And Take My Hand Lee Gordon
1961
I'm Counting On You / Right Now Leedon
1962
Sing / To Love Leedon LK
I Thank You / Heaven Sent Leedon
Move Baby Move / You'll Never Cherish a Love So True (Until You Lose It) Leedon
She Wears My Ring / Let's Love Tonight Leedon LK
Shout Parts 1 &2 / Come On And Take My Hand (both re recordings) Leedon
1973
Mockingbird / Soulshake (with Margaret McLaren) Festival