Awesome Aussie Songs

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

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!!!!

The First Aussie Rocker - John Charter

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!!!!

Help is on its Way by the Little River Band

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.

REISSUE: Curiosity Killed the Cat by the Little River Band

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.

I've Been to Bali Too by Redgum

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.

REISSUE: I Was Only 19 by Redgum

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

 

A Little Piece of Peace by Digby Richards

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.

 

 

REISSUE: Dig Richards & The R 'Jays

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.

Horror Movie by Skyhooks

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.

REISSUE: Living in the 70's by Skyhooks

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.