The Introduction of Rock and Roll into Australia
When rock and roll first hit Australia, it was American artist, Bill Haley who made the genre famous. Australia became attracted to rock and roll because of its origins in other countries, most predominately America and Britain.
It was not until later in the 20th century, did Australia become known for its own rock music.
However, although Australia is garnering more attention for its own rock performers today, many Australian artists have been influenced by the style and music of overseas popular rock bands in the past.
America and Britain continue to play a huge role in contributing its music to the Australian society today.
It was not until later in the 20th century, did Australia become known for its own rock music.
However, although Australia is garnering more attention for its own rock performers today, many Australian artists have been influenced by the style and music of overseas popular rock bands in the past.
America and Britain continue to play a huge role in contributing its music to the Australian society today.
AmericaAmerica was responsible for initiating the rock and roll trend in Australia.
Bill Haley and his comets was involved with the rock and roll beginnings with their song, "Rock Around the Clock". The song became a hit after being used in a controversial American film called, "Rock Around the Clock" in 1955. America continued to overlook the music industry with the influence of overly popular rock artists including Buddy Holly and Chuck Berry. These imported music led to rock and roll music evolving into the most popular kind of entertainment amongst Australian teenagers by the end of the 1950s. A famous artist which captured the attention and hearts of numerous teenage girls was Elvis Presley who entered the entertainment industry in 1956. One popular rock song of his that became popular in the Australian population was "Jailhouse Rock" in 1968. In addition, the Woodstock music festival which was held in the United States in 1969 led to Australia's first rock music festival called, “Pilgrimage for pop” in 1970. Rock and roll music produced by America caused the population to undertake the American way of life as well including its fashion, attitudes and trends and. The infiltration of America's popular culture into Australian society led to many concerns among the community. Australia became too overly dependant on America for their music sources and Australia were not able to mould its own personal identity. When Australia finally started to become known for its own music productions, community still viewed their country's rock and roll music to be a representation of American popular culture. |
BritainBritain's role in shaping Australia's style of rock music started whilst America was dominating the music charts in the 1950s. The country started forming bands which gained immense fame from numerous fans across the Australian continent.
The Beatles' arrival in 1963 introduced British rock music into the Australian scenery . The band released a popular song called “From me to you” which became popular in both America and Australia. They became an immensely popular group among young people during this decade. Australia was infected by Beatle-mania as thousands of hysterical, screaming fans mobbed John, George, Paul and Ringo during their Australian tour in the 1960s. Britain continued to sustain their success of rock music in Australia through the progression of another band, “The Rolling Stones” who toured Australia in 1965. Similarly to the Beatles, they were responsible for great excitement among Australians as well. Both British bands influenced Australian artists such as ‘The Easybeats’ and ‘Billy Thorpe and the Aztecs” to adopt a similar style to their music. However, they continued to experience less popularity than Britain's entertainers. Teenagers’ change of attention to British culture caused Australians to embrace the fashion and hairstyles of these popular British bands. The extent of British influence is still evident today. |
Their Combined Influence
During the 1960s, commercial radios broadcasted a majority of imported music from America and Britain. These imports triggered teenager’s extreme craze over rock and roll.
During this time, Australian performers like Johnny O’Keefe were heavily influenced by these overseas trends, as they re-modelled the style of British and American music.
During this time, Australian performers like Johnny O’Keefe were heavily influenced by these overseas trends, as they re-modelled the style of British and American music.