Six O'Clock Rock
| Company type | Television program |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television broadcasting, Music entertainment |
| Founded | 1959-02-28 |
| Headquarters | Australia |
| Products | Rock and roll music television show |
| Parent | ABC Television |
Six O'Clock Rock was an Australian rock and roll TV program aired on ABC Television from 28 February 1959 until 1962, scheduled on Saturdays at 6 p.m.
Program synopsis
Modeled after the BBC's Six-Five Special, the show shared a similar format with ABC's competitor TCN-9's Bandstand, which was presented by Brian Henderson. As ABC-TV's inaugural music show targeting youth audiences, it preceded the later series Countdown.
The series initially featured American host Ricki Merriman alongside Johnny O'Keefe and his group The Dee Jays, whose members included Dave Owens (tenor saxophone), Johnny "Greeno" Greenan (baritone saxophone), Johnny "Catfish" Purser (drums), Keith Williams (bass), and Lou Casch (guitar). Occasionally, jazz artist Bob "Bluto" Bertles filled in on saxophone. After six installments, O'Keefe took over as host, often beginning with his trademark introduction supported by The Graduates.
The premiere episode presented performers such as Reg Lindsay, The Australian All-Stars, The Graduates, Terry King, and Johnny Ball. Early career appearances on the program were made by artists including Lonnie Lee, Barry Stanton, and Warren Williams. The show also marked the debut of The Delltones. Production was led by Peter Page.
Originally, the program combined rock with jazz elements; the jazz segments showcased the Australian All Stars featuring Don Burrows (alto/baritone saxophones), Terry Wilkinson (piano), Ron Webber (drums), Fred Logan (bass), and Dave Rutledge (tenor saxophone). However, as O'Keefe favored a predominantly rock-oriented lineup, the jazz content was gradually reduced.
In 1961, O'Keefe departed to front the more sophisticated Johnny O'Keefe Show on ATN-7. Hosts who followed included Tanya Halesworth and Chet Clark. After O'Keefe's exit, the program shifted towards a milder style before concluding in 1962 due to competition from both O'Keefe's new show and Bandstand.
See also
Sources
- Bryden-Brown, John. JO'K, the Official Johnny O'Keefe Story. Doubleday, 1982. ISBN 9780868240862. Chapter: Terror on TV