Six O'Clock Rock

In the mid-1950's, a music revolution swept the world, and empowered a demographic previously ignored by marketers and advertisers. The new target group was the teenager, and they now had their own music. Developed primarily from rhythm and blues, this new teen appeal music was labelled rock ‘n' roll.

New teenage singers and musicians became overnight stars, here and in the USA and UK, some on the strength of having one hit record. The Aussie kids included Johnny O'Keefe, Col Joye, Bryan Davies, Dig Richards, the Delltones, Lonnie Lee, Lucky Starr, and they were joined by New Zealanders, Johnny Devlin and Dinah Lee, who moved here to reach greater audiences.

Big Show promoter, Lee Gordon imported 4 or 5 rock 'n' roll acts to tour here in each show and we rocked at Sydney Stadium to Little Richard, Bill Haley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Gene Pitney, Connie Francis and Lesley Gore. Into the 1960's, teenage stars began emerging from the UK, like Cliff Richard, Helen Shapiro, the Beatles, Dave Clark Five, the Rolling Stones and the Hollies.

Those teenagers are now seniors and can relive this great era of music (from the mid 50's to the mid 60's) every Saturday night at 6 in SIX O'CLOCK ROCK on Coast FM 963. But rock ‘n' roll is not just for the kids who lived in that time. Younger music fans call it retro and seem to love it too.

No matter what your age, you're welcome to bop to the rock ‘n' roll on Saturday nights.