Johnny Devlin and band in Napier, January 1959 Photo: Hawke’s Bay Photo News
Johnny Devlin cracked open the New Zealand rock’n’roll market in 1958.
Johnny Devlin acetate, Dannevirke, 30 March 1957 Photo: Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington MSD10-1135
This episode of Blue Smoke digs deep into early Devlin. As well as some early hits, it features some very rare recordings, being broadcast for the very first time: an audition from 1957, and a live track from his barnstorming national tour of 1958-1959.
Written, presented, and produced by Chris Bourke; engineered by William Saunders.
More to explore:
Music details
Artist: Johnny Devlin
Track: Devil’s Rock (instrumental)
Composer: Johnny Devlin
Album: How Would ’Ya Be
Label: Ode
Artist: Johnny Devlin
Track: Lawdy Miss Clawdy
Composer: Lloyd Price
Album: How Would ’Ya Be
Label: Ode
Artist: Johnny Devlin
Track: River City Rock
Composer: unknown
Private recording, 8-inch acetate, 1957
Courtesy of Archive of New Zealand Music, Alexander Turnbull Library
Artist: Johnny Devlin
Track: Shake Rattle and Roll
Composer: Jesse Stone aka Charles F Calhoun
Private recording, 8-inch acetate, 1957
Courtesy of Archive of New Zealand Music, Alexander Turnbull Library
Artist: Johnny Devlin
Track: Nervous Wreck
Composer: Johnny Devlin
Album: How Would ’Ya Be
Label: Ode
Artist: Johnny Devlin
Track: I’ve Got a Rocket in My Pocket
Composer: McAlpin-Logsdon
Album: How Would ’Ya Be
Label: Ode
Artist: Johnny Devlin
Track: Wild One (Real Wild Child)
Composer: O’Keefe-Owen-Greenan-Withers
Album: How Would ’Ya Be
Label: Ode
Johnny Devlin interview by Chris Bourke, 2006
Tony Hopkins interview by Chris Bourke for RNZ Musical Chairs, 2001
Artist: Johnny Devlin
Track: Gonna Teach You to Rock
Composer: Freddie Bell
Private recording, live in Christchurch, 1959
Courtesy Grant Gillanders
Artist: Johnny Devlin
Track: Rock with the Devils
Composer: Johnny Devlin
Album: How Would ’Ya Be
Label: Ode
Thanks to AudioCulture.co.nz, Grant Gillanders, and the Archive of NZ Music at Alexander Turnbull Library.
