Wild One, The: Johnny O'Keefe

An elemental force present at the creation of Australian rock 'n' roll, Johnny O'Keefe converted incredible drive, a tremendous flair for showmanship and a larrikin spirit into status as his country's first rock star.

Tragically, Johnny was dead at 43, after thirty hit singles and twenty-eight albums, and a succession of (self-inflicted) disasters – a near fatal car crash, a much publicised series of nervous breakdowns, bouts of alcoholism and drug addiction. His influence was immense; few in the world of popular music begrudged him the title 'the King of Australian Rock and Roll'.