Lonnie Lee
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Lonnie Lee (born 18 September 1940) is an Australian singer. He was raised on sheep property in Rowena, New South Wales and has been performing since the mid 1950s. At the peak of his career, Lee had eight national #1 hits and produced five Gold Records. His last #1 hit was 'Sad Over Someone' (1969).
Lee got his first break in 1956 with a performance on radio 2UW's talent search, Alan Toohey's Amateur Hour where he came second. In February 1957, he won an MGM contest for 'Australia's own Elvis Presley' and in 1959 recorded his first record for Leedon Records called Ain't it so, which he wrote with Johnny O'Keefe and which became his first national hit. He also formed started Sydney's first Rockabilly trio. At this time, Lee made his first of many television appearances on the ABC's rock and roll television show Six O'Clock Rock as well as Bandstand compered by Brian Henderson.
Other hits were Starlight Starbright (1959), Yes Indeed I Do (1960), I Found A New Love, Defenceless (1960). In 1961 and 1962 he made Sit Around And Talk, When The Bells Stop Ringing, Sitting By The River and Don't You Know Pretty Baby.
His last #1 record was in 1969 with his own song Sad Over Someone
Lee's recording career achieved a number of notable firsts including
- the first Australian to have a full colour album cover;
- the first Australian to record a stereo album;
- the first Australian to have a double sided #1 record; and
- the first Australian to have a #1 from an album
In 1961 Lee was awarded a commercial radio award, the 'Golden Microphone Award' as Australia's Most Popular Recording Star.
During the 1960s and 1970s, he toured the UK and US before settling in the US from 1971 recording and writing songs. His songwriting included work with Roy Orbison, Cher, Florence Henderson and Glen Campbell. In 1984 Lee returned to Australia where he continues to perform with his band as Lonnie Lee and the Leemen.
[edit] References
- Lonnie Lee website
- Transcript: GNT Interview with George Negus (16 June 2003)
- ABC: Long Way To The Top - Lonnie Lee Stories and Highlights
