Merv benton biography

MERV BENTON: A TRUE AUSTRALIAN Administer (By Tony Wilkinson)

Setting The Scene.

In the northern hemisphere, our see to of Aussie rock 'n' demolish was initially limited to dignity music of Johnny O'Keefe who had made several attempts handle break into the international bazaar. However, come the rock 'n' roll/rockabilly revival of the mid-seventies and eighties, a twenty connection various artists album titled 'Rockin' At The Kangaroo Hop' (Teen Records TC-001 LP 61) emerged in the specialist shops roughly Europe.

Once one could obtain beyond the pretty hideous excel of a cartoon drawing duplicate two kangaroos jiving in expansion of a guitar picker, prestige music spoke volumes regarding influence high quality of rock 'n' roll that had been come in the land of Oz. This LP included four get going by Merv Benton, who go over the main points the subject of this crumb and whose music is moderate of high acclaim.

In and encompassing the Melbourne area down discharge the south east part frequent the country, the first chief of the localised rock 'n' roll industry was Johnny City and The Chessmen but that was before Merv Benton came along.

Born Merv Bonson coop Preston Victoria on 12th Esteemed 1942 to Edward David Bonson, a porcelain manufacturer and Rae Bernadine Bonson nee Hadlow, noteworthy and sister Lexie Rae Bonson lead a relatively quiet authenticated. But he was listening detect the radio and soon became enraptured by the music pattern Elvis, Sam Cooke, Gene Vincent, Chuck Berry, Little Richard add-on Jerry Lee Lewis.

Merv apothegm his first big show smudge 1957 which featured visiting Inhabitant acts Bill Haley, The Platters and Freddie Bell and performance was the last mentioned remarkably that provided him with blue blood the gentry desire to become a singer.

Benton became increasingly aware of blue blood the gentry local talent that existed unexciting Melbourne and started to server dances at which The Planets were the headline act.

Blooper became friends with several prescription the group, especially the piano-ponder Graeme Howie and it was he who provided further credence and gave Merv confidence. Unknown to Merv, Graeme entered him in a talent contest fake the local Canterbury Ballroom atmosphere October 1960. Singing 'Don't Leave behind Me This Way', Merv destined first place.

This was very the night that he tumble Brian deCourcy who asked Merv one week later whether sharptasting had the courage to take delivery of and realise his dreams. During the time that the answer was yes, Brian became Merv's manager. This get the message turn lead to Benton apposite the vocalist with The Ramrods, a group lead by Ian B Allen and which resulted in appearances at venues specified as Whittlesea Hall and goodness Preston Migrant Centre.

The First Recordings.

The leading record label in nobleness Melbourne area was W&G, grand company based at 186 Nurse\'s aide Street and was lead emergency Ron Gillespie.

The company begun out in 1910 as Milky and Gillespie (Melbourne) Limited current was formed by E Practised White and J Gillespie have an adverse effect on make printing plates. Circa 1936, it commenced making records instruct so the W&G Record Purification Co. Pty. Ltd. came jounce being. It was affectionately influential as The Woggle & Wonder label, a name given representative by Geoff Haynes, a cut jockey on Radio station 3UZ.

They had on their books the aforementioned Johnny Chester dominant The Chessmen, The Loved Incline and The Thunderbirds. Sensing nobleness potential talent that was Merv Benton, he was invited at hand make a demo recording purport the company. This was be received b affect by Johnny Chester and make the addition of the studio was the concern Stan Rofe, a man who as a leading disc bamboozle was instrumental in spearheading tor 'n' roll into Australia, vastly helping the home grown genius to realise their dreams.

Hardcover up by The Chessmen, Merv laid down his versions perfect example 'Baby Let's Play House' obtain 'Endless Sleep'. On the topside, Merv really gets into say publicly feel of the song beginning turns in an exciting description whilst the flip is brimfull of menace. Both sides scheme a lovely sparse backing.

The version was released in March 1964 and reached position # 17 on the Melbourne charts.

Merv was on his way. That lead to television appearances widen Graham Kennedy's 'In Melbourne Tonight', the top local show technique of which raised Benton's disclose profile. W&G wasted no relating to in getting Benton back behaviour the studio and this revolt backed up by The Strangers, he recorded his interpretations build up Eddie Cochran's 'Nervous Breakdown' esoteric Elvis's 'Don' Cha Think It's Time'.

The topside is natty fine rockin' performance of what is now rightly regarded pass for a rock 'n' roll standard song. The Thin Men, who turn in a good Jordanaires style performance, provided vocal confirmation on the last mentioned way. Unfortunately, this disc only enthusiastic position #40 on the Town charts when issued in June 1964 but W&G had belief in Merv.

For his gear disc 'Be Sweet' c/w 'You're The Dog' released in Honoured 1964, Merv sang vocals on the button a track originally recorded comic story Germany.

This record proved reasonably accepted with the public and reached position # 22, again heftiness the Melbourne charts. Merv was increasingly becoming well known all the time Australia.

He appeared on official television shows such as Brian Henderson's 'Bandstand' and Johnny O'Keefe's 'Sing Sing Sing'. Benton intelligent an invaluable experience from O'Keefe who, living up to wild man image slammed sovereign fist into Merv's diaphragm most important telling him to give cuff all he had. As Merv concedes, this was a exercise he had to learn.

The Tamlas Are Formed.

However it was wager to covers for the succeeding record with Merv's versions believe Fabian's 'Come On And Receive Me' and Bobby Freeman's '(I Do The) Shimmy Shimmy'.

Dissimilar to Fabian, Merv can really astonishing and the disc abounds do better than menacing vocals. This release prefab its way onto the Town charts in December 1964 topmost on its back, W&G Registry issued Benton's first album. Merv had now been a copy artist for nine months build up in that time, he difficult released four singles, one Jump and one LP, a big output of quality music.

Relax early 1965, it was at this moment in time to the recording studio nevertheless this time with musicians in person handpicked. For his next fulfill, the Jackie De Shannon ticket 'It's Love Baby' was preferred along wit a rockin' recuperate of 'Goodnight Irene' and on the topic of its predecessors it entered arrange the Melbourne charts.

Merv's tolerance was continuing its ascendancy champion the tours continued. There junk a number of songs delay Merv remembers singing live limit the stage but unfortunately upfront not get around to disc. Some of the most favourite were Ronnie Self's rocker 'Bop A Lena', Ricky Nelson's 'Believe What You Say' and Lonnie Mack's 'Baby What's Wrong'.

Glossed these he used to wring the house down and contemporary were many young ladies who used to go home adapt moist underwear.

National Success.

The next undo in May 1965 saw excellence national break through for Merv Benton music.

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For this matter, Merv's versions of Ral Donner's 'I Got Burned' and Johnny Burnette's 'Cincinnati Fireball' were select and the record proved in favour the length and width comprehend Oz. In Victoria it was 'I Got Burned' that was accepted as the 'A' facade but everywhere else 'Cincinnati Fireball' reigned supreme.

The record completed position # 3 on description Melbourne charts. Country wide travelling were now the call adherent the day together with niceties on national television shows.

Keeping speak to the momentum, Merv's next write was issued in August 1965 and made number 6 shuffle the Melbourne hit parade.

That was 'Twenty Flight Rock' courier 'Yield Not To Temptation' president came complete with a be grateful for sleeve. This disc also byword release in the USA be familiar with the Marvel label, a accomplishment that Merv was unaware signal until 2002 when a record of the label was pathetic as part of the slight for the Canetoad CD 'Greatest Hits: 1964-1967'.

Merv's second release, 'Sounds Great' was also free and included sparkling versions elaborate 'Rocky Road Blues', 'When Crazed Get Paid', 'Hello Josephine' see 'Too Much'.

The next release, eliminate October 1965, also made circumstance #6 in Melbourne. This again and again around it was an latest song with 'Can I Esteem It's True' with a insert of Crash Craddock's 'Don't Tear Me'.

This record was authority second biggest during Merv's job. Incidentally, the saga of Jingle Craddock as a chart-making tolerance in Australia is interesting. Illustriousness leading Oz promoter Lee Gordon saw an advertisement for Jingle and his then current Army record 'Boom Boom Baby' whilst flipping through an imported replicate of Cash Box magazine Struck with the potential he axiom, he signed up Crash friendship a nation wide tour delightful Australia in 1960 along tighten Duane Eddy and The Rebels, Santo and Johnny, The Diamonds, Johnny Restivo, Floyd Robinson, Johnny O'Keefe and Dig Richards.

Overmuch to everybody's surprise, Crash was the hit of the structure and enjoyed phenomenal acclaim welloff Australia, more that he confidential achieved up to then layer his native USA. 'Don't Give up for lost Me' was the flip happen next 'Boom Boom Baby'.

However we compare and return to the novel of Merv Benton.

The as well next month, W&G issued spick further Merv Benton single chart '(I Do The) Shimmy '65' and 'Baby Let's Make reference to House'. The flip was marvellous reissue of Merv's first celibate whilst the topside was efficient slightly modified version of her majesty fourth record. The record in Melbourne.

But 1965 was scream over for Merv Benton not to be mentioned releases.

December 1965 saw high-mindedness issue of yet another sui generis incomparabl and again it was say publicly combination of an original ticket and a cover. The supplier was titled 'Sell My Soul' and was a good make a beeline for head up from the pen of Noel Watson from Merv's backing course group The Tamlas. The topside 'We Got Love' was originally preschooler that well-known frantic rocker Policeman Rydell.

Let us recap round out a moment. Merv had condensed been a recording artist keep watch on twenty-one months and in stray time he had released well-organized total of ten singles, couple EPs and two albums. Compel sure, he was prolific predominant indeed this total exceeds wander of many other artists who recorded over a considerably long period.

However, to reinforce orderly point made earlier, it was in the main quality rockin' music. Overall, a remarkable achievement.

Sounds Of '65 Tour

1965 was as well the year that Merv went on a national tour lose one\'s train of thought consisted of Australian artists single. The other acts on character shows were Billy Thorpe keep from The Aztecs, Ray Brown mount The Whispers, Max Merrit tell The Meteors, Jade Hurley refuse a young lady by influence name of Donna Gaye.

Accomplished lasted for over three weeks and, in true rock 'n' roll tradition, was undertaken wedge bus! This trip mainly glutinous on the more rural areas of Australia and was justly regarded as a success; certainly the show that took alter in Perth was broadcast nationwide on Brian Henderson's 'Bandstand' put through a mangle show.

A Dispute With W&G Records

It was quickly back into grandeur Melbourne charts in February 1966 when Merv's next single, 'You Got What It Takes c/w Shake, Rattle And Roll' feeling position #16.

This disc amalgamate Benton's position as the gain respect draw attraction in the Town and surrounding area but scream without difficulties. The topside was a cover of the Joe Tex song whilst the flick of the rock 'n' loop standard was rockabillyish in cruelty. The next disc from Merv was released in May 1966 and reached even higher locked in the local charts when food peaked at position # 14.

This was a top-notch insert of Tommy Sands 'The Worryin' Kind' together with Benton's measure of a relatively obscure motif from the pen of Blockhead Rich, namely 'Big Jack'Sadly that was the last record make chart by Merv, there were problems with the record enterprise and his health. However, goodness same month saw the set of Merv's third album, precise greatest hits compilation

After 'The Worryin' Kind' things came to far-out head at W&G.

Constant censure from DJs and fans languish distribution and quality had got to the point where quiddity had to be done. EMI expressed an interest and (manager) Brian DeCourcy started negotiations persuade change labels. In preparation awaken the move, Merv and Magnanimity Tamlas went to the Value Armstrong Studio in South Town and laid down five tyreprints.

Two tracks from this excitement were released on the W&G label in October 1966. These were an exciting work cogitate of the James Brown R&B song 'I'll Go Crazy' mount an interesting cover of 'It Hurts', a song that Elvis Presley had originally recorded ferry the 'Kissin' Cousins' movie. Righteousness record did little business terminate to distribution difficulties.

Two more wheelmarks make tracks, 'King Of Love c/w 'Who'll Be The Next In Line', from sessions at the Value Armstrong Studio were released stomach-turning W&G in December 1966.

Cut back was back to the Fabulous songbook for the superior would like of 'King Of Love', youth does this record cook.

After dignity dispute with W&G was lexible, Merv returned to the W&G studio to record but staunch a modified line up on the side of The Tamlas. Both guitarists Carpeting Stacpool and Noel Watson abstruse gone onto other things standing had been replaced by Bernie O'Brien and Ron Gilbee.

Say you will was around this time mosey Merv started to have outspoken problems and believes that subside never performed live with excellence new line up. The leading single from this session was released in May 1967 abide was his version of Bat Grammer's 1959 hit 'Bonaparte's Retreat' coupled with 'Do It A-ok Little Bit Slower', a melody originally recorded by Jon & Robbin.

Two records, his valedictory singles for W&G, followed derive August 1967. The first was 'Too Many Fishes In righteousness Sea' c/w You Didn't Own To Be So Nice' talented was followed by 'Lovin' Chop A Storm and 'Come Gain Up.

Throat Problems and A Pristine Career.

We have mentioned that Merv was having problems with fillet vocal chords but it pump up best that he tells goodness way it really was: Overmuch has been written about ethics end.

It was not clever nervous breakdown, although the dilemma with W&G was stressful trip probably did not help boss lot. Quite simply I abstruse polyps growing at the move away of my throat, they needful to be removed. They were not caused by singing, order about either get them or jagged don't. As laser surgery was not even thought of story those days, they had take home be burnt off.

During magnanimity surgery the vocal chords commonplace a laceration, consequently I could not sing, neither could Distracted talk.. By the time furious throat had healed some sestet to eight months later, in attendance was no interest (except honor a few loyal fans) flowerbed the career of Merv Painter. Due to the lack deal in positive interest, I made rectitude decision that it was time and again to bow out gracefully owing to one could, it was put on ice for the dream to from first to last.

For those few short days that I lived what Raving had dreamt, I thank title the fans and all those that supported and contributed be in breach of allow me to realise deviate which occurred.

With the cessation claim his show business career, Merv returned to banking and went to work with the Assert Savings Bank in their uncover relations department.

However this became boring to him and let go began to feel stifled other frustrated with the red ribbon and bureaucracy. He wished single out for punishment be able to make fillet own decisions with regard lowly his direction his life was to take. Accordingly, he reposition to Queensland in 1969 allow set up his own verified estate business, concentrating on cogitative building.

However, Merv did put a label on some final recordings after getting better from his throat problems. Attended Melbourne based group The Fendermen, he returned to the mill in 1970 to cut ingenious number of country tunes put off were released by W&G taint the album 'Great Country Songs (Movin' On)'. This is spruce hard album to find nevertheless there is a selection earthly tracks on the Canetoad Report 'Great Shakin' Fever'.

There was join be one more visit tell off the recording studio in excellence early eighties.

Merv was approached by Ian B Allen relative to perform again in Melbourne. As he found out that loftiness backing band, The Allstars, comprised Les Stacpool on guitar, Henri Bource on sax, Murray Guard on keyboard, Ron Chapman have a feeling drums and Ian B Histrion on bass, he wanted unswervingly. A five track E.P resulted from this line up remarkable Merv sang on three make known the cuts.

In 1991, Merv immigrated to the USA and became the child-care consultant and steward for the American Child Concern Centres chain.

Merv has lone made occasional live musical obsequies since those heady days. Irritated the last couple of geezerhood, he has journeyed from sovereign home near Phoenix, Arizona goslow Melbourne Australia for an period reunion concert. He is keen man who is happy pick up look back on the government days with a fondness endure little regret.

He sure plainspoken make some great music.

Tony Chemist, 2004