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The Rise of Rock in Aotearoa - Johnny Cooper
Country singer Johnny Cooper, known as the "Maori cowboy", recorded a cover version of American Bill Haley’s hit song "Rock Around the Clock" for HMV. This is also the first rock'n roll song recorded outside of the United State. A starting point for Rock'n Roll in Aotearoa. -
"Pie Cart Rock and Roll"
In 1956, Cooper wrote and recorded an original song called "Pie Cart Rock and Roll". The song referred to a pie cart that he visited while managing talent shows in Whanganui. The song is believed to be New Zealand's first indigenous rock and roll recording. It was released in 1957. -
"Lawdy Miss Clawdy" of the NZ Elvis Presley
Johnny Devlin released a cover version of "Lawdy Miss Clawdy", which went to number one in the New Zealand charts with sales of more than 100,000 after its release. -
"She's a Mod" - Ray Columbus & the Invaders
Ray Columbus the Invaders become the first New Zealand rock band to achieve international success with "She's a Mod", which reaches number one in the New Zealand and Australian charts. -
"How Is the Air Up There?" - The La De Da's
The song was a finalist for the Loxene Golden Disc Awards. In December 1966, they issued their debut self-titled album of cover versions which sold out of its first pressing. -
The Fourmyula founded
Formed in Upper Hutt, The Fourmyula became a major force in New Zealand rock music, renowned for their original music and innovative style. -
Redwood 70 National Music Convention
It was a music festival held on Auckland Anniversary Weekend in Swanson, West Auckland, New Zealand in 1970, commonly referred as "Redwood 70". This was the first modern multi-day pop music festival held in New Zealand. All styles of music was played: pop, rock, folk and so on. -
Album "Stoned Guitar" - The Human Instinct
"Stoned Guitar" is the second album released by The Human Instinct, with its experimental guitar playing and unique sound, it has become a classic of New Zealand psychedelic rock. -
Dragon band formed
Their unique rock style quickly made them a household name in the local music scene, and by the end of 1974, Dragon had become one of Auckland's most popular live bands. -
The Great Ngaruawahia Music Festival
Held at Ngaruawahia Farm on the Waikato River, this was New Zealand's first large-scale outdoor music festival. It is worth mentioning that the band Dragon was invited and their performance at this music festival won them more performance opportunities. -
Hello Sailor self-titled debut album
Not only did the album became a classic in New Zealand music history with its unique style of fusion of rock, reggae and blues, but it had also gained its reputation through reaching the 17th of the charts in the year it released.