The Strangers |
The Strangers formed in Melbourne in 1961 playing instrumentals going through several stylistic and personnel changes until breaking up in the mid-70s.
The original lineup included Peter Robinson (bass), Graeme ('Garth') Thompson (drums), Laurie Arthur (lead guitar) and Fred Weiland (rhythm guitar).
The Strangers backed numerous local and Australian artists, notably Colin Cook with whom they released the LP Colin Cook and the Strangers (1964). In 1966 they became resident backing band on the TV pop show Go!!. After The Go!! Show ended, they became the resident vocal group on HSV-7's Sunnyside Up program. In all, the band appeared on television at least once a week for nine years straight.
One of The Strangers' better known alumni is John Farrar, who joined British post-Shadows guitar group Marvin, Welch and Farrar later produced and wrote for Olivia Newton-John. In Grease (1978), Olivia performed You're The One That I Want and Hopelessly Devoted To You, John Farrar's additional songs for the movie version of the musical.
Founding member Peter Robinson, who was earlier with The Thunderbirds, was also an active producer, arranger and session musician, and went on to replace Athol Guy in The Seekers from the late 70s. For news of Peter's latest band, The Beach Buddies, visit www.thebeachbuddies.com.
See also Cry Of The Wild Goose (1963, an early instrumental), If You Gotta Make A Fool Of Somebody (1965), Western Union (1967), Happy Without You (1968), Looking Through The Eyes Of A Beautiful Girl (1970) and Mr President (1970).
References: Ian McFarlane's Encyclopedia of Australian Rock & Pop. Privately published 2000 biography of The Strangers by Geoff Jermy with Peter Robinson.
The Strangers LP/EPs on vinyl
-:- The Strangers
-:- Best of The (original) Strangers
-:- Let's go with The Strangers
-:- Colin Cook and The Strangers
THE STRANGERS
Melanie Makes Me Smile (Single on Fable label)
(Tony Macaulay - Barry Mason)
Australia 1970
#16 Sydney #9 Melbourne #7 Brisbane #3 Adelaide #30 Perth
❊ Web Links ❊
➼ The Strangers
➼ The Strangers (band) wikipedia.org
➼ Melanie Makes Me Smile | YouTube
➼ www.poparchives.com.au
➼ Strangers - Melanie makes me Smile | YouTube
➼ Melanie makes me Smile Lyrics
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