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The emergence and development of rock'n'roll music in Australia before the Big Bang of Australian rock'n'roll, namely, the arrival of Johnny O'Keefe on the music scene are discussed. The efforts of several musicians such as Les Welch, Nellie Small and Vic Sabrino and music companies from 1950 to 1958 are traced, when Johnny O'Keefe recorded 'The Wild One', the first hit Australian rock'n'roll record.
The huge impact of Johnny O'Keefe's television rock'n'roll show 'Six O'Clock Rock' on Australian teenagers in the 1950s is discussed. The show is considered to have provided a revised pattern for television viewing and rebellious cultural change for the youngsters, who were till then watching the same programmes as their elders.
