Lonnie Lee and The Leemen

Born at the start of World War 2, little did he or his family know that one day he would play an important part in a musical explosion like never before. His love of singing starts in church and school choirs and with the singing styles of the pre- rock fifties. All the different styles of music he heard he liked and they all became a part of who he is today. Whilst life goes on and on, and 'new' is always the catch phrase of the day, there are those a few stars who perform well past their, 'at the top of their era' and supposed 'use by date'. Every country has them and respects them for being ‘true’ icons or legends because of their actual true achievements and longevity, not because some marketing or pr person has called them that. Australia has its own Legends of Rock'n'Roll. We know them all and one of them is Lonnie Lee. He is one of the initial pioneers of Aussie popular music, and without doubt, for his performances, continual CD releases and song writing, ‘is the last man standing’. He is still writing and releasing songs, playing important and current venues, receiving performance awards and still carries his own fantastic permanent band, The Leemen, who play his music his way. Whilst many reading this may say who? Never heard of him!! Fair enough, however the main reason you wouldn't know of him is because we have a media culture that 'writes off' Australian performers once they leave the hit parade arena. We don't have record companies here who support and promote stars whose eras have gone off format radio's rotation list because the CD sales wouldn't warrant it. The only reason why you still hear and see the stars of yesteryear of USA and UK is because they are International stars whose world wide sales warrant investment. It doesn't mean they are better, or worse than our own, they are just more profitable. As a matter of pure fact, Lonnie had more Oz hits at that time than did Buddy Holly, Jerry Lee and others. Every 'today' star have their own idols and many Aussie idols of yesterday credit Lonnie as being one of their influences and even their first ever record purchase. Angry Anderson, Ross Wilson, Jim Keays, Billy Thorpe & Russell Morris and many others are among these stars. The blues Supergroup of the 70's 'Chain', recently wrote and released a song about Lonnie titled, 'Saturday Night at the Trocadero watching Lonnie Lee'. It is a fab Oz social history song which you should here. See Matt Taylor, one of the writers, sing it on You Tube. They and others refer to him as him the Father of Australian Rockabilly. Whilst many across this wide brown land go to his shows and buy his CDs, we would like to let those who do not, know that he is still around doing what he has done non-stop since 1957. Yes early 1957, when he started his first rockabilly trio. He is now back in Australia, after living much of his adult life in USA writing with and for Roy Orbison and others as well as performing and operating music industry businesses in LA, Nashville and Las Vegas. His shows are always visited by fans who have either been with him from the start, or who he has collected recently on his way to today. They are of all ages and backgrounds and also from all musical tastes ranging from country music, blues, jazz, rock, classic rock and yes he even has some who are also avid opera and symphony orchestra fans, yet they appreciate who he is. He is a true legend of popular music, doing his own thing, which happens to be many things. He sings his numerous Gold #1 hits which are still alive and well on Hits and Memory style radio, and will take you on a journey through his recent hits plus tributes to Johnnie Ray, country music, rockabilly and his friend, the late Johnny O'Keefe. His youthful presentation, vocal capabilities and energy is also legendary. Anyone interested in live music should at least once see this unique star. The show will definitely be a memorable one, that’s for sure. Whilst fans will mill around the latest stars and their own personal favourites, one cannot help to wonder just how many of them will be performing 50 years after their start, let alone be feted as a ‘true legend’. Like his friend Johnny O'Keefe, Lonnie Lee need not worry. His legacy is well intact. Don’t miss the experience if a show comes near you. Visit the website http://www.lonnielee.com