Johnny Ashcroft..."Little Boy Lost" is an Australian single released by Johnny Ashcroft in early 1960.

·         Graham Bell Website... www.gbellmedia2.com

·         Email....grahambell.coffs@gmail.com  would like to hear from you

• • • Johnny Ashcroft

JOHNNY ASHCROFT

• 1927 – Born in North Sydney on February 1. Lived at Mt Pritchard NSW on a small farm.1941- First instrument: A combination banjo, mandolin and guitar with correspondence music lessons.1942 – First guitar: Acoustic Hawaiian lap steel. Wrote his first factual song “Lonesome Pal”. He sings at a youth concert “Swanee River” and “Comin’ in on A Wind and A Prayer”.The concert led to an engagement to sing at matinee’s in local picture theatres.1944 – Took wool classing course at East Sydney Technical College. Performed “Lonesome Pal” on nationally broadcast Australia’s Amateur Hour–came second. Becomes more serious about show business and is given a trial at the Leichhardt Stadium by persuasion of legendary female impersonator “Nellie Small”.1946 – Performed the “Overlander Trail” on Australia’s Amateur Hour–came first. First recording: “When I Waltzed My Matilda Away”, a one-sided 78rpm for radio only. First road shows: the Spastic Centre Show and Jerry Hartley and His Serenaders.1947 – First major road show: the 2000-seat “Great Levante Show”, the biggest ever vaudeville outfit in Australia. He had his own singing spot but was also expected to work on skits, magician’s assistant, pantomimes, and anything else that might crop up.As well as help with the tent set up and pull down.1948 – Worked on showboats on the harbour and made 2 appearances on Australia Amateur Hour. First overseas show: toured New Zealand with “Varieties of 1948”. First radio production: Roundup Time, an 8-programme series rebroadcast for three years, aired through New Zealand’s National Radio Network emanating from 2YA Wellington. Married first wife, New Zealander Shirley Williams. Three children–John, Tracey and Mark.1952-1955 – He did not tour due to marriage and commitments.He often took the “flyer” to Newcastle to do a show.Once to Moree by train – quick trips to Newcastle and Wollongong were quite common.His son born in 1954 same day his song “Castaway” is first aired on radio.Later he tours with Slim Dusty.1953 – Wrote and performed series for ABC Radio, “Songs Of The Homestead”, produced by Kay Kinane.1954 – First commercial recordings: Six sides for Rodeo Records, recorded in Radio 2UE’s studios, Sydney. Performed in the first in-house experimental pre-TV test at Frenchs Forest, Sydney.1955 – Wrote Australia’s first trucking song, “Highway 31”.1956 – Released very first Australian vinyl micro-groove country and western album, “Songs Of The Western Trail” (Phillips). One of the first artists and the first country and western artist to appear on Australian television (ABC Channel 2 Sydney with Gordon Chater). Also wrote show’s theme, Crazy (Kings) Cross.1958 – First Dixieland record: with Graeme Bell. Recorded his first R&B song “Bouquet For The Bride” and his first rock song “Buzz, Buzz, Buzz”. First hit: “They’re A Weird Mob” recorded in skiffle style.1960 –