Johnny O'Keefe (1935-1978) was Australia's first rock 'n' roll star. At a time when radio stations were reluctant to promote local talent, O'Keefe was the first Australian rock performer to have a chart hit with the 1958 song 'Wild One'.
2 portraits in the collection
Commissioned with funds provided by L Gordon Darling AC CMG 1999
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2011
Purchased with funds provided by L Gordon Darling AC CMG 2009
‘The Australian Wonder’, Johnny Day (1856–1885), was an undefeated world-champion juvenile walker.
1 portrait in the collection
Johnny Warren OAM MBE (1943-2004), footballer, football administrator and commentator, grew up in southern Sydney where he played his first games of soccer, as his game was then known, for the Botany Methodists.
1 portrait in the collection
Purchased 2014
Purchased 2011
Australia has become recognised for the range and talent of its musicians, composers, conductors and celebrities in general associated with the music industry
Alex Kolozsy left his native Transylvania for Hungary as a small child.
1 portrait in the collection
Australia’s passion for rock ‘n roll was kindled by American and British acts in the 1950s and 60s. The novel genre’s driving, licentious rhythms and voices captured imaginations and libidos, not to mention aspiring young musicians.
Celebrate the people, places and sounds of Australian pub rock and its enduring impact on our nation’s identity.
Collection: National Portrait Gallery
Purchased 2019