This collection of photographs is significant because it belonged to Johnny O'Keefe and documents his career. It consists of publicity images and performance shots of O'Keefe. The photographs of a young O'Keefe appear to be quite rare.

Australia's first rock 'n' roll star, O'Keefe (1935-1978) possessed exuberance, ambition and an innate capacity for showmanship. His great legacy was as a dynamic live performer and recording artist who kick-started Australian rock music. He also hosted his own television shows and did much to encourage and promote other Australian performers.

In the mid 1950s O'Keefe sang at dances and jazz concerts, often doing a send-up of the American 'sob' singer Johnnie Ray. Inspired by Bill Haley, he turned to rock 'n' roll, teaming up with a local band the Dee Jays late in 1956. He promoted and performed at suburban dances until his big break came when the promoter Lee Gordon booked him as a support act on Little Richard's eventful October 1957 Australian tour. O'Keefe won over hostile audiences and was booked for many more appearances on Lee Gordon's 'Big Shows'.

The next step was a contract with Festival Records. In 1958, with an extended play disc containing the song 'Wild One', he became the first Australian rock performer to have a chart hit. Co-written by O'Keefe and members of his band, the song's refrain ('I'm a real wild child') summed up the rebellious attitude of youth. For a time O'Keefe seemed to adopt the larrikin persona of 'the wild one' and the nickname stuck. On stage, he was dynamic and exciting, and his overtly sexual stage antics were provocative. As a vocalist, he overcame his limitations and displayed a natural feel for rock 'n' roll. His tasteful choice of American songs to cover showed an understanding of the music's gospel roots. His version of the Isley Brothers' song 'Shout', recorded in 1959 with the Delltones, became O'Keefe's trademark and a highlight of his concerts. He hosted an ABC radio program 'Rockville Junction' and starred in the groundbreaking weekly live music show 'Six O'Clock Rock' on ABC television.

Mental illness and the effects of a car crash in 1960 caused him to suffer a series of highly publicised breakdowns. Nevertheless he made a successful television comeback and scored some of his biggest hits over the next four years. By the end of 1964 new musical fashions had overtaken the pioneers of rock 'n roll's first wave. O'Keefe continued to perform. He entertained Australian troops in Vietnam in 1969 and his appearance at the 1973 Sunbury festival was well-received. He died in 1978 at the age of 43. He is remembered as a towering figure in the development of Australian rock music.

Photographic prints (48), Johnny O'Keefe, black and white, paper, photographs by various photographers, Australia, 1956-1977

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe portrait with open hands, c1956

Photograph, black and white, exterior of Sydney Stadium before Johnnie Ray show, c1957 (stamped on back John Fairfax and Sons, dated on back 1958, but Johnnie Ray didn't tour Australia that year)

Photograph, black and white, portrait of Bill Haley, 1957

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe portrait, white shirt, c1957

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe and saxophone player Bob Bertles on stage, c1959 (two copies), (one copy has stamped on back 'Herald-Sun, Herald and Weekly Times')

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe leaping in red suit, on stage with John Greenan and Catfish Purser, 1958

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe in red suit with arms outstretched, 1958 (two copies)

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe on stage at Sydney Stadium, right arm outstretched, red shoes, c1958

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe portrait, close-up with diamante collar, 1959

Photograph, black and white, fan club envelope, 'To a friend of the wild one Johnny O'Keefe', 1958-1962

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe portrait, striped shirt, c1960

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe promotional shot for Liberty Records, 1959-1960

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe with boomerang, autographed publicity shot, 1960

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe snapping fingers, autographed publicity shot, c1960

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe in television studio with cast and cameras, c1964

Photograph, black and white, Fred Marks of Festival Records and Johnny O'Keefe who has a gold record of 'I'm Counting on You' under his arm, 1964

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe portrait, close-up, wearing jacket and tie, c1966

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe's 10th anniversary birthday cake, 1968, depicting a large tiered cake.

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe performing, holding microphone, wearing white bowtie, 1968

Photograph, black and white, Sydney Stadium exterior, c1968 (stamped on back John Fairfax and Sons)

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe performing, tilting microphone stand, wearing light jacket and bowtie, 1968 (small)

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe performing, holding microphone with left hand, wearing light jacket and bowtie, 1968 (small)

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe performing, holding microphone and bowing, wearing light jacket and bowtie, 1968 (small)

Photograph, black and white, two images of Johnny O'Keefe clapping and singing, wearing light jacket and bowtie, 1968

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe, Graham Kennedy, Bobby Limb and Stuart Wagstaff appearing on a telethon, 1968

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe, Graham Kennedy, Bobby Limb and Stuart Wagstaff appearing on a telethon, removing their shirts, 1968

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe and young boy, 1968, Rodgers Photographs

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe performing with the Playboys, holding microphone, 'Raiders' in background, c1969 (small)

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe performing, holding microphone, right arm outstretched to the front, 1969 (two copies)

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe on stage entertaining troops at Nui Dat in Vietnam, 1969, with caption attached

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe on stage entertaining troops at Nui Dat in Vietnam, 1969 (same as pr3evious photo but no caption attached)

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe wearing white bowtie and ring, publicity shot with text 'The Australian ambassador of entertainment Johnny O'Keefe', c1969

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe performing, holding microphone with left hand, ring on finger, frontal view, 1969

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe performing, holding microphone with left hand, ring on finger, side view, 1969

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe with a gold record under his arm, standing next to Alan Hely, 1972

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe on stage with the Troopadors, c1973 (small)

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe on stage with the Troopadors, clapping, c1973

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe on stage with the Troopadors, raising microphone stand, c1973

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe on stage with the Troopadors, right arm outstretched, c1973

Photograph, black and white, Sunbury rock festival crowd and stage from above, 1973, stamped on back 'Herald-Sun, Herald and Weekly Times'

Photograph, black and white, Sunbury rock festival crowd and tents, 1973, stamped on back 'Herald-Sun, Herald and Weekly Times'

Photograph, black and white, Sunbury rock festival from the air, 1973, stamped on back 'Herald-Sun, Herald and Weekly Times'

Photograph, black and white, Ray O'Keefe with Maureen and Johnny O'Keefe at their wedding at Waverley Council Chambers, 14 February 1975

Photograph, black and white, Johnny O'Keefe performing, holding microphone, long hair, c1976, Philip Morris photographer

Photograph, black and white, close-up of Johnny O'Keefe singing, 1977

Taken by various photographers.

These photographs were kept by Johnny O'Keefe in his personal collection and preserved by his brother Barry and lent to the Powerhouse Museum for its 1994 exhibition 'Real wild child: Australian rock music then and now'.

Gift of The Hon. Mr Justice Barry O'Keefe AM (Ret)

2008/50/18

1956