What Made Jon English A Legend In Australian Music?
Jon English is a familiar name to every theatre and rock music enthusiast in Australia, and his status as a legendary performer in the industry comes from a genuine talent.
Born Jonathan James English in England, he migrated with his family to Australia in 1961 and broke into theatre in 1972 when he stepped into the role of Judas Iscariot in Jesus Christ superstar. He’s since become renowned in the country for his incredible talents as a singer, songwriter, and actor.
Jon English on the stage
A true Renaissance man when it came to performing, with a typical Jon English songs list covering a wide range of musical genres, English shone in both music and theatre in his almost five decades in the industry.
English crafted numerous hit songs and albums, including ‘Six ribbons’, which he wrote for the Australian television show Against the wind, his acclaimed album Hollywood seven, and ‘Turn the page’, his cover of a Bob Seger original record.
English’s music career uniquely blended rock with theatrical elements, attracting a diverse audience with its broad appeal. Along with his iconic portrayal of Judas Iscariot, he also performed as The Pirate King in The pirates of Penzance, as the titular character in Rasputin, and as a return to Jesus Christ superstar in a different role as Pontius Pilate.
His popularity in the ‘70s and ‘80s has helped shape Australia’s popular culture during these decades. The Jon English actor career in both stage and film has also been successful. For his performances, English had won four Mo awards, four ARIAs, and a Logie Award.
Though English has since passed on in 2016 at the age of 60, his legacy endures as a constant inspiration for new generations of Australian artists and musicians.
The English influence in Australian rock ‘n roll
Australian music during the 1970s found a unique voice in Jon English, whose deep and gravelly voice stood in contrast to the clear tones of his peers in the era. His unique mix of vocal theatricality and raw performing energy was a forward-thinking representation of music at the time.
Not only that, his handsome appearance and stage and theatre performances made him an unlikely but nonetheless captivating rockstar – equal measure masculine and gruff, as well as sensitive and alluring. Many of Jon English greatest hits, like ‘Hollywood seven’ and ‘Play with fire’, were infused with high drama and emotion, transforming his rock records into contemporaries of bands like Queen and Kansas.
English has also worked closely with many well-known artists of the time, such as Marcia Hines for the 1982 album Kings and queens. These collaborations included songwriting and producing that put Australian music on the global stage.
Many Australian fans look back fondly on Jon English TV shows and Jon English movies and thanks to his prolific career as a performer and artist, he has left behind a legacy that continues to inspire to this day.
Get to know more about Jon English at Jukebox Saturday Night
Airing on Foxtel’s Aurora Channel 173, Jukebox Saturday Night is the brainchild of famed DJ Ken Sparkes, with a vision of celebrating the golden age of rock and pop from the 1950s through the 1980s. With reruns on Sundays and Tuesdays, the show is now hosted by Justin Coombes-Pearce with the same love for the classics as his uncle had.
Rediscover the thrill of listening to Jon English tracks through deep-cut videos of his performances, as well as other artists like Johnnie Ray, Billy Thorpe and The Aztecs, and forgotten 70s bands you’ll love to revisit. Each episode pays tribute to the timeless thrill of good ol’ rock ‘n roll that was once only heard on the radio and tape decks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What was Jon English’s most successful album?
Jon English’s most well-known album, Against the wind, was co-written with Mario Millo for the Australian TV miniseries of the same name. No discussion of the Jon English discography is complete without mentioning ‘Six ribbons’, his breakthrough song from the classic TV show. The lead single of the album gained international popularity, charting high in several countries.
What were Jon English’s contributions to Australian music?
Known for his distinctive vocal range and charismatic stage presence, Jon English excelled in musical theatre and rock ‘n roll. His live performances are best remembered for incorporating theatre elements with rock performances.
What is the legacy of Jon English’s musical theatre work?
Jon English was known as a remarkable performer in his theatrical career, known for his unforgettable roles like Judas Iscariot in Jesus Christ superstar and the Pirate King in The pirates of Penzance.
His distinct singing tone and acting prowess in bringing complex characters to life left a lasting impression on everyone who saw his shows, both as a musician and an actor. Jon English’s legacy in the arts continues to inspire many new Australian artists in both music and theatre.
Relive the best of classic rock with Jukebox Saturday Night
Jukebox Saturday Night hearkens to a time when authentic music was played on real instruments. Our show is a tribute to classic eras of music, featuring classic rock music and performances you used to only find in obscure videos from around the web. If you’ve been looking fondly upon your Beatles memorabilia and wondering what had become of the Night Ranger band members, then join us and relive the magic of these musicians when they were at their peak.
You can submit your own videos or requests to be included in the broadcast, and we’ll give you credit and a shout-out when your submissions are selected.
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Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational and entertainment purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, music history is often based on available documentation and interpretation.
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