Ross Wilson
There is a great line over at Ross Wilson’s home page that says he “is probably the only person in Australian rock music who can’t make a comeback simply because he’s never been away” and that’s true. It isn’t really a surprise though, as he is one of the finest musicians/ songwriters/ producers/ performers that this country has ever produced.
Born in Melbourne on November 18th, 1947, Ross was exposed to music from a very early age as both his parents were amateur musicians. He was singing quite early in life as well through his involvement with the local Anglican Church Choir. His relationship with Ross Hannaford started at the age of thirteen with their band The Pink Finks. Even though they were still high school students they managed to release four singles including a cover of Louie Louie.
In 1969 Ross traveled to England where he married his girlfriend Patricia and wrote the future hit “Eagle Rock”. Upon returning to Australia, he once again teamed up with Ross Hannaford to form Sons Of The Vegetal Mother which eventually became Daddy Cool.
It was after the initial breakup of Daddy Cool that Ross became involved in an up and coming Melbourne band by the name of Skyhooks. He was instrumental in getting Michael Gudinski’s Mushroom Records to sign and record them. Wilson produced their first three albums “Living In The Seventies” (1974), “Ego Is Not A Dirty Word” (1975) and “Straight In A Gay Gay World” (1976).
Next up came Mondo Rock which was a serious attempt at cracking markets outside Australia. While it never quite achieved the international success it really deserved, Mondo Rock was a quality act all the way and signaled a real maturing of Ross Wilson’s talents. Mondo Rock initially split around 1989 & Ross went solo for a few years starting with “Dark Side Of The Man” in 1989. This album contained the hit single “Bed of Nails” which went to 25 on the singles charts.
Ross Wilson was twice inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame. First up in 1989 and again in 2006 as a member of Daddy Cool.
Solo Discography
- Dark Side of the Man -1989
- Go Bongo Go Wild! – 2001
- Country and Wilson – 2003
- Tributary – 2008
[…] – Ross Wilson – Daddy Cool, Mondo Rock and many others. Born Ross Andrew Wilson in Melbourne, […]
[…] Rock was formed around 1976/77 by Ross Wilson who had made his name in Daddy Cool. It’s been said that Ross wanted a slightly more […]
god it was good to hear the old song I grow up with , seeing & listening to The Rock Man Himself Ross Wilson at the SS&A Club in Albury on friday night ,, was a wonderful night ,,,was so good to hear His music again ,, was wonderful and very nice night all round ,,,, ThankYou again Mr Ross Wilson ,for letting me take a photo of You ,
cheers … take care ,, hope to see You again in Albury SS&A Club …
Narelle
hi ross i love all your songs mandy
[…] Rock was formed around 1976/77 by Ross Wilson who had made his name in Daddy Cool. It’s been said that Ross wanted a slightly more […]
[…] – Ross Wilson – Daddy Cool, Mondo Rock and many others. Born Ross Andrew Wilson in Melbourne, […]
Like Narelle I was fortunate to see Daddy Cool play live in Albury in 1972 when my friend Helen and I went to see them at the Albury Town Hall. They gave an outstanding concert and we danced crazily all night to the sound of Daddy Cool, other concert goers thought we were mad they way we were dancing but we just loved their music and could not keep still ! Daddy Cool were a great band live !
Mike Breen
[…] it one night they scored a support to a band called Mighty Kong & were noticed by the singer Ross Wilson which proved to be pivotal. He later convinced Michael Gudinski to sign them to Mushroom records. […]
Ross is so talented, he never disappoints. His dedication to the essence of his music shows the true craftsman he is.