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The Gisborne Photo News

 

54

The Johnny Cooper Show

We took a camera along to one of the semi-final nights of the Johnny Cooper Show, which has been filling the Opera House to capacity every Thursday night for some time, featuring local contestants for a £100 prize. We expected to be assailed, even overwhelmed, by rock'n'roll noises such as we have to turn off so frequently on our radio. Instead we found real musical talent showing through many of the items, and some of our favourite ballads floated melodiously out of the loudspeakers. We were concerned in case the audience might think the programme a bit on the square side, but when the votes were counted, Pam Shelton's sweet singing of "My Fair Lady" numbers, and some smooth harmonising of old-timers like "Cool Water" by two young fellows billed as Jim and Doug, topped the poll.

Well, we can't help asking the obvious question. If the people we know don't, and a Johnny Cooper Show audience doesn't, then who Does request all that "bopbopaloobopalopbamboo" tripe on the radio?

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The boys on stage. From left: Monte Greening, Jim Waikato, Melvin Walsh (at rear), Johnny Cooper and Elliott Beaumont.

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Crowd enjoyed the show

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Pam Shelton was sweet singer who won her section on vote from audience.

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Jim and Doug, two Americans residing in the district, harmonised well.

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Danny and the Boys, from Tokomaru Bay--they really went to town.

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Introduced as Teena Chorda, this girl sang rock'n'roll.

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Phil Ripia and his Commodores, from Whatatutu, were first class in their line.

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Dada Kini, Gisborne--his singing of "September in the Rain" was memorable.

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Michael Gardiner, from Rere, worked hard at Presley-type numbers.

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Monte Greening and his Hellcats showed promise, but lacked stage experience.

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Mr and Mrs Green Foley (Rere), winners from previous week

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Bill Dennis and Johnny Cooper seek parents for lost child.

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The Triers were also winners from previous week's show

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Kay Hart sang vigorously

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Maitland De Barre, from Tokomaru Bay, sang Cole Porter melodies.

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When Johnny Cooper sings, he often makes up his own words