The Hill Billies

Hospital patients, crippled children, old folk and "home boat" crews are only some of the many people who have been entertained by Gisborne's own hill billy band since it it was originated just on eight years ago. So popular has the band's special variety of homespun music, song & story become that it is not surprising that its fame has spread far and wide. It is said that the captain of one "home boat", passing another at Panama, told him to be sure to have the Hill Billies out when he touched at Gisborne. Their concerts are still talked about in Rotorua and Wairoa and soon they are to perform in Auckland.

The band in action at a Gisborne Old Folks' Association concert.

Frank Crosby, the Gay Caballero of the party, strums his guitar as he sings a song.

Two younger members are Noel White and Earl McNamara, here giving a guitar duet. Noel is also the band's cowboy yodeller.

Tony Bonica, who is a tower of strength on the piano-aecordeon, and can also entertain in other ways, notably in the field of humorous elocution.

Don Gooch, here looking most unlike his real self as he tootles on the swanee whistle, doubles on the mouth organ.

Jack Gooch plucking at his banjo-ukelele. He also sings, especially about Pop-eye, and can also be persuaded to give solos on a gadget he calls a "Mau-Mau Sax".

Len Williamson out front with his fiddle where he keeps a conductor's eye on proceedings.

In the rhythm section, Ross Kennedy produces just the right tone out of this unusual version of the slap bass.

Also in the rhythm section is Warwick Allen with his washboard, bike bell and motor-horn contraption, suitably fronted with the band's coat of arms.

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The Gisborne Photo News

No 11 : June 2, 1955

The Hill Billies