Features
Original NZ Rocker Johnny Cooper Dies
Johnny Cooper, who in the 1950s released the first rock ’n’ roll record in New Zealand, died in Lower Hutt aged 86.
Photo: nzhistory.net.nz
Pictured left with the Range Riders
In the late ’40s, Cooper landed a deal with HMV Records from a talent quest, and had a series of country hits as the Maori Cowboy.
In 1955, HMV suggested a new sound. According to music historian John Dix, Cooper released his version of “Rock Around The Clock” before Bill Hayley in New Zealand.
He later was a promoter, discovering significant talent including Johnny Devlin, Midge Marsden and The Fourmyula.