Johnny Devlin

John Lockett Devlin (born 11 May 1938) is a New Zealand singer, songwriter, and musician known for his influential role in the country's early rock and roll scene. He has often been compared to Elvis Presley.

His cover of Lloyd Price's "Lawdy Miss Clawdy" in 1958 went to number one in the New Zealand charts with sales of more than 100,000, launching a long-term career. He received a guitar for his eleventh birthday and alongside his parents and three brothers, they formed a group called the Devlin Family. The group performed country songs at Wanganui talent quests, playing songs from the Lever Hit Parade such as "Rock Around the Clock".

The Devlin Family had been performing regularly up until 1955, when the parents retired from the entertainment business. The four brothers, plus the odd friend or cousin, continued to perform as the River City Ramblers, playing country and western, skiffle, and later Bill Haley style rock 'n' roll. Throughout 1956, enthusiasm began to ebb, and one by one the brothers dropped out, and more frequently weekends would see Johnny performing as a soloist. By the end of the year, the River City Ramblers were no more. It was then that he heard "Heartbreak Hotel" and his life was changed forever.

Devlin participated in numerous amateur talent competitions and performed material by Elvis Presley. On weekends, he travelled to Palmerston North, where he sang Presley songs at talent contests held at a youth club organised by New Zealand rock and roll musician Johnny Tahu Cooper. Cooper recognised Devlin's potential, provided guidance on stage performance, and encouraged him to develop his act. He later suggested that Devlin could establish himself as an Elvis-inspired performer in New Zealand.

In February 1957, aged 18, Devlin won his first talent quest as a rock 'n' roll performer. Other talent quests followed. In Palmerston North, he met Dennis Tristram, a rock 'n' roll dancer, who tried to persuade Devlin to move to Auckland. Devlin was happy to stay where he was, but did run into Tristram again later, who persuaded Devlin to visit the Jive Centre, and sing with the resident band. Owner Dave Dunningham gave him an audition and agreed to let him do a set that night. Devlin's debut at the Jive Centre featured an all-Presley repertoire and, although there was a general buzz in the audience before he commenced, no-one was prepared for what was to follow. By the time he completed his set, girls were screaming and the crowd was in awe and disbelief. Dave Dunningham was impressed and offered him a regular spot. Back in Wanganui he thought it over and a month later, March 1958, he returned to Auckland.

Dave Dunningham became his manager and within a month he had made Johnny Devlin the talk of the town. With Auckland conquered, Dunningham realised that the quickest way to break Devlin nationally was with a record release, but all the record companies in the country disapproved.

Career Phil Warren, a part-time drummer, began working at Begg's Music Store in 1955, and later formed Prestige Records, primarily to distribute overseas releases from independent labels. Dunningham pressured Warren into recording Devlin, so they came to an agreement and selected a poor-selling Presley release, "Lawdy Miss Clawdy" for the debut single. Music World released an album called 24 Original Golden Greats in 1980 that contained all of his New Zealand singles. In 1963 and 1964, he recorded "Stomp the Tumbarumba" (written by Devlin), "Blue Suede Shoes" and "Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On", the Bee Gees singing backup vocals on all three songs.

Devlin wrote several songs for other artists, notably "Good Looking Boy", a hit for Patsy Ann Noble in 1961, and "Surfside" (1963) for Digger Revell and the Denvermen. Devlin was also the latter group's manager.

Devlin still continues to perform at the club level in Australia.

Of the original Devils, only Claude Papesch remained in the music business. Widely traveled around Australasia, he eventually settled in New South Wales, working more in the jazz field than the rock 'n' roll which launched him. Battling cancer during the last years of his life, he served time on the Blue Mountains City Council and was elected Deputy Mayor of Blue Mountains in 1984 but, due to ill health, was unable to complete his term. Claude Papesch died in February 1987, aged 45. Keith Graham went on to play with the Embers.

Awards Aotearoa Music Awards The Aotearoa Music Awards (previously known as New Zealand Music Awards (NZMA)) are an annual awards night celebrating excellence in New Zealand music and have been presented annually since 1965.

Awards and recognition In the 2008 New Year Honours, Devlin was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to entertainment.