Kevin Johnson

Kevin Stephen Johnson (born 3 July 1942) is an Australian singer-songwriter. Popular in the 1970s, his biggest hit is "Rock and Roll (I Gave You the Best Years of My Life)", which peaked at No. 4 on the Australian Kent Music Report Singles Chart in 1973 (as well as reaching the UK Top 40). He also had a top 20 hit with "Bonnie Please Don't Go" (aka "She's Leavin'") in 1971. "Rock and Roll" is one of the most covered songs written by an Australian with 27 different artists recording the song in 1975 alone. Covers of "Rock and Roll (I Gave You the Best Years of My Life)" came from fellow Australians, Col Joye and Dig Richards, and from international artists, Mac Davis, Terry Jacks, Gary Glitter, Joe Dassin (in French), The Cats and Tom Jones. Davis' rendition became the highest charting version on the Billboard Hot 100, reaching No. 15 in 1975.

Early life

Kevin Stephen Johnson was born on and grew up in Tungamull, which is between the Capricorn Coast and Rockhampton, Queensland.

1972–1990: "Rock and Roll" and career peak Kevin Johnson changed labels to the United States-based Tree International, owners of Dial Records, and for two years he wrote songs for other artists while vainly attempting to record his own material.

Released: 1969 Format: LP Label: Sweet Peach (SPL 101)

Released: February 1974 Format: LP Label: Good Thyme (GTRLP 001) 21

Released: August 1976 Format: CD, digital, LP Label: Possum Records –

Singles Title Year Chart peak positions Album AUS Rock 'N' Roll (I Gave You the Best Years of My Life) Album "Rock 'N' Roll (I Gave You the Best Years of My Life)" Single