1960s
Australian music charts in the 1960s were dominated by American and British music, and local acts were strongly influenced by overseas trends. Some Australian musicians enjoyed international success. Folk outfit the Seekers were extremely popular in America and Britain, becoming the first Australian group to sell over a million records.
In 1964, Jimmy Little became the first Indigenous Australian to achieve chart success, with his song Royal Telephone.
By the late 1960s, the American psychedelic and acid rock movements had filtered into Australia. This music was prompted by, among other factors, Vietnam War protests and the new drug and counter-culture scene. Lyrics from this music style spoke of peace, love, freedom, social protest and civil rights - the social revolution had arrived.
The Rock and Roll phenomenon hit Australia in the 1950’s and 1960s. Dance parties were extremely popular where dances like the twist, the stomp and the boogaloo were often performed. This was greatly helped along by some of the major rock bands from Britain and America touring Australia. Although tickets were not often cheap, teenagers and adults alike would queue for hours to see the likes of The Beach boys, The Rolling Stones, and the Beatles.
Motown and R&B:
The "Motown Sound" and popular R&B music had a major significance in terms of the Civil Rights movement and integration in American society during the sixties. Motown started as a Detroit-based record label in the late fifties and early sixties, but it quickly turned into much more as the acts gained popularity worldwide. Motown records consisted mainly of African-American groups, singers, songwriters and management and their musical and business success proved in breaking down the barriers of segregation and granted African-American performers and musicians a chances to re-appropriate much of the success that had been credited to white rock 'n' rollers and pop artists who had success in singing "black music" during the previous decade. Two of the most influential groups to come out of the Motown sound were Smokey Robinson and the Miracles and Diana Ross and the Supremes, both of which had as much chart success as any of the rock groups that dominated the airwaves during the sixties. The success of Motown also paved the way for R&B singers and groups who were not necessarily a part of the movement to also enjoy mainstream success. Some other popular Motown and 60's R&B artists include The Temptations, The Marvelettes, The Four Tops, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Aretha Franklin, and the Jackson Five.
British Invasion:
The "British Invasion" is the name given to the period of time in the early to mid-1960's, during which many British rock bands and pop artists found mainstream success in the United States and worldwide. Many of these bands first started by covering American songs and showcasing an American Rock 'n' Roll and R&B influence in their sounds. As these bands gained popularity, many of them ventured into new music territory and created their own unique styles. The one band that comes to mind when speaking of the British Invasion is The Beatles, who first broke into the US music scene in 1963, but really became popular in 1964 after appearing on the Ed Sullivan Show. The Beatles dominated worldwide charts from that point in time until they broke up in 1970. The phenomenon that surrounded them was known as Beatlemania and many up and coming music acts emulated their "Liverpool Sound". The band holds many musical records to this day reflecting album sales and number one singles and they're music remains some of the most popular of all time. They can be easily described as the most influential group of the 1960's. Some other notable British Invasion acts include The Rolling Stones, The Animals, The Who, Herman's Hermits, Tom Jones, and Donovan, some of whom reached comparable success levels to the Beatles but had different influences on music all together.
1970s
The influence of foreign acts on the Australian music charts carried over from the rock 'n' roll era into the following decades. Popular American acts of the decade include folk rock artists Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell and disco acts like Donna Summers and the Jackson 5. British acts like the Rolling Stones and T-Rex and European groups like ABBA also enjoyed huge success in Australia.
1980s
American music artists like Madonna and Michael Jackson swept the Australian music charts in the 1980s. British acts like The Cure and Duran Duran also achieved commercial success in Australia.
American rap and hip hop music began filtering into Australia during the 1980s. This influence would eventually lead to the creation of a small but thriving Australian hip hop scene. American hip hop culture also crossed over into the field of fashion and many Australian youths adopted the baggy pants and baseball caps of their favourite hip hop stars.
While American and British acts dominated the Australian music charts in the 1980s, local music was gaining confidence. Many Australian acts, such as Men at Work and INXS, enjoyed international success.
American rap and hip hop music began filtering into Australia during the 1980s. This influence would eventually lead to the creation of a small but thriving Australian hip hop scene. American hip hop culture also crossed over into the field of fashion and many Australian youths adopted the baggy pants and baseball caps of their favourite hip hop stars.
While American and British acts dominated the Australian music charts in the 1980s, local music was gaining confidence. Many Australian acts, such as Men at Work and INXS, enjoyed international success.
1990s
Foreign music flowed easily into Australia throughout the 1990s. American music videos were repeatedly broadcast on Australian music programmes and commercial Australian radio stations played American music on high rotation. Later in the decade, the internet enabled Australians to easily download and reproduce music from anywhere in the world.
In 1991, American grunge band Nirvana released the song Smells Like Teen Spirit. It became a worldwide hit, and cemented grunge as a major influence on the Australian music scene. In 1994, local act Silverchair emerged with their own grunge anthem, Tomorrow. Many young Australians also adopted typical grunge fashion, with heavy boots and baggy, torn clothes.
British alternative rock acts like the Verve, Oasis and Blur achieved success in Australia throughout the decade. In the late 1990s, Australians embraced British electronic acts like the Chemical Brothers, the Prodigy and Fatboy Slim.
American hip-hop and R&B, which had begun its rise in the 1980s, retained its popularity in Australia throughout the1990s. Popular American hip-hop and R&B acts included Mariah Carey, girl group TLC and Snoop Doggy Dog.
While Australian hip-hop was heavily influenced by its American counterpart, the style began to develop a more distinctively Australian sound throughout the decade. Australian hip-hop performers proudly rapped in an Australian rather than an American accent, for example and addressed themes and issues specific to life in Australia.
This trend demonstrates the 'hybrid', or mixed, effect that foreign, mostly American music has had on the Australian scene. In the 1990s, many Australian musical acts were combining elements of American genres with their own unique styles, sounds and thematic concerns, to create a hybrid musical style.
In 1991, American grunge band Nirvana released the song Smells Like Teen Spirit. It became a worldwide hit, and cemented grunge as a major influence on the Australian music scene. In 1994, local act Silverchair emerged with their own grunge anthem, Tomorrow. Many young Australians also adopted typical grunge fashion, with heavy boots and baggy, torn clothes.
British alternative rock acts like the Verve, Oasis and Blur achieved success in Australia throughout the decade. In the late 1990s, Australians embraced British electronic acts like the Chemical Brothers, the Prodigy and Fatboy Slim.
American hip-hop and R&B, which had begun its rise in the 1980s, retained its popularity in Australia throughout the1990s. Popular American hip-hop and R&B acts included Mariah Carey, girl group TLC and Snoop Doggy Dog.
While Australian hip-hop was heavily influenced by its American counterpart, the style began to develop a more distinctively Australian sound throughout the decade. Australian hip-hop performers proudly rapped in an Australian rather than an American accent, for example and addressed themes and issues specific to life in Australia.
This trend demonstrates the 'hybrid', or mixed, effect that foreign, mostly American music has had on the Australian scene. In the 1990s, many Australian musical acts were combining elements of American genres with their own unique styles, sounds and thematic concerns, to create a hybrid musical style.