Local Author: Lonnie Lee

Join Australian Music Legend Lonnie Lee as he discusses his autobiography, Once Upon a Star: Almost a Star (Part 1) & Starlight Starbright (Part 2).

Lonnie Lee is one of Australia's original superstars of popular music from the mid 50s and 60s. He still performs today and is referred to as, 'The Last Man Standing' from his era.

Lonnie has recently launched the first two volumes of his captivating autobiography. Almost a Star, begins from his birth to 1957 and, Starlight Starbright from 1959 to 1971. As well as amazing stories of his life and society then, they also feature many photographs which he will share in a presentation during the event.

Enjoy live performed snippets of Lonnie's hits during the presentation.

Free, bookings required.

Books will be available to purchase at the event via cash & card payments.

Lonnie Lee, Australia’s rockabilly pioneer, born David Laurence Rix in 1940, electrified the 1950s music scene with many Gold hits like “Ain’t It So” and “Starlight Star Bright.” Mentored by Johnny O’Keefe, Lonnie became a star on TV shows like Six O’Clock Rock and Bandstand, earning the Golden Microphone Award in 1961 as Australia’s most popular recording artist. His career took him to the UK and USA, where he co-wrote with icons like Roy Orbison.

Back in Australia, he founded Starlite Records and continues to perform with his band, captivating audiences with his authentic rockabilly energy. Lonnie’s Book 1 and Book 2 of his 4 book memoir, chronicles his early life and career and the journey from a Rowena sheep farm to international stages, blending tales of music, resilience, and personal discovery. Packed with vivid stories, it’s a must-read for fans of rock’n’roll history celebrating Australia’s music heritage.

Lonnie is the last man standing of the three major hit makers of the early Rock’n’Roll era 1958 to 1964. Johnny O’Keefe, Col Joye and Lonnie. More information on the official website, lonnielee.com

Excerpt from page 145 – Chapter 19, ‘ A New Car and Lipstick messages ’

I loved being out on the road. It was exciting being with your friends, going to new towns and staying in the old hotels so when he offered it to me, I grabbed the chance .

It was scheduled for May 1960 and would run for close to a month. On the show with J.O’K and me were The Dee Jays, Barry Stanton, Laurel Lea, Booka Hyland, Ray Hoff and The Sapphires. Due to costs I couldn’t take my full Leemen, but took Darby my rhythm guitarist with me. Unlike America where they had big buses, we used a few cars, mainly J.O’K in his new red 1959 Plymouth Belvedere, Alan in his big Chrysler and me in my new red Zephyr station wagon.

For those days, it looked impressive to say the least . Between the long sleek Belvedere and my station wagon, which were quite rare then, it was an impressive sight. We started off with a wild show in Newcastle and then at The Maitland Town Hall. While we were performing inside, some guys outside, tore off a windscreen wiper and ran pennies along the sides of my zephyr digging deep into the enamel. They also did it to J.O’K’s red Belvedere.

Unfortunately this would happen many times not only on this tour, but through my whole early career. Some other damages I have had to endure over time include air let out of all tyres, tyres stabbed with knives, hubcaps taken or stomped on, windows cracked or totally broken, aerials ripped off or bent over, headlights or taillights broken, or eggs broken all over the car.

Enquiries: 8495 5028 or libraryprograms@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au