Normie Rowe | Long Play Series

Singer Normie Rowe has left an indelible mark on the Australian music scene. Born in Melbourne in 1947, his rise to pop stardom during the 1960s included eight Top 10 hits before the age of 20, with ‘Shakin’ All Over’, ‘Ooh La La’ and ‘Que Sera Sera’ becoming anthems of the era.
His rise took place in a quickly evolving musical landscape and Rowe’s clean-cut image captured the hearts of fans across the country earning him the title of King of Pop in 1967 and 1968. His heart-throb status was instrumental in shaping the concept of pop idols in Australia igniting mass hysteria akin to what was happening internationally.
Rowe’s career took an unexpected turn when he was conscripted in 1968 and did a tour of duty during the Vietnam War. He returned to a very different music scene but his resilience was evident as he diversified into television acting and musical theatre including taking on the career re-defining role of Jean Valjean in Les Miserables during the 1980s.
Rowe was made a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 1994 and continues to appear regularly at venues across the country with his original backing band, The Playboys.
In this interview with Brian Nankervis, Normie Rowe opens up about his start in showbiz, touring the world, and his memories from the early days of the Australian music industry.
Interviewer: Brian Nankervis
Location: Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne, 2023

[@soundloungeprotocol5720]

Love this interview. I can identify with some of the things you said. A real inspiration. I’m 62 and I hope I have the same mind set and go as you at 76.

[@karenangel8922]

So good to see Normie going so strong still. When I was at school, high school, I had “I love Normie” written all over my school books.

[@MuffFlux]

Brian Czempinski is an absolute legend! Was good to see him get a mention! Underappreciated for sure!

[@philiphemphill4980]

Brian you are the consummate interviewer relaxed friendly knowledgeable and thorough getting an entertaining and historic story from so many great Aussie celebrities Normy has a wonderful voice appreciate your endeavours so much thank you

[@MyOwnWayMusic]

Great interview and fascinating life and stories from Normie.

[@lindascarborough5551]

I saw Normie in 1973/74 at The Sunday Independent Newspaper. Normie gave me such a beaming smile But as a 17yo girl i was kind of used to that. One Big regret ive lived with since (True) was not saying Hello 😑. God Bless You Normie

[@Keninoz1]

Normie Rowe. Legend :)

[@philmoore71]

wonderful interview... i have known nothing of Normie since Vietnam really. Great that he has had such a long career. In a side note since he spoke of Col Joye... i actually taught his daughter, in one of my teaching practicums mid 70s, she was a lovely girl... also in the same class was Brian Henderson's daughter.

[@CatsandJP]

I had aspersions of marrying Normie….only to try and save him from conscription back when I was 10…. both my brothers were in the regular army and both went to Vietnam…my eldest brother trained the nashos at Canungra in QLD in jungle warfare….he was killed during his second tour of duty in 1970….and I thought I would be Normie’s savour…I have always enjoyed going to concerts and seeing him perform….and I’m glad he also clocked Ron Casey too….he is not just a great Australian performer but a great person and veteran….I still have his 45rpm records…..keep going Normie❤️🎶🇦🇺🇦🇺

[@joannematthews5836]

Our gorgeous Normie and still going strong. Such a wonderful man with a great voice. Love you Normie xo💙🩵💙🩵💞🎵🎶🎸🎤🎹🥁

[@leandabee]

Fantastic chat, wish it had been longer 👌🤗🥂

[@lindascarborough5551]

Bloody Good Muso& Dinkum Aussie Bloke👍

[@fabzlab1980]

It aint necessarily so ......all time favorite till this day ...best shakin all over was badass

[@lindascarborough5551]

2 x 1/4" Tapes...I get it👍

[@rodmartin-nl8ns]

I HATE WARS AND TALKING IT

[@snowygirl3171]

Those teeth 😂😂😂