Johnny Young
b. John De Jong, 12 March 1945, Indonesia. In the state of Western Australia, Young became popular at Perth dances as a singer fronting his band the Kompany, which led to regular work on the local television network. Moving to east Australia, he became host of a national television pop programme which encouraged his record sales. He wrote songs for other artists such as Russell Morris, Ronnie Burns and Ross D. Wylie. A move to England in 1967 meant he lost his foothold in Australia, and unfortunately he did not emulate his success in England, despite recording a Bee Gees song. Upon his return he worked as a radio disc jockey until forming a television production company in 1970, in which he hosted a children's music show YOUNG TALENT TIME for nearly 20 years. Unfortunately his earlier career as a writer of good pop songs was forgotten by this stage.