W.O.C.K On Vinyl: Bert Newton - To A Sleeping Beauty (1960)

Before things get too serious here at Rock On Vinyl, I thought it might be fun to post a song or album at the end of each month, that could be categorized as being either Weird, Obscure, Crazy or just plain Korny.

As far as showbiz royalty goes, Bert Newton, who sadly passed away this weekend, aged 83, and his widow Patti Newton are considered the King and Queen of the Australian entertainment industry. Bert made his small-screen debut in 1957 working alongside Graham Kennedy on In Melbourne Tonight and from that moment, the 81-year-old presenter has dominated every era of television.

Albert Watson "Bert" Newton, AM, MBE, was born on the 23rd of July 1938, and is a multiple Gold Logie winning Australian television, radio, film, stage performer and author. Newton was born in Fitzroy, an inner suburb of Melbourne, Victoria. Bert lived at home with his mother until the age of 36, prompting widespread gossip that he was gay. In 1974, he married Patti McGrath, a co-worker. The Newtons have a son, Matthew, and a daughter, Lauren. 

In 1989, Bert began hosting The Bert Newton Show, before going on to host Good Morning Australia.

Bert hosted the Logie Awards on numerous occasions through his career, and is a four time recipient of the Gold Logie and a Hall of Fame inductee.

Bert forged a long and successful partnership with Don Lane (see right) in the 70's. Both Lane and Newton maintain that the first time they met was on-air, during the first episode of the Don Lane Show. Each describes that there was instant 'chemistry', and that they never made any deliberate attempt to build the relationship; it just happened. Newton took much pleasure in sending up Lane's singing, sometimes by playing his records at half-speed while miming Lane's performance. 

Lane sometimes responded in kind by sending up Newton's own record, the "Bert and Patti Family Album". The Don Lane Show ended on 13 November 1983. It was during the Don Lane show that Bert adopted the nickname 'Moonface' which was indicative of his beaming round face.  

To write all about Bert's career in television, radio and stage it would be many pages but if you are interested go to Wikipedia.

I have very fond memories of watching Newton either host or co-host T.V shows during my teenage years and trying to pick the funniest moment is almost impossible. But a highlight would have to be his impersonation of Demis Roussos and especially the night when Roussos appeared on stage unbeknown to Bert.  What a set up!

Bert Newton was a household name for so many Australians during the 70's and 80's and a much loved and respected T.V personality. He was respected by all of his peers and gave so much joy and laughter to the world. A wonderful family man and a devoted husband, Bert was one of a kind. 

I am providing this 1960 single release by Newton for this month's WOCK post, not just because of its Obscurity but also because I think it typifies his deep seated love of family.  The dialogue might sound Corny in this day and age, but the message within is still relevant. There's nothing more tender than a father's love and concern for his beautiful baby daughter. 

This post consists of FLACs and artwork (thanks to Guitarzan)
01 - To A Sleeping Beauty
02 - The White Magnolia Tree

Download Here   New Link 26/03/22