Johnny Young facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Johnny Young
Young Talent Time media event, Luna Park Sydney, January 2012
Background information
Birth name	Johnny Benjamin de Jong
Also known as	John B. Young
Born	(1947-03-12) 12 March 1947 (age 78) Rotterdam, Netherlands
Origin	Perth, Western Australia
Genres	Pop
Occupation(s)	musician singer songwriter record producer disc jockey television presenter television producer radio presenter entrepreneur
Instruments	Vocals piano
Years active	1961–present
Labels	7-Teen Clarion Festival L&Y Calendar
Associated acts	The Nomads the Strangers Johnny Young & Kompany Danny's Word

Johnny Young (born Johnny Benjamin de Jong, 12 March 1947) is a famous Australian singer, songwriter, and TV host. He is well-known for his music and for creating the popular TV show Young Talent Time.

In 1966, Johnny Young had a number-one hit song called "Step Back." He also hosted a TV pop music show called The Go!! Show around the same time. He even toured with famous bands like the Rolling Stones.

As a songwriter, he wrote many hit songs for other artists. These include "The Real Thing" for Russell Morris and "I Thank You" for Lionel Rose.

His TV show, Young Talent Time, ran from 1971 to 1988. This show helped start the careers of many young stars. Some of these stars include Danni Minogue, Tina Arena, and Jamie Redfern. The show often ended with everyone singing "All My Loving" by The Beatles.

Johnny Young has received many awards for his work. He was inducted into the Logies Hall of Fame in 1990. In 2010, he was also inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame for his contributions to music. He is the first person to be in both halls of fame.

Early Life and Music Career

Growing Up in Australia

Johnny Young was born on March 12, 1947, in Rotterdam, Netherlands. His family moved to Perth, Western Australia, in the 1950s. They settled in a suburb called Kalamunda.

Johnny's mother loved music and sang in a choir. She encouraged his interest in music from a young age. He would sing on Saturday morning radio shows for children.

After finishing school, he started working as a trainee disc jockey. He also began singing at local dances. When he was 14, he became the lead singer for a band called The Nomads. This band later became known as the Strangers.

Becoming a Pop Star

In 1965, when he was 18, Johnny Young hosted a TV pop music show in Perth called Club Seventeen. He released two singles with his band, Johnny Young & the Strangers.

He then signed with Clarion Records. The head of Clarion Records helped Johnny get a deal with Festival Records. This allowed his music to be shared across Australia.

In 1966, he formed a new band called Johnny Young & Kompany. They released the song "Step Back," which became a number-one hit. It was one of the best-selling Australian singles of the 1960s.

Johnny Young & Kompany moved to Melbourne in mid-1966. Johnny then started hosting The Go!! Show in 1967. His cover of The Beatles' "All My Loving" became very popular. It reached number four nationally and became his signature song.

He won a Logie for "Best Teenage Personality" in 1967. This was for his work on The Go!! Show.

Writing Hit Songs

In late 1967, Johnny Young was encouraged to write songs. He learned that a good song needs a "hook" – something catchy.

In 1968, he wrote "The Real Thing" for Russell Morris. This song became a huge hit in 1969, reaching number one. It was later covered by Kylie Minogue and Midnight Oil.

He also wrote "The Girl That I Love" for Russell Morris, which also hit number one. Another song he wrote, "The Star" for Ross D. Wyllie, also reached number one. This song was about the challenges of fame.

Johnny Young also wrote "Smiley" for Ronnie Burns, which reached number two. He wrote "I Thank You" for former boxing champion Lionel Rose, which became a number-one hit. In 1970, Johnny Young was voted the most popular 'Composer' of the year.

Young Talent Time

Creating a TV Show

In 1970, Johnny Young started a production company. They created a pop music TV show called Happening '70.

In April 1971, they launched Young Talent Time. This was a children's variety show and talent competition. Johnny Young was the host.

The show featured a group of young performers called the Young Talent Team. It helped launch the careers of many Australian stars. These included Jamie Redfern, Debra Byrne, Dannii Minogue, and Tina Arena.

Each episode usually ended with Johnny and the team singing "All My Loving". In 1979, Johnny also opened the Johnny Young Talent School. Many students from this school became contestants on the show.

Show's Success and Challenges

Young Talent Time was very popular. The production company also sold related items like records, books, and games.

In 1989, the show was cancelled due to lower ratings. Johnny Young had invested a lot in building TV studios for the show. He faced financial difficulties and had to sell his home.

Around this time, he also experienced personal losses. His stepfather and mother passed away.

On March 9, 1990, Johnny Young was inducted into the Logie Awards' Hall of Fame. This recognized his great contributions to Australian television.

In 2009, Johnny Young discussed bringing back an updated version of Young Talent Time. A new series aired in 2012, with Johnny as an executive producer and judge.

Later Career and Recognition

Helping a Friend and Public Image

In the early 1990s, Johnny Young helped a friend who was unwell. He supported his friend's search for alternative treatments in the Philippines.

During this time, Johnny was mistakenly arrested by Filipino authorities. They thought he was running an illegal clinic. All charges were dropped, but the incident led to rumors in the media.

In 2000, Johnny discussed these events on the TV show Australian Story. He talked about how they affected his life and career.

Continuing in Entertainment

After Young Talent Time, Johnny Young continued working in entertainment. He worked as a radio disc jockey and performed live.

In 1999, he produced Cavalcade of Stars for Foxtel. This included old segments of Young Talent Time and showcased new bands.

From 2001 to 2004, he performed with other artists as the 'Legends of Sixties Rock'. In 2001, Network Ten celebrated the 30th anniversary of Young Talent Time. They aired a special documentary and held a reunion party.

In 2006, Johnny hosted The Pet Show on ABC Television.

Hall of Fame Inductions

On October 27, 2010, Johnny Young was inducted into the Australian Recording Industry Association (ARIA) Hall of Fame. He expressed his gratitude for being able to work in the music industry for 50 years.

Tina Arena, a former Young Talent Team member, inducted him. She performed his song "Here Comes the Star" as a tribute.

In late 2021, a special called Young Talent Time: Unmasked was broadcast. It celebrated the 50th anniversary of Young Talent Time. Johnny Young, Dannii Minogue, and Tina Arena shared their memories.

Personal Life

Johnny Young was raised by his mother, Anna, and her husband, Fokke Jan de Jong. He later learned that his biological father was a singer named Johannes. When Johnny was in his 40s, he met Johannes.

Johnny has three children: Craig, Anna, and Fleur. He also has grandchildren and a great-grandchild. His daughter Anna teaches singing and dancing at The Johnny Young Talent School. His daughter Fleur works in fashion.

Discography

Albums

• Young Johnny (Johnny Young & Kompany) – 1966
• Johnny Young's Golden LP (Johnny Young & Kompany) – 1966
• It's a Wonderful World – 1967
• Surprises – 1968
• The Young Man and His Music – 1971
• A Musical Portrait – 1973
• The Best of Johnny Young – 1974
• All My Loving – 1978

EPs

• Let It Be Me (Johnny Young & Kompany) – 1966
• Kiss Me Now (Johnny Young & Kompany) – 1966
• All My Loving – April 1967
• Craise Finton Kirk – 1968

Singles

• "Club Seventeen" / "Go Johnny Go" (Johnny Young & the Strangers) – 1965
• "Heigh Ho" / "No Other Love" (Johnny Young & the Strangers) – 1965
• "Step Back" / "Cara-Lyn" (Johnny Young & Kompany) – 1966 (Reached No. 1)
• "Let It Be Me" (Johnny Young & Kompany) – 1966 (Reached No. 4)
• "When Will I Be Loved?" / "Kiss Me Now" (Johnny Young & Kompany) – 1967 (Reached No. 3)
• "All My Loving" – 1967 (Reached No. 4)
• "Lady" / "Good Evening Girl" – 1967 (Reached Top 40)
• "Craise Finton Kirk" – 1968 (Reached Top 20)
• "It's a Sunny Day" – 1968 (Reached Top 40)

Awards and Nominations

ARIA Music Awards

The ARIA Music Awards celebrate achievements in Australian music.

Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame

The Australian Songwriters Hall of Fame honors great Australian songwriters.

Go-Set Pop Poll

The Go-Set Pop Poll was a survey by a teen pop music newspaper.

West Australian Music Industry Awards

The West Australian Music Industry Awards celebrate music achievements in Western Australia.