Johnny Tahu Cooper (23 July 1929 – 3 September 2014), also known as The Maori Cowboy,[1] was a pioneering New Zealand rock and roll musician and entrepreneur. His cover of "Rock Around the Clock", a song popularised by Bill Haley & His Comets, is considered to be the first rock and roll song recorded in New Zealand. His 1955 single, "Pie Cart Rock 'n' Roll", was the first original rock song recorded and released in New Zealand.[2][3] His song, "Look What You've Done", was covered by Johnny Devlin and became a national favourite, appearing in the 1994 film Once Were Warriors.
Johnny Cooper | |
|---|---|
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Tahu Cooper |
| Also known as | The Maori Cowboy |
| Born | 23 July 1929 Hawke's Bay, New Zealand |
| Died | 3 September 2014 (aged 85) Naenae, New Zealand |
| Genres | Country, rock and roll |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, guitar |
| Years active | 1950–1968 |
| Labels | His Master's Voice |
References
edit- ^ "The birth of Kiwi rock 'n' roll". New Zealand History. Ministry for Culture and Heritage. 10 April 2014. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
- ^ "Maori Cowboy a Kiwi rock'n'roll pioneer". Stuff. 5 September 2014. Retrieved 19 January 2022.
- ^ Bourke, Chris (22 October 2020). "Johnny Cooper". AudioCulture. Retrieved 21 January 2022.
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