The Life and Time Stories of Australian Musicians, Performance Artists and those who commenced their contributions to the Australian Music industry from the 1950’s through to the 1970’s.
Australian Rock of Ages is a series of interviews conducted with artists, entrepreneurs, and managers. Those who promoted and contributed to the Australian Music Industry. All were born or settled in Australia during the halcyon years of the late 1950’s through to the late 1970’s.
We present a different story each month.
This program features the 3-part story of Murray Robertson.
Born in 1940, Murray was born into a musical family where his mother was a classical pianist.
Because the home had a grand piano, he was encouraged to play from a very young age.
We learn a little about Murray’s family. His father had fought in WW1 and returned with the loss of an eye, due to a shrapnel injury.
As Murray comments, a cm closer to the brain and he, Murray, may never have been born.
Murray grew up as a teen in the rocking 1950’s. Yet as a result of his home life, he was more involved in playing classical piano. Exhibiting real talent, he successfully undertook the Australian Music Exams for seven years.
However, fate had other things in mind for Murray. Subsequently, through listening to radio and the music of the Big Band era it drew him away from classical piano.
As a result of his love for Big Band music, he began to undertake a wonderful journey. Consequently, it was one that led him to join his first rock band, the legendary Thunderbirds.
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Regardless of the band’s popularity, Murray never considered music as a full-time career. So it was that he began and completed a five-year apprenticeship in aircraft electrical engineering.
Yet ever lurking in the background was the lure of rock music and Murray openly shares his story with us.
Part Two of Murray’s story features more about the Thunderbirds.
As a result of his background, Murray became the group’s keyboard player. Subsequently, we learn more about the group’s wonderful career and Murray’s role in it.
The Thunderbirds were much in demand. At length, they became the support and the backing band for an amazing range of overseas artists. Indeed, this list included Roy Orbison and Dion DiMucci.
Yet the demand for their services also included many Aussie artists such as Johnny Chester and Marcie Jones.
As a result of the group’s popularity, they mixed with some of the industry key players.
Subsequently, we progress into the 1970’s, learning how Murray played less but became very active in the recording studio. So it was that he became sought after as a Music Director, working extensively with Merv Benton and Johnny Chester.
Significantly, in the 1970’s Murray began his move away from the music industry. He began to develop his non-music career.
Drawing upon not just his talent but his passions, his career move saw him working in design and drafting. As a result, he found a use for his skills with the Commonwealth Industrial Gases.
Yet, he was not totally “done” with music when he became part of the revived Thunderbirds in the late 1970’s
In the 3rd and final program, Murray’s career has another sharp change. He shares how his job with the CIG led to work with early computers. Specifically, this was with a particular industry software package, in Ohio, USA.
Returning to Australia, Murray discovers the difficulty of getting a job. In particular, time had caught up, and a new generation of young people were flooding into that industry.
Accordingly, he returns to music. Indeed, he joins a working band that was supporting a tour by a group of Australian legends.
Significantly, it included Marcie Jones, who would later become his life partner. It also included legends such as Normie Rowe, Johnny Young, and Buddy England.
So it was over subsequent years, Murray continued to perform on an ad hoc basis, chiefly with both former bandmates but also with other musicians.
Certainly, he performed on a regular basis with his then partner, Marcie Jones.
However, Murray continued to play with artists such as Rick Evans, Trotta Trottman, Carol Evans, Judy Gribbin, and many others.
In 2105 The Thunderbirds were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Appropriately, it was by none other than their former lead singer and Murray’s partner, Marcie Jones.
Sharing more stories we listen to Murray talk on music, musicians and, ageing, while still working.
Opening up, Murray also shares his late-in-life love for horses. But throughout the latter part of his story, one thing remains true: his everlasting love for his former partner, Marcie.
Sadly, Marcie passed away on May 31st, 2025.
Murray Robertson – Part 1
Murray Robertson – Part 2
Murray Robertson – Part 3
Previous stories in Australian Rock Of Ages can be found via these links;
Program #1 – Bob Bright: Click here
Program #2 – Normie Rowe: Click here
Program #3 – Mike Rudd: Click here
Program #4 – Phil Manning: Click here
Program #5 – Marcie Jones: Click here
Program #6 – Ross D. Wylie: Click here
Program #7 – Lynn Thorpe: Click here
Program #8 – Sam See: Click here:
Program #9 – Mick Hamilton: Click here
Program #10 – Claire Humphrys: Click here
Program #11- Glyn Mason: Click here
Program #12 – David Flint: Click here
Program #13 – Chris Stockley: Click here
Program #14 – Frank Howson: Click here
Program #15 – Mick Elliott: Click here
Program #16 – Pat Wilson: Click here
Program #17 – Lindsay Field: Click here
Program #18 – David Pepperell: Click here
Program #19 – Howard Freeman: Click here
Program #20 – Laurie Arthur: Click here
Program #21 – Dom Barbuto: Click here
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