Acknowledgments

 

This book would not have been possible without the generous assistance and support of Executives Rhys Clark, Ray Burton and Gary King.

 

Rhys volunteered countless hours of his time, without complaint, to recount near 50 years’ worth of memories. He never ceased to amaze me with his ability to recall the fine details of events that occurred so long ago. His  willingness to talk, coupled with his enthusiasm, was infectious and provided the drive for me to complete this book. He also provided connections to the Widmers and Bobi Petch. And, if that wasn’t enough, he happily  proofread draft after draft after draft! Rhys, I hope you enjoyed reliving your career as much as I enjoyed  listening! An amazing career and an amazing man.

 

Ray was very patient with my seemingly endless questions around the minutiae of his songwriting and post-Executives career. His willingness to talk frankly was refreshing. Ray is an icon of the Aussie music industry and a damn good guy!

 

Gary filled in many gaps, particularly around the “early days”, and had me laughing with some very amusing stories! I am also indebted to his Mum for keeping scrapbooks of press clippings, all of which were immensely helpful in documenting the more obscure events. Gary even took time to visit and spend a few weekends with me in Canberra, and he provided the connection with Bob Woodhill. Another down to earth, great guy!

 

I am honoured to consider Rhys, Ray and Gary my friends.

 

I would also like to extend my sincere thanks and appreciation to:

• Carole King, Brian King, Gino Cunico, Brian Patterson, Bob Woodhill, John Widmer, Shirley Widmer and Bobi Petch for their generous input and memories
• Jose McLaughlin for information on the 1985 incarnation of The Executives
• Aimee King for connecting me with her Dad, Gary
• Amelia King for information on her parents, Brian and Carole, and for connecting me with Carole
• Anthony Cunico for talking his Dad, Gino, into contacting me
• Mal Clarke for input and for leading me to Brian Patterson
• Mark “Woodynet” Hohmuth and Mic Bowbrick for assistance with photo restoration
• Gavin Ryan for assistance with chart placements
• Gareth Jones for proofreading and advice
• Louise Rockne for proofreading

 

The remainder of the book has been compiled from period ephemera and on-line resources, including, but not limited to:

• Go-Set
• The Sun-Herald
• The Sydney Morning Herald
• Billboard magazine
• The Australian Women’s Weekly
• The Canberra Times
• The Age
• Various Western Australian newspapers – many thanks to George Matzkov for his research and assistance
• The Brisbane Telegraph – many thanks to Luke Taiapa for his research and assistance
• The News (Adelaide) – thanks to the staff at the State Library of South Australia for their assistance
• “Purple Haze” 88.3 Southern FM radio interview between Brian King and Nick Black, broadcast 10 July 2013
• www.facebook.com/HighSeasMusic
• www.rayburtonmusic.com
• www.brianking.com.au
• www.milesago.com/artists/executives.htm