Fourteen at the time, Amphlett ensnared the hearts of Australians with her soulful voice and hit number He’s My Blonde Headed, Stompie Wompie, Real Gone Surfer Boy, making her one of Australia’s first teenage pop-stars. She followed up her debut single with successful numbers Drag Race Johnny, Surfin’ Time Again and many more. For decades Amphlett has entertained the Australian public – performing to troops in Vietnam, appearing on our televisions, and teaching our children – but now it’s time for her to honour those who shaped her. This is exactly what The Class of ’69 does.
Through a series of two acts, one dedicated to Little Pattie and the other to four soul singer pioneers, The Class of ’69 will immerse the audience in the ‘60s, from the gospel tones of Diana Ross to the poignancy of Dusty Springfield, the psychedelic movement that pervaded our stereos, all the while unravelling the humble beginnings of soul music within Australia.
“This [The Class of ’69] is paying tribute to those women,” explained Amphlett, emphasising that her selection of Petula Clark, Dustry Springfield, Diana Ross and Lesley Gore hits were fundamental to the forming of The Class of ’69. “I hadn’t heard about any show [that] specifically devoted itself to female singers – international female singers and Australian singers. This show does all of that. It’s really about the girls who were around in the ‘60s.”
It’s no surprise that Amphlett was inclined towards these women. Dusty Springfield is regarded as The White Queen of Soul, known for her absolute classic Son of A Preacher Man. Springfield is acknowledged in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, while the Grammy Hall of Fame boasts a plaque for her extensive contributions to the music industry.
Front-woman Diana Ross left The Supremes from 1959-1970 to pursue a solo career. She released acclaimed anthems Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and I’m Coming Out; all songs you’ve undoubtedly heard on the radio at least once. At one stage Ross was considered the most successful female artist in history.
More importantly, the success of these divas paved the way for many timid female singers within the music industry, opening a doorway of opportunity for budding artists like Little Pattie and Lesley Gore.
“The choosing of the four singers to pay tribute to – there weren’t that many female singers who had as many hits as any of those four women,” nor the longevity of career, an experience that Amphlett is familiar with herself. According to the teacher though, there’s a reason for this. “We [are] performers. I think the ‘60s and ‘70s provided performers and trained performers who are fortunate enough to still have careers. The sad thing is that people who’ve appeared on those television shows, which are talent quests; most of them have no enduring careers to speak of. I think we were trained for the long haul and it worked.”
Despite all of this, there is still the history of the era what is interwoven throughout The Class of ’69. Careful song selection will mark these historical movements, including the assassination of JFK, to the acidic notes from the hippy movement. It’s an aspect of the production that Amphlett think transcends the music and will connect with her audience.
“I suspect that [history] will be part of most of the members of the audience’s growing up,” commented Pattie, adding that these historical moments shaped her life and, undoubtedly, ours. “Whether they’re young or not so young, because they’re such magical parts of our history. They’re kind of a given.”
Essentially The Class of ’69 will be a feel good production, reflective of the music of that ‘60s, which were known for their vibrant, balmy tunes, however, Amphlett will not be alone. Australian songbirds Tyla Bertolli, Bec Laughton, Evelyn Duprai and Naomi Price will be joining the soul veteran onstage during the Australian tour, singing Springfield numbers, and other catchy numbers.
“I hope that it’s evocative of their times in the ‘60s if they were around,” said Amphlett, talking about what the audience should gain from The Class of ’69. “If they weren’t around in those days, I’m sure that they will enjoy the music. I’m positive about that [as] the music of those times was, without a doubt, feel good music. I think people will enjoy it very much.”
BY AVRILLE BYLOK-COLLARD
