This is my attempt to tell the story of The Seekers in pictures and sounds - I hope you enjoy it!
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In 1963, Judith Durham was belting out Jazz around the clubs in her Home Town of Melbourne. Click on her picture to hear Judith sing 'Papa De Da Da' with Frank Traynor's Jazz Preachers.
Athol Guy and Keith Potger also began their musical career in Melbourne - as 'The Escorts'. In contrast to Judith, They were playing rock 'n' roll. This is a live rendition by Athol and Keith of 'Hello, Mary Lou'
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It was while playing at the 'Treble Clef' Coffee Bar that the boys met a young singer / guitarist, Bruce Woodley. Bruce was playing and singing his own songs, a wonderful example of which is 'I wish you could be here'
Together with Judith, The Seekers became regular performers at the Treble Clef. It wasn't long before W&G records, after hearing a demo tape, decided to sign both Judith and the Seekers. The first Seekers album, 'Introducing The Seekers' was released in Australia in 1964 (see discography for details). The group's distinctive harmonies are already evident here on 'Kumbaya'.
Following their success in Australia, the group worked their way over to England on the cruise ship 'FairSky'. Within a few months, a single and 2 albums had been made. From the album 'Hide and Seekers', which featured Bobby Richards' Orchestra, came this cover of Bob Dylan's 'Blowin' in the Wind'
The Seekers first UK single, 'I'll Never find another You'' was released in December 1964. After a little help with airplay from the pirate station 'Radio Caroline' It rapidly climbed the charts, reaching the number one spot in January 1965.