HE made his first Elvis Presley impersonation at the age of 10, and has been performing professionally since 1969.
Now long-standing crooner John Rowles is heading our way to perform at Wests Leagues Club next month.
Rowles has pioneered his way through the entertainment industry for the past 25 years, performing to capacity crowds around the globe.
Born and bred in New Zealand, he grew up on a musical diet of rock'n'roll legends such as Little Richard and Elvis Presley. From age 10, Rowles began performing in a number of bands and had stints in The Shadows, The Dingdongers and The Sundowners. His big break came at age 20 when he was discovered by Cliff Richard's manager Peter Gormley. He travelled to Australia in the '60s and appeared on programs such as The Johnny O'Keefe Show and Bandstand .
Under the name Ja- Ar, Rowles released two singles, The End and Please Help Me I'm Falling, both of which charted well in Australia.
In the late '60s, Rowles' career blossomed across the Atlantic where he released the track If I Only Had Time, topping the charts in Britain, Australia and New Zealand.
A string of top 10 singles followed, including Hush Not A Word To Mary, The Pain Goes On Forever, One Day and M'lady. At age 22, Rowles had his own show at the Las Vegas Flamingo Hotel, making him the youngest performer to headline a major Las Vegas show.
In 1980, Rowles received one of his highest honours when he was awarded the Order of the British Empire for his contribution to music.
Throughout the '80s and '90s, Rowles continued to record and he has maintained a strong fan base.
Rowles is known the world over, playing the Rio De Janeiro Song Festival in Hawaii and the Cultural Song Festival in Turkey.
``I never stand still, I never give in, I never get disillusioned. I brush things aside and believe in myself that's why I survive,'' Rowles says.
``Trends come and go. I don't depend on them for security. I have very faithful fans.``Once they like me, they never leave me and for that I am grateful.'' Rowles will perform at Wests Leagues Club on Wednesday, May 18.
Phone 4935 1200 to make a booking.
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