Why Love Is In The Air star and Southwest’s favourite son JPY is still a huge drawcard
JOHN Paul Young says the popularity of his monster hit Love Is In The Air is something even he does not why, after all these years.
The Express
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What: The Vanda & Young Songbook
Performed by: John Paul Young and the All Star Band
Where: Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL
When: Saturday, July 14
Tickets: $49
Time: 8.30pm
Address: 20-26 Canterbury Rd, Hurlstone Park
Details: 9559 0000
JOHN Paul Young says the continuing popularity of his monster hit Love Is In The Air is something even he does not why, after all these years.
It’s 40 years since the song hit the charts in Australia and round the world, making the Sydney Southwestlocal a household name internationally.
The ARIA Hall of Famer was 13 when his family moved from Scotland to East Hills and they also lived in Liverpool and Fairfield, making him among the most famous entertainers from our area.
JPY, as he is better known, credits Australia’s prolific songwriters George Young and Harry Vanda for making him the star he is and also for the many hits they provided him and other musicians.
The 68-year-old — accompanied by his ageless All Star Band — is coming home to Canterbury Hurlstone Park RSL this Saturday from 8.30pm to perform hit music from the Young/Vanda era, including Pasadena, Friday On My Mind, Walking In The Rain, Yesterday’s Hero, Keep On Smilin and The Day That My Heart Caught Fire.
“Love Is In The Air never dies and really knows why,” JPY told the Express.
“Even George (Young) and Harry (Vanda) did not know why, otherwise they would have written another one like this.
“They were very good mentors to me and always offered to help, they were very generous.
“People don’t realise that George and Harry were responsible for a lot of songs and are among greatest songwriters in Australia.
“David Bowie and Rod Stewart are among those who performed their songs.”
Love Is In The Air, received a second revival when director Baz Luhrmann used the song in his 1992 movie, Strictly Ballroom, and also moved him back on centre stage after a stint as DJ.
GYP, who is swell known for his charity work, attended East Hills High before moving to Liverpool Boys High and Fairfield Westfields Sports High School with his first job being as a sheet metal worker.
“I remember the Liverpool Leader very well because I used to deliver the papers when I was a teenager,” JPY recalled.
“I got into music because when we moved from Liverpool to a new housing estate in Fairfield, there was no one my age and I used to go back to Liverpool Boys High and meet my friends.
“Some of them were dedicated to forming a band (Elm Tree) and told me that if I didn’t join, I would lose their friendship.
“They cornered me and did save my life because my whole life has been a standout and I have been very fortunate, being at the right place at the right time.
“Yes, I have had my ups and downs like everyone else.
“Luck smiled on me and I was a vehicle for some of the wonderful songs that Wanda and Young wrote.
“I have been able to keep the All Star band together for 30 years and have two original members, Warren Morgan and Ronny Peel.”
JPY made a name in theatre starring in Jesus Christ Superstar, Shout — The Johnny O’Keefe Story and Grease, The Musical.
“Regarding theatre I will never say never because I quite enjoyed it, its so different,” JPY said.
“I am writing a book and thank God for Google because I am learning about myself as I didn’t realise I had four chart songs in 1976, which is astonishing.”
Newcastle-based JPY is delighted one of his three grandchildren has started performing at her school and “loves the limelight”.
His simple advice in staying the distance: “I have a mirror and I am not afraid to use it.
“I try to think young but I don’t dress too young because I don’t want to look stupid.”
On his local show, JPY said” There will be some good story telling at the show where I will open a few dark cupboards which people mighty not know about.”
JPY has sold more than four million records and boasts of number one songs in Australian and overseas.
The Allstar Band features two of the original members in Warren Morgan and Ronnie Peel and also features Greg Plimmer, Juan Gonzalez, Michael Walker and Paul Kirtley.