Young Talent Time team: 1971–1984

Young Talent Time frequently uses birthday shows as an excuse to feature successful graduates from the team. This excerpt comes from episode 87/16, recorded on 16 May 1987, to celebrate the show’s 16th birthday. 

Host Johnny Young introduces a montage of some of the most popular graduates, each one singing a different song.

Fans love to hear what the Young Talent Team get up to after they leave the show and host Johnny Young gives a smattering of details. 

There is nothing particularly slick about this montage but it is an efficient way of compiling a lot of information into a relatively short package.

This clip is engaging and achieves its aim of appealing to fans, both old and new. Switching from black-and-white to colour footage highlights the longevity of the show, which had been produced since 1971. 

Jamie Redfern (1971–72) sings ‘I’m Your Little Boy’ by Dutch wunderkind Heintje Simons. Jamie was part of the original cast of the show and went on to record four albums, win multiple accolades and tour with Liberace.  

Vikki Broughton (1971–73) and Rod Kirkham (1971–73) sing ‘All I Have to Do Is Dream’ by Boudleaux Bryant, made famous by the Everly Brothers.  

Philip Gould (1971–76) went on to star in musicals in Australia and abroad. Here he sings ‘Falling in Love Again', a 1971 hit for Ted Mulry. 

Logie award winner Debbie (Debra) Byrne (1971–75) sings ‘I Don't Know How To Love Him’ by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, from the musical Jesus Christ Superstar. Debra Byrne went on to have a notable solo recording career and to play starring roles in film and TV and on stage in Cats and Les Misérables. 

Sally Boyden (1973–76) sings Judy Garland’s signature song ‘Over the Rainbow’, written by Harold Arlen and EY Harburg, which features famously in The Wizard of Oz (USA, Victor Fleming, 1939). In addition to singing, Sally went on to act and become a songwriter.  

Greg Mills (1971–75) became the show’s musical director. Here he sings Don McLean’s ‘La La Love You’. 

Singer and performer Jane Scali (1971–76) is also a founding member of the team. She has gone on to win multiple Mo Awards. Here she sings ‘Rock with You’ by Rod Temperton, which was a hit for Michael Jackson. 

Steven Zammit (1975–80) also sings ‘I’m Your Little Boy’.

Joey Perrone (1980–84), who still performs today, is singing ‘Mr Bass Man’ with Johnny Young, a signature song for Johnny Cymbal. 

Karen Knowles (1974–80) sings ‘Amazing Grace’. She also still performs today.

Tina Arena (1977–83) sings ABBA’s ‘Ring Ring’, written by Benny Andersson, Björn Ulvaeus and Stig Anderson. Tina remains an international star, having released 12 studio albums to date in both English and French. 

Jodie Loebert (1980–83) sings ‘Edelweiss’ by Rogers and Hammerstein from the musical The Sound of Music, as featured on a Young Talent Time Christmas episode. 

Finally, Michael Campbell (1981–83) sings 'The Puppy Song' by Harry Nilsson.

Notes by Beth Taylor