The Life and Time Stories of Australian Musicians, Performance Artists and those who commenced their contributed to the Australian Music industry from the 1950’s through to the 1970’s.
Australian Rock of Ages is a series of interviews conducted with artists, entrepreneurs, managers. Those who promoted and contributed to the Australian Music Industry. All were born in Australia or settled in Australia during the halcyon years of the late 1950’s through to the late 1970’s.
We present a different story each month.
The February program features the 4-part story of Frank Howson.
This program features the story of Baby Boomer Frank Howson. It was recorded a few years before the sad death of Frank, 12 months ago this month.
The podcast is a tribute to his many achievements and the impact he had on not just music, but all the “Arts”.
Frank was a person who had totally immersed himself in multi-faceted arts. From an early age and up to his death he was still writing lyrics. He was also writing story-lines and directing live and filmed performances.
In Part 1 Frank introduces himself and his family. We gain a good understanding how his early introduction to music and arts would heavily influence his whole life.

Franks on-going career included an incredibly successful one in music, acting, screenwriting, play-writing, producing and directing. Amazingly, in both live performances and in films and, in both Australia and Hollywood.
In Part 2 we learn how he was taken under the wing of by the legendary DJ Stan ‘the man” Rofe. While working at 3UZ we learn how he entered a recording studio and recording a single.
The single that looked destined to be a hit. However professional jealousy from a well known artist interfered in the process much to Frank’s dismay.
Undaunted, Frank then moves into live theater performance and gains roles in many large and successful productions.

These included Jesus Christ Superstar. It is here where Frank tells a story of how he almost accidentally hung Jon English during a performance.
The stories flow freely and Frank oozes entertainment while informing and educating us in his easy going style of presentation.

In Part 3 Frank focuses on the success he has had as a lyricist. He talks of the words for songs that he has written for many successful artists.
These include the Little River Band, Richie Havens and Kate Ceberano, just to name a few.
But his writing far exceeds lyrics, as he is also a very successful playwright and scriptwriter.
He wrote for movies and live musicals as well as being both a producer and director.
In this program he also starts to share with us the stories behind his last blockbuster success. This was Dream Lover: The Bobby Darin Musical.

Part 4 is the final part of his story, Frank continues to talk at some length about his last project.
“Dream Lover – The Bobby Darin Story” was one he wrote and produced and had rave reviews in its Sydney opening season.

In talking about this show, Frank also talks about his first-hand experiences with Bobby Darin’s family.
Finally, Frank also takes time out from stories involving his professional and on-going career.
He shares his thoughts and feelings on a range of issues that concerned him. Not the least of these being, his concern for the degradation of the environment.

The story of Frank Howson is the story of a man who came from a “arts” loving family. He was in the right place in the right time. However, heavily endowed in artistic skills, he carved out an amazing career.
It was one that continued right through until his sad passing in February of 2023.
Frank was the total sum of all his many faceted elements. This is what made him who he was.
His work will remain as a legacy of a man who took on the world while always remaining a Aussie boy.

Frank Howson – Part 1
Frank Howson – Part 2
Frank Howson – Part 3
Frank Howson – Part 4
Previous stories in Australian Rock Of Ages can be found via these links;
Program #1 – Bob Bright: Click here
Program #2 – Normie Rowe: Click here
Program #3 – Mike Rudd: Click here
Program #4 – Phil Manning: Click here
Program #5 – Marcie Jones: Click here
Program #6 – Ross D. Wylie: Click here
Program #7 – Lynn Thorpe: Click here
Program #8 – Sam See: Click here:
Program #9 – Mick Hamilton: Click here
Program #10 – Claire Humphrys: Click here
Program #11- Glyn Mason: Click here
Program #12 – David Flint: Click here
Program #13 – Chris Stockley: Click here