The great Johnny Young has died aged 79 following a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. He was involved in all aspects of show business as a singer/songwriter as well as a radio/TV host. His first job in radio was as an office boy at 6IX Perth when he was 14, and that was the station where he also ended his radio career. He also worked on 6KY, 6PR and 3XY Melbourne from 1968-1972. 

Johnny was the creator, host and producer of the long running TV show Young Talent Time.

He wrote classic Australian pop songs such as The Real Thing and The Girl That I Love for Russell Morris, Smiley for Ronnie Burns, The Star for Ross D Wylie and even I Thank You recorded by boxer Lionel Rose. 

His ‘60s solo hits include Craise Finton Kirk, Kiss Me Now and Step Back.

Young leaves behind his wife Marisha, sister Cornelia, daughters Anna and Fleur, seven grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. He also had a son, Craig, who had died.

Jocks’ Journal recorded an interview with Young in 2007. This will be featured in the September Jocks’ Journal issue.