Australian singer Alan Dale had been a big band singer before moving over to the new Rock ‘n’ Roll in 1957. His popularity rose sharply, and his only real competition was Johnny O’Keefe.
Dale and JOK had in fact been close friends before either became involved in the rock scene – Alan worked for a printer who rented space in the building on Pitt Street (Sydney) which was owned by Johnny’s father, who ran a furniture store.
His first major hit, Crackin’ Up, went into the Australian Top 40.