Johnny Rebb was the first Australian artist to be signed by Lee Gordon‘s Leedon label in 1958. The local media dubbed Rebb the ‘Gentleman Of Rock’ because of his good manners, modesty and comparatively conservative suits.
Late in 1964 manager Syd McDonagh and CBS Records tried to promote Rebb and surf-style instrumental band The Atlantics as a combo (pictured below) – in the style of the British Invasion groups – to save their flagging careers.
Despite their new look, they were unable to compete with younger bands and the project was a flop.