Before Young Talent Time, Johnny Young was a songwriter who rivaled the best of his era

Johnny Young, the Australian songwriter and television personality, has died at the age of 79 after a battle with pancreatic cancer, according to reports. Born John de Jong in Kalamanda, near Perth, Young emerged as a key figure in Australia's pop music scene during the 1960s and 1970s. His career spanned both music and media, leaving behind a legacy that included numerous hit songs and influential work in television. Young's early years in music saw him benefit from the support of Australia's first wave of international pop stars. The Easybeats' George Young and Stevie Wright helped him secure a hit single titled Step Back. However, it was his collaboration with Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees that proved transformative. In 1967, Young had arranged for Gibb to travel from Brisbane to Sydney for a television appearance, a move that would prove pivotal in his development as a songwriter. Although Young's initial attempts to enter the British charts with covers of Bee Gee tracks failed to chart, Gibb took him under his wing and offered guidance on songwriting techniques. Young quickly put his new skills to use, crafting the song The Real Thing, which became a number one hit for Russell Morris. The track, originally intended for Ronnie Burns, was later transformed into a solo debut for Morris by Molly Meldrum. This process, involving the addition of psychedelic elements such as Hitler speeches and atomic bomb references, resulted in a controversial yet ultimately celebrated release. Despite these embellishments, the core of The Real Thing remained a powerful expression of youthful disillusionment. Another notable composition was Smiley, written about Normie Rowe's induction into the military for service in Vietnam. The song subtly conveyed the emotional weight of youth being sent to war, without overtly preaching against conflict. It was recorded by Ronnie Burns and resonated deeply with listeners, becoming one of Young's most acclaimed works. Young continued to produce chart-topping songs throughout the decade. Among his successes was The Star, a poignant reflection on the loneliness of fame, which Ross D. Wyllie composed and recorded. The song reached the UK Top 40, though the version by Herman’s Hermits was considered less successful than Young's original. Additionally, Young wrote a cheerful country-style song, I Thank You, for Aboriginal boxer Lionel Rose, which achieved a top 20 position in early 1970. His contributions extended beyond music. Young also played a role in producing Hello for Normie Rowe, a love song that captured the essence of sunshine pop and was performed by the artist to great acclaim. These works underscored his versatility and deep understanding of the emotional nuances of popular music. Despite his early success, Young gradually reduced his output as a songwriter in the early 1970s. While the reasons remain unclear, it is noted that he appeared disengaged from his creative pursuits at that time. He released a modest album titled The Young Man and His Music in 1973, featuring several of his own compositions. However, the performance style suggested a sense of detachment from the material, indicating a possible shift in focus away from songwriting. Young's career also encompassed roles as a journalist, radio DJ, and television host. He contributed to the music column of the "teen and twenties paper" Go-Set and hosted programs in Melbourne and later in Perth. These diverse activities highlighted his adaptability and enduring presence in the entertainment industry.