ROD STONE - BRIEF BIOGRAPHY
Education: Miramar Nth. Primary & Rongotai College, Wellington NZ.
Private Piano lessons for 4 years while at primary school, started guitar at age 12. Self taught for several years then took lessons in reading and technique from Wellington jazz guitarist, Jimmy Baker.
While at Rongotai, formed 1st band, The Librettos with school friends.Later, and with a changed lineup, this group was voted New Zealand's No.1 band in 1964.( see:- The Librettos - 1965 Re-issue CD! ) After moving to Australia in 1965, The Librettos had limited success but no record hits and disbanded in mid 1966. Next played for a short time with "Normie Rowe and The Playboys" who also toured Britain with "The Troggs" and Gene Pitney. Later played comprehensive guitar with chart topping late 1960's Australian group "The Groove" who won Hoadley's national "Battle of The Sounds" and toured Britain and France in 1969 and 1970 also recording at EMI's Abbey Road studios and the BBC. Later, Rod toured Britain and Europe as backing guitarist for many top line acts such as Olivia Newton-John, Cliff Richard, Lou Christie, John Rowles, Frankie Vaughan (and even 'Morecambe & Wise' and Dick Emery!) etc.On returning to Australia worked extensively as a session musician on both pop recordings and radio/TV jingles. Also played on several film soundtracks including "The Man from Snowy River." Has played with the Channel Nine band, the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and many touring overseas Music Directors. Backed artists as diverse as Bob Hope, Debbie Reynolds, Acker Bilk, Burl Ives, Howard Keel and Jerry Lee Lewis! Over the years has appeared with names from Billy J. Kramer, The Four Tops and The Rolling Stones to The Seekers and Roy Orbison. Played in professional theatre with "The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas," "The Two Ronnies" and "Evita" to name a few.
Studied Classical Guitar with Sue Ellis and Peter Lynch in Melbourne for 4 years, obtaining A.M.E.B. 8th grade in 1979.
© 2001 by Rod Stone. All Rights Reserved