STUDENT ON “HIT PARADE”

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29336, 15 October 1960, Page 15

STUDENT ON “HIT PARADE”

Singing Helps With University Fees "The Press" Special Service WELLINGTON, October 14. A 20-year-old former Wellington chorister is turning his singing ability into a means of completing his university education. Johnny Ross, of Miramar, learned of his first “big-time” recording success when he reached his university lecture room. Studying for finals in English, geography, New Zealand history and education, he missed a radio “hit-parade” programme which used his version of “Forty Winks Away.” ' .' The former St. Pauls Cathedral chorister considers singing as only a means of getting through his studies.

“The royalties I get from the record, and my next one, ‘So Sad,’ will help to pay my fees. With a bit of luck, I’ll be able to go right through university on my voice.”

Becoming a professional singer was not his idea, he said. A friend knew someone in the record industry and told him he ought to “give it a try.” Much to his surprise, he was accepted and he signed a contract. "Now I’m up to my eyes in work, so I haven’t got much time for rehearsing,” he said. The singer, whose new hit record in a double recording on which he sings both harmony and air, was bom in Lower Hutt and educated at Hutt Valley High School and Scots College. He said he had no present intention of making singing his career, but indicated that he could change his mind. “It depends on how my degree and records go,” he added.