Jon English, an Australian singer and actor, died earlier this year. I had one of his records for sale online, the soundtrack to a 1978 historical drama, all about Australia in convict times, Against the Wind. Soon after Jon died, someone ordered it. Not too surprising – except that the order came from, of all places, Norway.
One of the great things about selling old records is chatting to the people who buy them. There is so often a fascinating story. So I asked:
One thing I am curious about – Jon English was big here in Australia, but I am a little surprised that anyone in Norway has heard of him. I take it you are a fan? Sad about his passing.
The buyer, Leif, replied:
Jon English is well known in Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden and Denmark). Against the Wind was broadcast on Norwegian television in the 80s, and in Sweden and Denmark at about the same time. The soundtrack album came with its own translation. In Norway, we bought the Swedish version. The Danish title was “Mod vinden”, meaning “Against the Wind”, the Swedish title was “Mot alla vindar”, meaning “Against All Winds”
A Danish artist, Lene Siel, did a duo with Jon English with the song “Six Ribbons”.
Norwegian band Green Carnation did a cover version of the same track.
Jon English played at the Sweden Rock Festival 2013.
So, you see, he’s well known here. And yes, I’m a fan myself. Very sad he died so early and so unexpected!
Lief also tells me that complete series of Against the Wind is now available on DVD in “Australia, Norway, Sweden and the Netherlands … So, as you see, Sweden and Norway, again and again…”
Usually on Planet Vinyl, we don’t play the hits, but here I will make an exception. I learned this song back in primary school, and love it still. Have a listen, and you’ll see why it was big in Norway.
- Artist: Jon English and Mario Millo
- LP Title: Against The Wind
- Track: Side 2, Track 2 “Six Ribbons”
- Format: 12”, 33⅓ rpm
- Label: Polydor, 2907 048
- Manufactured in: Australia
- Year: 1978
Many of the records featured on this blog, and hundreds of others, are for sale via Discogs. Mention this code “MSD519” to receive a free 7-inch disc of your choice (up to the value of $5.00) with any purchase.
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