| Clarion Gold is an
exhibition about Martin Clarke and Western Australia's legendary
Clarion Record Label. On display is one of Martin Clarks early record cutting lathes, as well as a selection of the acetates he cut on that machine.  There are samples of Top 40 Charts in which Clarion records appear, original Clarion documents and letters, photographs taken in the studio, and record players from the 1960s.  There is also a big selection of rare and not-so-rare Clarion records, including a gold record Martin Clarke received for Johnny Young’s “Young Happening” album.  The exhibition has been co-ordinated by Richard Rennie. The museum’s telephone is 9430 7966. *******
Martin Clarke developed his interest in sound recording as a teenager. His first recording studio was in his mother’s home in Mosman Park. Les Dixon (below) was Western Australia's first Rock 'n' Roll singer.  In 1958 Les had a Rock 'n' Roll
record cut by Martin Clarke using the recording lathe on display. It
was recorded in Martin Clarke's home in Mosman Park, and
was Martin's first Rock 'n' Roll recording session. Martin was only 18,
and Les (seen below) was 17.
 In 1962 Martin Clarke established W.A.’s first nation record label - Clarion. Its first release was a novelty song “Little White Star” - a tribute to astronaut John Glenn and Glenn's seeing of the “lights of Perth”. Martin Clarke went on to record artists such as Johnny Young, Robbie Snowden, Glen Ingram, The Time, The Valentines, Clem Croft, and many more. By the mid 60s Clarion records were being released nationally by Festival. Martin Clarke was producing national hits, often having several records in the Top 40 Charts simultaneously. In 1966, Glen Ingram (seen below visiting the exhibition) and The Hi Five had a national hit for Clarion with Skye Boat Song. Right: Glen Ingram and The Clan   Martin Clarke recorded hits by Ray Hoff and the Off Beats, including Let's Go, Let's Go, Let's Go and Bama Bama, Bama Loo. Dave Birkbeck (below) played trumpet on these tracks.  Gemini had a big hit for Clarion with Sunshine River. Len Wright (left), Paul Young (centre) and Nick Melidonis (second from right) were part of that group.  Below: Paul Young (left),
Nick Melidonis and Len Wright (below) at the
Clarion Gold exhibition.
  In 1967 Maggie Hammond recorded 'You Won't Be Leaving'. She was backed by The Tagg, comprising Kevin Jamieson (organ), Tony Woodward (guitar), Phil Garner (rhythm guitar), John Kendall (bass), and Ron Moloney (drums). Below Kevin Jamieson visits the Clarion Gold exhibition.   Steve Lawrence (above left)
and his brother Terry Lawrence (right) played in many local
bands. Terry
Lawrence's 1971 Clarion recordings of 'It Takes Minutes' and 'The Girl
I
Left Behind' both reached Number 15 on 6PRs Top 40 charts. Below: Terry
Lawrence in 1971.
  Clarion continued to release records through into the 1980s. About 120 Clarion singles, along with 20 EPs and 20 LPs were issued. Martin Clarke also released about fifty singles on the Martin Clarke Recording Studios generic labels, and countless special one-off recordings.  Artwork
by Glen Ingram
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