Soundtrack to your studies - 1960

The music scene in Auckland in 1960 varied between cabaret nightclubs like The Colony and open-late coffee lounges like The Picasso and the Montmartre, where one might hear modern jazz or rock’n’roll. Certainly, within the pages of Craccum, jazz was the preferred genre and the university had its own Jazz Club where members would gather weekly to listen to the latest records. A concert by Dave Brubeck at the Auckland Town Hall was given a central place within Craccum’s music review section.

Here’s a video of the same line-up playing their biggest hit ‘Take Five’ a few years later.

Craccum also devoted many column inches to musicals and classical music - for example, a concert by The Boston Symphony Orchestra received an in-depth review. This was also reflected by the mix of music in the Capping Revue show.

The two big social events of the year were the Freshers Ball, which was held at the University Hall on campus, and The Graduation Ball held at the Peter Pan Cabaret at the top of Queen St. Music for the latter was provided by The Arthur Skelton Orchestra and was focused on providing accompaniment for dancing with a partner, though there was also a floorshow to entertain the audience too. Tickets were two pounds per couple, with a discount for graduates. It was recommended that attendees reserve a cubicle, since only those with a booking were able to order drinks, though no liquor was available after 6pm. Refreshments could be delivered to the venue between 4pm and 6pm, but had to be labelled with a cubicle number. 

In 1960, Elvis Presley was released from army duty and starred in the film GI Blues, which spun off a best-selling album (though it took a while to get to New Zealand). Here’s a scene from the movie where he plays standout tune ‘Wooden Heart.’

What was on your turntable while you were on campus? Suggest songs to add to our 1960s playlist, and you could win $100 Flying Out voucher.