30 July 2013, The Spice Cellar
Last night, Sydney Social was invited to the launch of Author Jeff Apter’s new book, a biography of Australian musical icon Johnny O’Keefe, “Johnny O’Keefe. Rocker. Legend. Wild One.”
Guests were treated to a speech from Apter amongst the book-lined shelves and cosy corners of Sydney’s underground eatery, The Spice Cellar. Whilst sipping a selection of CAKE wines and sampling a selection of The Spice Cellar’s delish tapas, guests soaked up stories of the colourful life of O’Keefe- a true human dynamo and rock ‘n’ roll powerhouse whose influence still looms large on the Australia musical landscape.
In the biography, Apter brings the larger than life character of O’Keefe into focus, highlighting his brilliantly talented, but self-destructive nature and the huge role he played in establishing the Australian entertainment industry.
O’Keefe died young, from a heart attack, at the age of 43, leaving behind a legacy of timeless hits, including ‘She’s My Baby’ and ‘Shout’. Over his lifetime, he recorded 33 Top 40 hits-establishing himself as part of the fabric of Australia’s music culture.
Guests secured first dibs on copies of the new book and Apter was happy to personally sign copies. “Johnny O’Keefe. Rocker. Legend. Wild One.” can be purchased at selected bookstores and from Amazon.
The Spice Cellar – Unique, European, Underground Basement Level – 58 Elizabeth Street Sydney 2000, http://www.spicecellar.com.au
Sydney Social’s contributor Betsy Oyler attended on behalf of Sydney Social 101.
