Tina ArenaMusicians, mentees, colleagues, and longtime admirers of musician, performer, television host, and Young Talent Time creator Johnny Young have all shared tributes in the wake of his passing this week.
News broke on Friday, August 14th that the Dutch-born Young had passed away in Perth at the age of 79, following a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
“Johnny was the creator, host and producer of the much-loved television show Young Talent Time. He wrote and produced many iconic hit songs including The Real Thing and Smily [sic],” a statement released by his family read.
In the wake of his passing, musicians from around the world have shared tributes to Young, including many of the previous alumni of Young Talent Time.
“I’m struggling to find the words today to express the profound loss of a man who allowed, and equally encouraged, me to find my voice!” Tina Arena (who made her debut on Young Talent Time in 1976 at the age of eight, and remained until 1983) said in a statement.
“Just know that you leave behind a beautiful legacy that we will continue to uphold because you deserve that, and much more.”
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“Johnny Young holds a place in so many hearts, and today my heart is broken,” echoed Dannii Minogue, who was on Young Talent Time from 1982 until 1988.
“He has so many achievements from his music and TV career, pop writing and releases, and family entertainment on our televisions. For me, this is where my career started, and generations of Aussies hold Young Talent Time and the song All My Loving so fondly in their memories. His show brought 17 years of colour, choreography, sequins, music and smiles to our Saturday nights.
“My heart goes out to his family and to his YTT family,” she added. “From cast, crew and every Johnny Young Talent School member, this is a very sad ‘Goodnight Australia’.”
“Such a sad day for me today, for the wider Young Talent Time community and more broadly for Australian music,” said Karen Knowles, who was a fixture of the show from 1975 until 1980. “We lost a creative legend last night.
“I’m feeling a hole in my heart and also a wellspring of gratitude for the generous platform John gave me and so many other of my fellow performers.
“In addition to the opportunity and the memories of the early years, I’ll always be incredibly grateful for the support John gave me during the early years of my recording career. He was sincerely so glad to see me doing so well.”
Jamie Redfern, one of the original cast members who appeared from 1971 until he left in 1972 to tour with Liberace, shared a lengthy, emotional video in which he honoured Young’s legacy
“It's an incredibly sad day," he explained. "We thought he'd live forever. I mean, you always do with the people you care about, the people you love, those who have been closest to you in your life, or helped you or mentored you or whatever. John was like a big brother figure to us."
“He was a success at everything he set his mind to — a force of nature,” echoed Russell Morris, who recorded the Young-penned The Real Thing in 1969.
“He, and I spent many years working together, and socialising; many laughs, and achievements— it was a great ride,” Morris added. “He will be remembered as a great talent, and a great person.”
Others who shared their memories of his work included Anthony Callea and Greg Gould, who both served as alumni of the Johnny Young Talent School.
“Johnny Young’s contribution to Australian music and entertainment is extraordinary,” wrote Gould.
“Beyond his own incredible career, he created opportunities for generations of young Australian performers to discover their talent, build their confidence and dream a little bigger. I’m very grateful I was one of them.”
“Those years gave me experiences and foundations that I still carry with me every time I walk onto a stage,” echoed Callea.
“Johnny created opportunities, nurtured young talent and gave so many of us a place to discover what we were capable of,” he added. “I’ll always be grateful that my journey began there.”
