The Times Interview - John Rowles, Explain Yourself to PJ Taylor

Friday, 27 April 2007

John Rowles. Photo supplied.

CHERYL Moana Marie opens the door with a welcoming smile. On the fridge door is an old black and white rugby photo of their father, pre-Second World War Maori All Black, Eddie Hohapata-Rowles. John Rowles is relaxed and refreshed as he sits to chat in a Te Atatu kitchen he’s very familiar with, after four decades of travelling the world moving from one top showbiz assignment to the next. The man with possibly the greatest male singing voice this country has produced talks of his time in the limelight, the stars he’s rubbed shoulders with and the 40th anniversary tour he’s on, which is also raising money for charity Project Hope. He laughs throughout, enjoying the recollections that saw him top the charts worldwide in the late 1960s and early 1970s. And at 60, he’s really enjoying being a dad to young children.
You’ve met more famous people than most Kiwis, but Billy T James was a star and mate. How was that friendship?
Coming from little ole’ NZ, did you ever pinch yourself being in the company of some of the biggest names in showbiz?
You’ve got to be confident of your abilities to make it in the business. What we would call cocky might be viewed as something different in another country.If I Only Had TimeCheryl Moana MarieWhen did you know you could sing? What sort of encouragement did you get?One Night With YouYour records and those by Eddie are in many music collections up and down this land. And Eddie’s had a comeback in recent times. Are you guys still in touch?If I Only Had TimeHush, Not A Word To MaryCheryl Moana Marie
How did you get to record, If I Only Had Time?If I Only Had TimeBack then, live recording with orchestras was commonplace in pop music. And artists and producers had large budgets.That’s LifeCheryl Moana MarieWhy did you leave England for Hawaii and the US?Cheryl Moana MarieCheryl Moana Marie
When did you start moving back to Australia?
Through your songs, especially about sisters Cheryl Moana Marie and Tania, fans could be under the impression you’re a close family. Is that the case?TaniaCheryl Moana Marie