John “Swanee” Swan

by Mark Gibson on December 15, 2008

in Bands - S,Musicians - S

Post image for John “Swanee” Swan

About John Swan

John Swan, more commonly known as Swanee, was born John Archibold Dixon Swan in 1952 in Glasgow, Scotland. He came to Australia with his family in 1961 and is the only one of his siblings to keep his natural fathers surname. He is the older brother of Jimmy Barnes and the uncle of David Campbell.

Brief History

Swanee started his musical career as a drummer in the band Happiness before moving on to other bands such as Fraternity, Feather and Cold Chisel. He branched out on his own, under the name Swanee, in 1979, releasing the album “Into The Night”. His first commercial hit was in 1981 with his version of “If I Were A Carpenter” off the album “This Time Is Different” which featured two other hits, “Temporary Heartache” and “Lady What’s Your Name”

In 1987 he replaced angry Anderson as lead singer in Paul Christie’s “Party Boys” where he had another hit with “He’s Gonna Step on You Again” and then “Hold Your Head Up”. He left the band around 1989 to again pursue a solo career that still persists today.

Videos

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“If I Were A Carpenter”
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“Temporary Heartache”
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“Lady What’s Your Name?”

Recordings

as Swanee (albums):

  • Into the Night – 1980
  • This Time is Different – 1982
  • Ready for Action – 1983
  • Days Gone By – 1984
  • Bushido – 1985
  • Heart and Soul – 1997

as John Swan

  • It Could Have Been You (single) – 1985
  • You’ll Do Something (single) – 1985
  • Angel (single) – 1986
  • Have a Little Faith – 2007

with The Party Boys

  • He’s Gonna Step On You Again  (single) – 1987
  • The Party Boys – 1987
  • Hold Your Head Up  (single) – 1987
  • Gloria (single) - 1988)

Other Resources

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