JEFF ST JOHN & COPPERWINE
Teach Me How To Fly
(Sidney Barnes)
Australia 1970
#3 Sydney #29 Melbourne #6 Brisbane #6 Adelaide #30 Perth

Soul-styled rock singer Jeff St John (born Jeffrey Newton in Sydney, 1946) fronted a number of first class bands during the 60s and 70s, including The Id and Copperwine. His performances were memorable not only for his strong, soulful vocals but for the wheelstands and spins he would execute with his wheelchair. More at Milesago's Jeff St John page, including band personnel and discography.

See also Cloud Nine and Jeff St John & the Id.

Further reading: Jeff St John's current website.
FLAKE
Teach Me How To Fly
(Sidney Barnes)
Australia 1970

B-side of Reflections Of My Life, single on Du Monde label.

Sydney band formed in 1968 that went through several personnel changes and genres, from hard rock to psychedelia to Top 40 pop.

For recent news on Flake's flautist and saxophonist Dave Allen see his blog Burning Mountain Studio, which links to his pages on Flake history.

Thanks to Mike Robbins.
ROTARY CONNECTION
Teach Me How To Fly
(Sidney Barnes)
USA 1968
Original version

Chicago band, recorded for Chess Records, vocalist Minnie Riperton.

Written by band member Sidney Barnes.


Buy At Sanity.com.au

Later versions:

ERL DALBY
Teach Me How To Fly
(Sidney Barnes)
Australia 1971
Later version

Single on Banner label.

Erl Dalby is best remembered for Can't Wait For September by Erl Dalby and Pyramid, a classic pop gem written and produced by ex-Easybeats Harry Vanda and George Young (#15 Sydney, #18 Brisbane). The story goes that Erl Dalby's previous band Erl's Court, formed in Wollongong, is heard on that record, but was soon replaced for touring and promotion by Pyramid, a six-piece band featuring three vocalists.

These days, Erl Dalby, now Erl Montaigue, lives in Wales and teaches Tai Chai and martial arts. See his website Erle Montaigue's Tai Chi World which includes news of his more recent band, Moontagu Blues Band.

Version alert and research by Terry Stacey.
ALISON MCCALLUM
Teach Me How To Fly
(Sidney Barnes)
Australia 1973
Later version

Alison's surname has sometimes been spelt 'MacCallum', but see the What's in a name? page at Alison McCallum - The Unofficial Website.

It is certainly Alison, not Allison.

Thanks to Terry Stacey and Mike Robbins.

Corrections or comments? Contact the writer.