Dinah Lee

The most successful female 60's singer in Australasia. Born in Waimate NZ 1943, raised by a foster family in Christchurch. In 1960 starting seeing Phil Garland and joined his band 'The Saints' and later The Playboys' who then toured with Max Merritt and the Meteors. Max took her on a tour with Bill and Boyd. Haddleton signed her into a five year management deal including 25% of her profits. But he scored her a regular spot on "Top 20 Club" and a contract with Viking Records. Max Merritt and the Meteors backed her first 2 singles ("Don't You Know Yockomo" and "Reet Petite"), which she chose and arranged. Conservative NZ was shocked by her 'weird' dance moves and radical fashion sense, and were outraged when she dared to wear bermuda shorts on stage. Coined "'Queen Of The Mods'" she rocketed up the charts selling out of her singles' 1st pressing. Diana moved to Australia and like 'Pavlova' and 'Spreadable Butter' was quickly referred to as Australian.

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