John Stephan.
Camera IconJohn Stephan. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

John Stephan’s salute to Roy Orbison

Tanya MacNaughtonEastern Reporter

ACCIDENTALLY dropping off your demo CD to the wrong person who ends up being a famous singer, songwriter and record producer is like the storyline of a Hollywood film.

It is also what happened to Sydney singer John Stephan when moving to LA in 1999 after finishing school.

“I was looking for a booking agent over there and dropped off a demo to someone else accidentally,” Stephan said.

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“I got a call that night and it was Babyface. I became good friends with him and his family and lived with them in the Hollywood Hills for about two years, seeing all the Hollywood stars.”

Networking led Stephan to sing lead male vocal on the Josie and the Pussycats soundtrack, working alongside Pink’s producers, before his love for songwriting took him to Nashville.

“While living in Nashville I performed on the Grand Ole Opry, which not many Australians get to do,” he said.

“It was while singing Crying on the Grand Ole Opry that I met Roy Orbison’s family.”

Stephan grew up listening to his parents play Orbison’s music and told Orbison’s eldest son Wesley that he would like to make a show in his dad’s memory.

“He jumped at it and said he’d love to be a part of it,” Stephan said.

You Got It! – A Salute to Roy Orbison had success in Las Vegas and Maui, featuring Orbison’s music and narrative provided by Wesley.

Stephan is now touring it around Australia.

“I’m not an impersonator and that’s one thing I like to make very clear,” he said.

“I’m an original solo artist who likes writing and performing my own music, but at the same time, I also love performing these songs as well.

“Don’t expect to see someone standing there in a black shirt and glasses pretending to be someone else. It’s not that type of show but a salute to the great Roy Orbison.”

Community News has 10 double passes to give away to You Got It! – A Salute to Roy Orbison at Crown Theatre Perth on Saturday, August 17. Enter here by 10am, August 1.

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THE ESSENTIALS

What: You Got It! – A Salute to Roy Orbison

Where and when: Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, August 16

Crown Theatre Perth, August 17

Tickets: www.manpac.com.au and www.ticketmaster.com.au