Singer-songwriter Sharon O'Neill
A DigitalNZ Story by Zokoroa
A pictorial interpretation of Sharon O'Neill's song "Maxine" and an outline of her journey as a singer-musician, for NZ Music Month (May)
Music, NZ Music Month, Music Month, Sharon O'Neill, Singers, Musicians, Songs, Maxine
Hands up if your vinyl collection has Sharon O'Neill's album 'Foreign Affairs' with the memorable hit track 'Maxine'! In a 2016 interview, Sharon said; "I was living in a hotel in Kings Cross when I got the inspiration to write "Maxine". She was always out there working at 3am when we'd get home bleary-eyed from a gig in Newcastle." (Source: Jennifer Dann, "Twelve questions with Sharon O'Neill", NZ Herald, 23 Feb 2016.) The album, which was released in May 1983, peaked at No. 11 on the NZ Charts and No. 17 on the Australian Charts, and was certified a gold record by Recorded Music New Zealand.
In celebration of NZ Music Month (May), the lyrics for 'Maxine' are illustrated with images from DigitalNZ, followed by an outline of Sharon's journey as a singer and songwriter. Sharon was the first performer to receive three Tui in consecutive years when she won Top Female Vocalist at the Aotearoa Music Awards in 1978, 1979 and 1980. She was inducted into the NZ Music Hall of Fame and received the Legacy Award at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards on 16 November 2017.
Maxine - NZ video (An Australian version was filmed on the streets of King Cross, Sydney)
In 2017, Sharon O'Neill was inducted into NZ Music Hall of Fame & received the Legacy Award at Vodafone NZ Music Awards
NZ On Screen
1. Lyrics FOR "MAXINE"
You can read the lyrics on Sparklers website and listen to the Australian version on Youtube with Sharon singing as you view the following graphics from DigitalNZ.
1ST VERSE:
Bruise Instinct
The Arts House Trust
Domestic Cat
iNaturalist NZ — Mātaki Taiao
Ruby's room, no. 8
Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa
Young Drummer
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Chorus:
World Signpost
MOTAT
Lonesome Loser
The Arts House Trust
PROBLEM 1352. (Otago Witness, 02 January 1896)
National Library of New Zealand
2nd Verse:
Willis Street, Wellington, on a rainy day
Alexander Turnbull Library
Shoes - Paragon, Slingback, Red & Black Leather, 1992-1993
Museums Victoria
Run for Your Life
Gisborne Photo News
Razor, Cut Throat
South Canterbury Museum
Repeat chorus
3rd verse:
A selection of men's and woman's watches
Alexander Turnbull Library
BAD USO's - (Bad Boys Parody)
The Coconet TV
COLD COMFORT. (Mataura Ensign 28-3-1913)
National Library of New Zealand
Daniella Smith fighting Nive Moefaauo, 2008
Manatū Taonga, the Ministry for Culture and Heritage
Repeat chorus
4th verse:
Alleyway
Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki
Dark Alley
Dunedin Public Libraries
Apex Singularity 5 - Monsters at the End of a Dark Alleyway
The Arts House Trust
Beats and Brushes 2017
Palmerston North City Library
Street girls in 'The Seven' : digital image
Wairarapa Archive
Repeat chorus...
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
2. Sharon's journey as a singer & songwriter
The following has been compiled from information shared by Sharon O'Neill and others during media interviews - audio, video and written.
Sharon won Top Female Vocalist at the New Zealand Music Awards in 1978, 1970 and 1980 - the first artist to win a Tui in three consecutive years. She also won Album of the Year in 1980. Sharon's singles 'Maxine'', 'Asian Paradise', and 'Maybe' were included in APRA's list of Top New Zealand Songs. She also wrote the music score to the 1982 movie 'Smash Palace' which won her another Tui in 1983 for Best Soundtrack.
Sharon O'Neill is a singer-songwriter who has won NZ & Australian music awards
See biographical details in Wikipedia: Sharon O'Neill
Wikipedia
Early years growing up in Nelson, 1952 - 1969
Sharon's 1st musical instrument was a zither, followed by an acoustic guitar & a piano, which she taught herself to play
Sister June played bagpipes & button accordion, & sister Pam would whistle tunes. The piano was loaned by a neighbour.
Alexander Turnbull Library
I loved the radio, and Mum belonged to a record club so we would get a few albums in the mail. Every once in a while, she accommodated me with The Monkees, in between Andy Williams and Jerry Vale. I was always intrigued by melodies, and when our neighbour let me borrow her upright piano I started to noodle around on my own and make up tunes. I couldn’t read music, but that didn’t matter to me, I guess: I could copy what I heard, and I liked what tricked my ear..
I’ve had so many wonderful influences. When we first got a television in Nelson, I remember The Cilla Black Show, Sandie Shaw, Dusty Springfield, too … Loved those songs they sang. Then we got our own New Zealand TV shows, but nothing stirred me more than when I heard Linda Ronstadt. I think I relate to where she places her voice, and after the Stone Poneys and her transition into the basic Eagles being her band, it all fell into place around my ears.
Source: "Sharon O'Neill on Sharon O'Neill", Audioculture, 5 June 2022 (Extract from Kiwi Rock Chicks, Pop Stars & Trailblazers, edited by Ian Chapman (Harper Collins, Auckland, 2010)
Also see childhood and teen photos of Sharon and of her parents at: RNZ: Sharon O'Neill joins NZ Music Hall Of Fame (15 Oct 2017)
In April 1960, Sharon was a bridal attendant for her older sister Pamela whose twin June was the Chief Maid
Nelson Photo News
16 Oct 1965: A photo of Sharon as a model at Nelson Plunket Society Fair's fashion parade appeared in local paper
The parade was organised by Wright Stephenson with young models showing off new season's fashions
Nelson Photo News
Sharon attended Waimea College where she met Nancy Richman & they began singing together in 1967
During her teen years, Sharon played at folk clubs & sang harmonies in her folk trio with friend Nancy singing lead
Nelson Provincial Museum
In 1969, Sharon was the judge's clerk at the Nelson Competition Society's Festival
The Festival featured dancing, singing, music, & instruments
Nelson Photo News
Mobil Song Quest & first single records: Feb 1970 - early Oct 1972
19 Feb 1970: Sharon & friend Nancy Richman were Mobil Song Quest finalists with 'Life Upon Life' written by Sharon
Their song by 'Sharon and Nancy' appears on the album "Mobil Song Quest 1970" (MS-70) released on the Kiwi label
Nelson Provincial Museum
7 March 1970: Sharon, Nancy & accompanists Tony Hale (guitar) & Elston Blain (bass) appeared in Nelson Photo News
Nelson Photo News
On 4 April 1970, another photo of Sharon, Nancy & their accompanists appeared on back cover of the Nelson Photo News
Nelson Photo News
In 1971, Sharon & friends Nancy Richman & Robin Winch recorded a single under the name Suitewater
The folk trio recorded the single 'Suzanne'/'Chords of Fame' at the Ode Recording Co.
Nelson Provincial Museum
In 1972, Sharon recorded Lesley Duncan's 'Love song' backed by Neil Young's 'Birds' on Ode Records
'Love song' had been recorded in 1971 by Elton John (duet on 'Tumbleweed' LP) & Olivia Newton-John ('If not for you' LP)
AudioCulture
On 1 Oct 1972, Sharon performed at the All Star Summer Rock Concert, alongside Tamburlaine & other artists
The concert was held at the Wellington Opera House & also included Corben Simpson, Desna Sisarich, Arkastra & Mammal
AudioCulture
Joined bands as a singer-pianist: Oct 1972 - 1976
Until mid-Oct 1972, Sharon worked as a N.Z.B.C. programmer when she left to join Christchurch group Chapta as a singer
Chapta, who had won the Loxene Golden Disc the year before for ‘Say a Prayer’, had advertised in paper for a girl singer
Nelson Photo News
On 21 May 1975, photo of Sharon with Shiner guitarist & future husband Brent Thomas appeared in the Gisborne Photo News
They were attending the Crippled Children Society's fundraiser fashion parade at Sandown Park Hotel on 23 April 1975
Gisborne Photo News
During 1976 Sharon toured SE Asia for several months with Shiner, & then joined Mark Williams for his NZ tour in 1977
Sharon was featured on the track 'If There's Still a Little Love' on Mark Williams' 1977 album 'Taking It All in Stride'
NZ On Screen
Wellington: Recording studios, TV appearances, CBS Records, & tours, 1977 - 1978
In 1977, after moving to Wellington, Sharon did session work at EMI’s Lower Hutt studio
Wairarapa Archive
She was asked to sing cover versions of foreign hits on the Ready To Roll chart show recorded at TVNZ’s Avalon Studios
NZ On Screen
In 1978, Sharon performed her single 'Luck's on your table' on NZ TV show "The Entertainers" & finished third
(During 1977, she'd made 3 demos including 'Luck's on your table' & visited EMI in Melbourne but had been unsuccessful)
NZ On Screen
1978: Sharon was 1st local artist signed by John McCready to CBS Records who'd seen her perform on "The Entertainers"
Her single 'Luck's on your table' (Sept) reached no.27 & was included on debut album 'This Heart This Song' in Feb 1979
AudioCulture
In May 1978, Sharon was the support act for two tours: Dr Hook (6-9 May), followed by Leo Sayer (21-28 May)
Sharon performed her new compositions on stage for the first time
Hamilton City Libraries
National Awards, 1978-1983
On 16 Sept 1978, Sharon performed at the Aotearoa Music Awards ceremony & also won Top Female Vocalist
NZ On Screen
1978 documentary “Good Day - The Music and Record Industry” on NZ music scene included Sharon
NZ On Screen
In June 1979, Sharon's 'Don't Say No to Tomorrow' single was released which featured on Telethon & reached No. 6
(John McCready had arranged with TV producers for Sharon to write the song with the Telethon's theme used for the title)
Alexander Turnbull Library
Feb 1980: Sharon released her 2d studio album 'Sharon O'Neill' (LP called 'Words' in Aust). Peaked No.3 NZ & No.66 Aus
CBS Records' manager John McCready arranged for US producer Jay Lewis to work on the album which cost $30,000 to make
NZ On Screen
LP's singles were: 'Words' (Chart no.22), 'Baby don't fight', 'Asian Paradise' (no.24), 'How do you talk to Boys (no.26)
4th single was written by Steve Kipner & T. Seufert which record producer John McCready had suggested she record
Radio New Zealand
In 1980, 'Don't Let Love Go' released by Jon Stevens with Sharon singing duet which reached No.5 in NZ in March
Also in 1980, during Elton John's tour, Sharon & Jon Stevens were called on stage to perform a song with Elton
NZ On Screen
March 1980: Jon Stevens & Sharon O'Neill held a concert at Bowl of Brooklands during Go New Zealand tour
Puke Ariki
1980: Concert Promotions (Firm) advertised “Sharon O'Neill. New band! New show! Mayfair Hotel Hastings"
Performance was for 2 nights: Wed 13 & Thurs 14 Aug
Alexander Turnbull Library
The 1980 Sharon O'Neill touring band included Dave Dobbyn, Brent Thomas, Steve Garden, & Clinton Brown
AudioCulture
In 1980, Sharon won Top Female Vocalist (1st time someone won 3 years in a row) & Album of the Year
'Asian Paradise' song from the album was included in APRA's list of Top New Zealand Songs
NZ On Screen
Living in Australia, 1981 -
John Mcready moved to CBS Australia & arranged for Sharon & her band to support Boz Scaggs on his Australia tour in 1981
Sharon's band included Dave Dobbyn on guitar and vocals
Auckland Libraries
During 1981, Sharon & her band moved to Sydney & were based in a hotel in King's Cross, & played at pubs 5 nights a week
(1981: Radio with Pictures - My Kind of Town – Video Interview with Sharon and other Kiwi musos in Australia)
NZ On Screen
Oct 1981: Third studio album 'Maybe' was released. Peaked No.7 NZ & No. 44 Aus
The title track reached No.12 on NZ Singles Chart & was included in APRA's list of Top New Zealand Songs
NZ On Screen
18 Oct 1981: Royal Variety performance in front of Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh included Sharon
She also sang at the Tokyo and Seoul Song Festivals in 1981
NZ On Screen
May 1983: Released 4th album 'Foreign affairs': peaked No. 12 NZ & No. 7 Aus & received RMNZ Gold record on 22 May
The album was recorded in LA & producer John Boylan arranged for Eagles' Don Henley to sing harmony on one of the tracks
Radio New Zealand
1983: Shazam! interview with Sharon in Sydney, including about her hit single 'Maxine' released in May & reached No.16
Two music videos of 'Maxine' were filmed: one in NZ for general audiences, & other in Sydney with more explicit content
NZ On Screen
Contractual dispute with CBS Melbourne, & co-writing tracks, 1984 - 1987
A number of contractual disputes rose between CBS and Sharon from 1984 until her contract expired in 1987. The final single of Sharon's on the CBS label was released in July 1984 - 'Power' - which was a non-album track and peaked at No. 36 in Australia and won Best Female Performance in a Video at the 1985 Australian Countdown Awards. During the legal disputes, of which the details were not publicly released, Sharon was not able to release new tracks. However, she continued to write music, including co-writing songs with others, and also became a fitness instructor. (Source: Grant Smithies, Sharon O'Neill to be inducted into NZ Music Hall of Fame, Stuff.co.nz, 15 Oct 2017)
During 1984-1987, a contractual dispute with CBS Melbourne caused a delay in Sharon's recording of new songs
CBS Records' budget label J&B released a compilation of Sharon's songs 'So far' which peaked at No.89 in Australia
AudioCulture
During 1984, O'Neill wrote songs for ABC TV series Sweet and Sour (1984)
This included the title song performed by Deborah Conway (later recorded by O'Neill as 'In Control') and 'Glam to Wham'
MOTAT
Sharon wrote 'Blood Red Roses' for the soundtrack of Australian movie "Street Hero" (1984)
She also wrote 2 songs for Australian mini-series "Dancing Daze" (1986): 'Dancing Daze' & 'Date to be bold'
Palmerston North City Library
1984: Sharon was opening act for Dragon's "Body and the Beat" tour & met future partner musician Alan Mansfield
Alan Mansfield had just joined Dragon. Like Sharon, he was married, & they formed a professional & personal partnership
NZ On Screen
In 1985, Sharon was one of the performers of Australian supergroup "Australia Too" that recorded the charity single 'The Garden' with proceeds going to Freedom from Hunger in Ethiopia. The song peaked at No. 38 in Australia. At the 1986 Country Music Awards of Australia, it won APRA Song of the Year, and at the APRA Music Awards of 1987, the song won Most Performed Australasian Country Work. (Source: Wikipedia: The Garden (Australia Too song))
In 1986 & 1987, the Australian supergroup "Australia Too" which included Sharon won APRA music awards for "The Garden"
The 1985 record was a charity single with proceeds going to Freedom from Hunger in Ethiopia
AudioCulture
Polydor Records & co-writing tracks, 1987 -
In 1987, when her contract with CBS had expired, Sharon's signed a two-album deal deal with Polydor Records. A friend, Roger Davies, who was managing Tina Turner, had secured the Polydor deal out of the UK for her. 'Physical favours' was released as the first single in September 1987 and reached No. 25 (NZ) & No. 39 (Aus). Sharon then released her fifth studio album which was the first on Polydor Records - 'Danced in the Fire' (October 1987) - of which five of the 11 tracks had been co-written with others. Two more singles were released: 'Danced in the fire' (Dec 1987) which reached No.95 (Aus), & 'Shock to the Heart'/'We're Only Human' (Aug 1988) which did not chart in NZ or Australia.
In 1988, CBS Records released a series of four-track EPs: 'Four Play: Volume 18' featured four of Sharon's greatest hits. The non-album single 'Water for the Flowers' by Sharon and Doug Parkinson (Australian pop and rock singer) was also released.
Source: Wikipedia: Sharon O'Neill discography
In 1987, when her contract with CBS had expired, Sharon signed a two-album deal deal with Polydor Records
'Danced in the fire' (Oct 1987): 5 of 11 songs were co-written, & 'Edge of Winter' (Aug 1990): 6 of 11 songs co-written
AudioCulture
Between 1981-1989, Sharon won several awards at the Australian Countdown Awards. She won Most Popular Female Performer three times (1981, 1983 and 1984) and was a nominee in 1982. Sharon was also nominated Best Songwriter (1984); and won Best Female Performance in a Video twice (1984 and 1985). She was also a two-time ARIA Music Awards nominee for Best Female Artist in 1988 and 1989.
Source: Wikipedia: Sharon O'Neill (18 April 2023)
2 April 1989: Dragon released 'Young years' single co-written by Sharon & Alan Mansfield for 'Bondi Road' LP
Following Marc Hunter’s death on 17 July 1989, Sharon has dedicated her performances of the song to his memory
NZ On Screen
In August 1990, Sharon released her sixth studio album 'Edge of Winter' (Polydor Records). Six of the 11 tracks were co-written with Alan Mansfield (guitarist/keyboardist with Dragon) who'd become her partner after they separated from their spouses. Two singles were released from this album, 'Satin Sheets' which reached No. 106 on Australia's Chart, and 'Poster Girl' which did not chart in NZ or Australia.
In 1991, J&B Records released the 18-track album 'The very best of Collette and Sharon O'Neill'. It contained eight tracks each from Collette Rogers and Sharon, including the previously non-album single 'Power' that was Sharon's last single released by CBS in 1984. The album peaked at No. 366 in Australia.
During 1994, Sharon collaborated with Robert Palmer and his girlfriend Mary Ambrose to write 'Love Takes Time' for his 'Honey' album. Sharon also contributed vocals to the track 'Honey B' which was recorded in Milan, as well as to Robert's 'Drive' in 2003. Later on during 1999, Sharon and Alan Mansfield worked with Robert Palmer to write 'True Love' for his 'Rhythm & Blues' album and Sharon contributed vocals to the album.
1992: Richard Wilkins interviewed dozens of Kiwi musicians in Australia, including Sharon
NZ On Screen
Later career, including tours of NZ & Australia, & compilations albums: 2000 -
In 2001, "When the cats are away" band reformed with four of the five original members - Margaret Urlich, Debbie Harwood, Annie Crummer and Kim Willoughby (Dianne Swann was living in London). The group contacted Sharon and released a cover version of her 'Asian Paradise' single which peaked at No. 16 on the NZ charts. Sharon returned to New Zealand to join the band's Live In Paradise tour which commenced in September 2001. A live album with 16 tracks was released on EMI Music (NZ) Ltd in November which peaked at No. 7 on the NZ charts and went platinum on 2 December 2001. (Source: Wikipedia: Live in Paradise)
In 2001, "When the cats are away" reformed, they released cover version of Sharon's 'Asian Paradise' which peaked No. 16
Sharon joined Margaret Urlich, Debbie Harwood, Annie Crummer & Kim Willoughby on NZ tour & a live album was released
NZ On Screen
In 2005, Sharon toured Australia as a support act for Leo Sayer in Australia. A compilation of her greatest hits were released by Sony Music Australia in September: 'The Best of Sharon O'Neill' which did not reach NZ or Australian charts. During 2006 and early 2007, Sharon again toured Australia supporting Leo Sayer. She also toured with Johnny Devlin, Shane, Ray Columbus, Tom Sharplin, and Larry Morris in Pacific Entertainment's "The Best of The Best" tour held during 2006 in NZ.
On 2 November 2008, Sharon also performed with Paul Young and Tony Hadley (former Spandau Ballet singer) at their show held at the Auckland Zoo during their NZ tour.
2007: Debbie Harwood’s Classic Hits radio series “Give It A Girl” profiles Kiwi female musical talent, including Sharon
NZ On Screen
1 Sept 2009: RNZ interview with Shona Laing & Sharon O'Neill
Radio New Zealand
2010: Audioculture interview with Sharon & video clips
AudioCulture
In 2013, a 4-CD box set containing the albums 'This Heart This Song' / 'Sharon O'Neill' / 'Maybe' / 'Foreign Affairs' was released by Sony Music Australia. On 14 April 2014, another collection of Sharon's greatest hits were released by Sony Music Australia: 'Words: The Very Best of Sharon O'Neill' which peaked at No. 6 on the NZ charts.
20 May 2012: Sharon’s song 'Losing You' chosen for a cover version on the album 'The Who Loves Who Competition 2012'
Cover version by Savannah Hope Cox
Play It Strange
8 May 2014: RNZ interview featuring Damon Albarn, The Horrors & Sharon O'Neill
Radio New Zealand
27 Nov 2014: Best song ever written – 'Asian Paradise' – chosen by Cat Kynoch from Hawkes Bay
Radio New Zealand
2016: Dress worn by the actress in 'Maxine' video included in the music exhibition "Volume: Making Music in Aotearoa"
Exhibition was held at the Auckland Museum
AudioCulture
During 2017, two shows of "Home Again" were held at Nelson’s Boathouse which featured Sharon O'Neill talking about the history and meaning behind her songs, followed by performances with a 6-piece band. During February 2019, "Home Again II" was held with concerts at the Boathouse Nelson and in Christchurch and Wellington. Sharon has also appeared on Empire Touring Variety shows in Australia with other 80s pop and rock icons.
2016 Church tour included Sharon O'Neill, Shona Laing, Debbie Harwood & Hammond Gamble
TV3
2017: Favourite album: 'The best of Sharon O'Neill' was chosen Raybon Kan
Radio New Zealand
15 May 2017: Audioculture’s Songwriter’s choice: The song ‘Maxine’ is included among the picks by Charlotte Yates
AudioCulture
At the induction of Sharon O'Neill into the NZ Music Hall of Fame in 2017, Recorded Music NZ CEO Damian Vaughan said:
“Sharon’s songs are an iconic part of an era when New Zealand music really started to come of age. From her early days as a folk singer to sweeping the charts and winning awards both here and in Australia – Sharon blazed a trail for women in rock, and it’s only right we take the time to celebrate her career and the impact she had on Kiwi music.”
On 16 Nov 2017, Sharon joined NZ Music Hall Of Fame & received Legacy Award at the Vodafone New Zealand Music Awards
Pop/rock band Stellar* reformed for a tribute to Sharon, playing her song 'Maxine'
Radio New Zealand
In August 2018, Sharon performed a duet with Ben Ransom with 'Young Years', the song she co-wrote for the group Dragon. The track was made available via the digital streaming service Apple Music.
In January 2020, Sharon featured on the single 'Not pretty enough' with Aly Cook, which was a reimagining of the song Kasey Chambers had released in 2002. The track was made available on Apple Music.
On 25 July 2022, Audioculture featured "When the cats are away"
The story of the group reforming in 2001 (without Dianne Swann) & the involvement of Sharon was recounted
AudioCulture
Find out more:
Murray Cammick, Sharon O'Neill, Audioculture, (28 May 2013)
Jennifer Dann, "Twelve questions with Sharon O'Neill", NZ Herald (23 Feb 2016)
Grant Smithies, Sharon O'Neill to be inducted into NZ Music Hall of Fame, Stuff.co.nz, (15 Oct 2017 )
RNZ: Sharon O'Neill joins NZ Music Hall Of Fame (15 Oct 2017)
Wikipedia: Sharon O'Neill (18 April 2023)
Wikipedia: Sharon O'Neill discography (15 April 2023)
This DigitalNZ Story was updated in April 2023