Another song about Sydney was written and recorded around the same time by Maurice Chenoweth, a well known ‘silvery tenor’.

The NFSA has five separate versions of the song, O! Sydney I Love You, including two by Len Maurice, perhaps recorded at the same session.

The opening of the Columbia pressing plant in 1926 with its brand new technology of electrical (as distinct from purely acoustic) recording opened the doors to Australian performers to record their

This simple home movie clip captures afternoon tea on board a boat at Pittwater, Sydney in 1932.

A still taken on the set of the documentary Constructing Australia: The Bridge, 2006 - Film Australia Collection © NFSA.
 

It wasn’t only the main city centres which offered records and record players. Bennett’s Melody Shop, Bondi Junction, in Sydney’s east sold records and a range of phonographs.

During the 1940s and ’50s there were numerous small recording studios in the big cities where anyone could record a one-off acetate disc or perhaps have a small run pressed.

A look at the Rocks area, focusing on restored old buildings, and tourist attractions including retail outlets. 

Summary by Damien Parer