Dear One - Jade Hurley

"DEAR ONE" is a classic Number 1 hit from 1962. Johnny Lawrence {Larry} Finneran was born in 1939 in New York City. In 1961 with his brother Vinnie, he studied and played guitar, piano, and drums, then got the shot at several radio and TV appearances. At Notre Dame College in America he played a few dances, wrote songs, and listened to Del Shannon records. In 1961, while studying in his final year at Notre Dame, young Johnny worked with Vinnie on a song derived from the familiar “Dear John letter” format. Once all the words had fallen into place and the melody felt just right, Johnny recorded a demo, and walked the track into the offices of Hy Weiss’ Old Town Records. Weiss signed him on the spot. “Dear One” was released in November 1961, with Johnny's first name changed to "Larry" and last name altered to “Finnegan.” The response was incredible, as the up-tempo and country-flavored tune worked its way up the pop charts selling over one million copies and earning a gold disc. Finnegan was born August 10, 1938, however sadly died very young of a brain tumor in 1973 at age 34. Here is the song performed "live" on Australian national television by "Australia's King of Country Rock" and piano man, Jade Hurley with his band. Piano and lead vocal: Jade Hurley, Keyboards: Peter Forrell (Deceased), Bass: Ken Churchill (Deceased), Drums: Rex Forbes, Lead Guitar and Backup Vocals: Brian Gillette and J.J. Horne Backup Vocals. CLASSIC AUSTRALIAN ROCK 'N' ROLL from "AUSTRALIA'S KING OF COUNTRY ROCK" and PIANO MAN, Jade Hurley.