Talking History – The Wildest Showman

Talking History – The Wildest Showman

From Forgotten Australia by Forgotten Australia

May 2, 2026 · 43 min · Season 10 · Episode 40

About this episode

Jeff Apter discusses his biography of Lee Gordon, a pivotal figure in Australian entertainment history.

Author and music journalist Jeff Apter joins us to discuss his recent book, Lee Gordon Presents: How One Man Changed Australian Life Forever, the first biography of the wild man who not only brought rock ’n’ roll Down Under, but who pioneered so much else, from jazz festivals and strip shows to female roller derby and drive-in burger joints. Apple and Patreon supporters get exclusive access to the original short episodes ‘The Big Showman’, a salute to Lee Gordon from Aussie legends, and ‘When Lenny Bruce Got Smashed By Sydney’, about the radical comic’s disastrous tour Down Under for Lee Gordon in 1962. To access a free trial, use these links and follow the easy steps. Cancel before the free-trial ends and you won't be charged. Patreon: patreon.com/forgottenaustralia Apple: apple.co/forgottenaustralia Want more original Australian history? Check out my books! They’ll Never Hold Me: https://www.booktopia.com.au/they-ll-never-hold-me-michael-adams/book/9781923046474.html The Murder Squad: https://www.booktopia.com.au/the-murder-squad-michael-adams/book/9781923046504.html Hanging Ned Kelly: https://www.booktopia.com.au/hanging-ned-kelly-michael-adams/book/9781922992185.html…

People in this episode

Host: Michael Adams

Guest: Jeff Apter

Topics covered

  • Australian history
  • rock 'n' roll
  • biography
  • entertainment
  • cultural impact

Keywords

  • Lee Gordon
  • rock 'n' roll
  • biography
  • Australian history
  • Jeff Apter
  • Lenny Bruce
  • entertainment

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Apple, Patreon

Books & works: Lee Gordon Presents: How One Man Changed Australian Life Forever

Places: Australia, Sydney

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