JOE KOZAK
Joe Kozak was born in Edmonton in 1936 and graduated from West Jasper Place High School in 1954. Joes music career began in 1950 and by 1956 he had turned professional. He toured Canada and the US extensively until 1960. Although Joe started out as a country artist, during the late 50s and early 60s when rock and roll was the predominate music style, country artists had a hard time finding work, so Joe turned to writing, playing, and recording rockabilly tunes. One of these songs was a number called Hillbilly Rock. Popular American rocker Gene Vincent was slated to release the song, but somehow it never materialized, so Joe decided to record it himself in 1959. The song was recorded in the studios of radio station CJCA in Edmonton. The original 45 rpm recording on the Rodeo label is now regarded as one of Canadas rockabilly rarities.
Joe also recorded as Joe Castle, releasing another rockabilly tune, My Babys Crazy About Me.
In 1959 Joe competed and won the First Place Award in the 2nd annual Grand Ole Opry Talent Contest, a national competition in the US sponsored by the Pet Milk Company. This competition was the eras equivalent to todays Nashville Star.
Joe performed on radio and television for many years and opened Edmontons first dedicated recording studio in 1965. He still continues to play country music at legends shows and other classic country events, but occasionally the band will once again bring out a good old rock and roll tune.
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Concert photos by Drew BorgwardtI
![2479[1]](http://static.wix.com/media/4fb5d17d5c3dbc373d2acb19efcc9b7d.wix_mp)
