Story: Recording companies and studios

'Opo the crazy dolphin'

Successful records are likely to reappear in a variety of other formats. Jazz pianist Crombie Murdoch's 1956 hit 'Opo the crazy dolphin' was recorded overnight by record label TANZA at Auckland's Astor Studios, to cash in on public enthusiasm for a dolphin that enjoyed playing with the public at Opononi in the Hokianga Harbour. The song was then used on the soundtrack of this government newsreel. Sadly, the day the record was released, Opo the dolphin was killed by a charge of explosive.

Using this item

Archives New Zealand - Te Rua Mahara o te Kāwanatanga
Reference: Pictorial Parade 47. National Film Unit, 1956

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How to cite this page:

Mark Derby, 'Recording companies and studios - Homegrown hits, 1950s to 1960s', Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/video/45090/opo-the-crazy-dolphin (accessed 19 March 2024)

Story by Mark Derby, published 22 Oct 2014