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The Country Touch

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NZBC TV Archive / Chris Grosz

Earlier TV Pop Show ....   The Country Touch   Later TV Pop Show ....

NZBC/TVNZ Pop Shows

 
 

The Country Touch  —  1960s Music Television Programme (1968-70)

The Country Touch was an extremely popular Country and Western music show from the 60s which screened on Saturday nights.  It was produced by Bryan Easte who was the co-instigator of the series for the NZBC, and the show was filmed on an Auckland hay barn set and featured musical from folk, fiddles, and banjos to bluegrass, introduced by the legendary Tex Morton.  Regulars included The Hamilton County Bluegrass Band (who were also the resident backing group), Brian Hirst's Country Touch Singers (with a team of 20 square dancers).

 
 

The Country Touch mid-episode

 
 

Country and western music legend Tex Morton presented this popular show with Auckland studio audiences seated on hay bales in a barn-styled set and providing the chorus to the musical numbers.  The Hamilton County Bluegrass Band, The Country Touch Singers and Square Dancers, Jan Butler, fiddler Colleen Bain, and resident guest singers Kay and Shane performed.  Tex himself sangs novelty numbers about 'them good ole days.'

 
 

The Country Touch Full Cast Late 1960s



Full cast of The Country Touch circa 1969



The Hamilton Couny Blue Grass Band


 
 

The Country Touch mid episode


Tex Morton with Carol and Kathleen


Duo Ken and Kay


Identical twin sisters Carol and Kathleen