Inspired by the BBC program Six-Five Special, it had a similar format to its rival on TCN-9, Bandstand compered by Brian Henderson.

The show initially opened with American girl Ricki Merriman as compère and Johnny O'Keefe and his band The Dee Jays as guests.

[1] The Dee Jays consisted of Dave Owens (tenor sax), Johnny "Greeno" Greenan (baritone sax) and Johnny "Catfish" Purser on drums, Keith Williams on bass guitar, and Lou Casch on guitar,[2] Bob "Bluto" Bertles, later a leading jazz player, substituted as the second saxophone.

Entertainers who got their first big exposure on Six O'Clock Rock include Lonnie Lee,[4] Barry Stanton and Warren Williams.

The jazz was supplied by the Australian All Stars, featuring Don Burrows on alto and baritone sax, Terry Wilkinson on piano, Ron Webber on drums, Fred Logan on bass, and tenor player Dave Rutledge.