Monday, April 26, 2010

(A) The Stylers - Professional Music Makers 60s

Stylers Story as told by Rann Lee (rhythm guitarist) to Andy:
It was the usual thunderous applause when they appeared at nightclubs, concerts, theatres or dinner and dance events. Whether they were accompanying singers or SE Asian film stars, recording vinyls, playing as an orchestral group with a dozen musicians, or just providing dance music, they were one of the most versatile and reputable bands during the peak of the guitar instrumental mayhem.
From Singapore to peninsular Malaysia, Sabah & Sarawak, Indonesia, Thailand and Hong Kong, The Stylers reigned supreme. Known previously as The Angels, the boys began their journey from the quiet 1960s kampong areas in the East where they each lived, either at Geylang, Katong, Joo Chiat or Tembeling Road.
While participating in a show for the cinema giant Cathay Organisation, they decided for a name change because one of the managers, who saw them on stage, told them that they played with grace and "plenty of style". The name stuck and the familiar band logo (image), that partially resembled a Playboy bunny, became synonymous with a-go go, off beat cha cha, hala hala, rock and ballads. The group became a professional Singapore 60s music icon with a niche in the Chinese pops recording industry.
Image/Information: Randy Lee.
Original article: Andy Lim.
Read: Ronnie See & The Stylers - His Story - Part II

9 comments:

Lam Chun See said...

Suddenly I think of Qing Wai. Was it he who sang;Gu Qing Hua. Any idea where I can listen to it for some nostalgia minutes.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Will try and get it for you Chun See if I can.
Cheers.

Teoh said...

Dear Chun See and Andy,

I own an EP of 秦淮. His name as printed on the album is Chin Whai. I wonder if this is the singer mentioned by Chun See?

The EP has 4 songs, 春花美丽(Beautiful Spring Flower), 秦淮河畔(By the Riverside of Qin Huai), 天涯流浪(Wander), 恨你入骨(Hate You).

Regards,
BC Teoh

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Hi BC,
Thanks for the information. I shall post an EP by Chin Whai soon. Let me know if it's the same singer because I have the back cover posted recently:
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Julai Tan Or July Tan Orchestra In Song Recital.

Teoh said...

I have checked your previous post on Chin Whai. "Chin Whai" as mentioned by you and me and "Qing Wai" as mentioned by Chun See should be the same person.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Thanks BC. If you have anything on him I'd be grateful, especially if it's in Chinese.

I would like to post him with the EP I have but have no knowledge of him whatsoever.

Cheers.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

It's a posting about the Stylers and we are discussing Chin Whai. It's so interesting as we all endeavour to unravel the mysteries of Singapore 60s music.

Like how the archeologists unearth tombs and discover burials beyond what they are looking for.

Hope you understand Randy.

Teoh said...

Andy, I searched baidu.com but found nothing about Chin Whai.

I really enjoy our interesting discussion very much.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Thanks for trying BC, I will post the Qing Wai cover soon.