Thursday, September 14, 2023

Jimmy Linchong: Had Looks Only Elvis Could Match


UP TO 5,000 VIEWS, 30 CHATS, COMMENTS

He was handsome and had looks that only Elvis Presley could match. In
fact, some fans said he looked like The King. It was a matter of opinion but he could hold an audience in the 1960s, both on stage and on the screen.

Originally known as Lin Hsi-hsien, Jimmy Lin Chong was born in 1934 to a Taiwanese politician with a Japanese wife in Tainan, Taiwan. He graduated from the Tamkang Junior College of English (now Tamkang University).

His started his career in 1955 as a film actor and when he completed his military stint in 1957 he was invited to play in Taiwanese and Mandarin films. In 1962, Lin studied in Japan and when Hong Kong had become a dreamland for those interested in films.
Jimmy Lin Chong
林沖『大盜歌王』電影歌曲集 HD
YouTube Video from: oldoldoldies

A leading Japanese film company signed a contract with Lin, enabling him to play in Hong Kong-Japan co-productions like
A Star Of Hong Kong and Tokyo, Hong Kong, Hawaii

Lin’s popularity was extended to Hong Kong in 1968 when he became a hit with his avant-garde costumes and performance. He was just as popular in Singapore with a generous fan base. I remember watching him on TV and enjoying the moment.

It was obvious that the Shaw Studios recognised his talent and popularity. He became an actor with Shaw Brothers and played a leading role in a musical called, The Singing Thief

It was directed and written by the well accepted Chang Cheh. The musical drew crowds and Lin continued with two more films, The Singing Escort and Tropicana Interlude.

Do you know anything more about Jimmy Linchong?

25 comments:

Lam Chun See said...

I saw a movie by him, but cannot recall the title. But I certain remember a song by him called 小河 弯弯 (xiao he wan wan). Very nice happy tune.

Lam Chun See said...

Sorry. I think the correct title of that Jimmy Lin Chong song should; 谁知道我的爱情哪里来. The opening line was; 小河弯弯。Somewhere there is also this line; aiyah mama ... aiyah papa.

But I couldn't find it on YouTube :(

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Thanks Chun See for the information regarding this particular song.

You are a great help with the translation and pinyin. I couldn't have asked for more.

I am lost when Chinese songs are without the English translation and usually only enjoy the music.

I have a 45 vinyl of his songs and will soon put it up. Grateful if you or anyone else will help me to translate the song titles into English.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

in your first mail, I am unable to relate the song to the movie he acted in. I think I may have seen him acting in 'The Singing Thief' but cannot actually recall the soundtrack.

If anyone out there can help, please write in.
Cheers.

FL said...

I remember watching Jimmy Lin Chong's movies during his heyday, but could not recall the Chinese titles. He usually starred in musical movies, and used to sing those lively mandarin songs. Also, his dressings were very colorful and bright. I remember too that record shops in downtown used to play his songs frequently (vinyl records in those years). Very entertaining !!

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Yes, FL. Linchong was very popular in the 60s and many Singaporeans who love Mandarin music from HK and Taiwan will buy his vinyls.

He was also popular on TV and defintely at the movies. Many fans go to the cinemas that usually screen Chinese films in Singapore. These cinema halls include the Metropole and Kok Wah(?)

Anonymous said...

From: Roger Poh

A funny movie. My favorite line: "Why did you let a lecher seduce our daughter?"

January 25, 2011 10:53 PM

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Thanks Roger,
You have a very good memory, to be able to remember lines from a movie screened in the 60s.

Anonymous said...

Hi,

The theme songs of "Singing Thief"(大盗歌王)are "Diamond"(钻石)and "Carnation"(康乃馨).

Lam Chun See said...

I did some googling and found out that the song I mentioned was actually an Indonesian folk song. The Chinese version is titled Aiyo Mama. I couldn't find the Jimmy Lin Chong version, but here's one by a very young Teresa Teng - complete with both Chinese and Indonesian lyrics.

Aiyo Mama

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Thank you so much, Anon. Didn't realise Lin Chong is such a popular singer to draw comments from all of you. I am so pleased to be learning about him.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Thanks Chun See. I have put it up as a posting from you, with the prettiest young TT for all.

I remember this song now but don't know that it's also sung by Linchong.

The Indonesian version has a word I cannot place: 'sinyo'. The nearest is 'sin-neo' which means 'bride' in Hokkien and used in Indonesian.

Anyone familiar?

CHIT CHAT said...

Andy Young
Now we all know him!!! A pop star indeed. Tell us your stories...

Andy Young
Thanks CHARLOTTE for being the first to give a THUMBS UP.


Lee Charlotte
Wow! Amazing!🤩🤩

CHIT CHAT said...

Colin Colin
Yes.. he's good looking indeed.

Andy Young
Colin Colin hi. He's much older now of course but he was big with the crowd, real pop. And of course, the ladies love him. And Colin thanks for early bird THUMBS UP

CHIT CHAT said...

Andy Young
ROSE, BEN thanks for the early bird THUMBS UP. Cheers.

Michael Lee
Well he is handsome by any description.

ERICBRONSON WONG [HONGKONG] said...

Ericbronson Wong
Yes l Met Him in Singapore Early '70s N Again in Hong Kong He's Indeed A Good Looking Guy l Had Seen N Spoken To Him During D Mid Seventies Twice At D Miramar Hotel's Top Floor., Ondine Night Club in Kowloon Tsim Tsa Tsui N Also Watched His Concert N Performance at D Shatin's City Hall around five years ago,,

I Can Honestly Say That He Is Truly A Warmth Hearted Humble Fellow,, Totally No Showing Off He Is an extraordinary person No Putting On Air In Another Words No Lousy Type Of Stuck Up Arrogance At All ,,He Truly Is D Good Quality Type Of D Fine Breed Of Stars from D Swinging Sixties

😎🤠🤗🤩💪🤘✌️👍🥂🥂

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Andy Young
Ericbronson Wong WOW! Must have been quite an experience my friend. "The good quality type of fine breed of stars." He looks that gentle sort. Thanks for sharing EricB.

HIROSHI DEGUCHI (JAPAN) said...

Hiroshi Deguchi
It was about 60 years ago when we knew Lin Chong. He was rather known as a by player of the movies starring You Min and Akira Takarada here. Because those were Japanese made films. But I remember those movies anyway led me to the new world which seemed brighter than where I was in. I was an innocent young boy far out in the country.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...


Hiroshi Deguchi thanks for explaining the Japanese movie scenario. I used to like AKIRA KOBAYASHI, truly a handsome hero. Many Japanese movies too in Singapore those years but now hardly any.

CHIT CHAT said...

Freda Hanum
Yes do remember this handsome actor...it was so long ago think I was in sec 1 my late mum took me to one of his movie, he got this mix race look

Andy Young
Freda Hanum yes he does. A ladies' man indeed. Is he of mixed parentage? Anyone with some information?

CHIT CHAT said...

Jennie Law
He dont look chinese at all...I remember him.very handsome..Fei Siong also another handsome guy..ladies killer

Andy Young
Jennie Law yes! A lady killer indeed. Thanks for the visit.

CHIT CHAT said...

Cedric Cork
Looks Eurasian !!

Andy Young
Cedric Cork hello my friend. Yes, he does.

CHIT CHAT said...

Steve Bala Sirén
Hey that’s Jackie,, 🫡

Andy Young
Steve Bala Sirén NO. It's JIMMY LIN CHONG. Thanks for the visit.

FL said...

Hi, Andy I am delighted that I commented about Jimming Lin Chong in year 2011. Well, times has flew by so quickly. That was 12 years ago. I still stick to my comments about Jimmy. I hope he is fine and in pink of health, and the same goes with you, Andy !! Thanks.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Hi FL

And that's how long you have supported this blog too, my friend.
Thanks so much.
You have been very kind and although we haven't met I appreciate your constant visit and comments for the articles and illustrations.

Hope to meet up with you one day, in Penang or Singapore?