What do Singapore Sixties pop DJs do when they retire? To Tan Swee Leong retirement is not a word he uses to describe his time since he left the recording studios at Rediffusion. He's still the business person, show promoter, singer, piano player and cat lover (he's got eight cats at home in Holland Village). When we met at a party recently he entertained us with some 50s favourites singing, A You're Adorable, Chattanooga Choo Choo and Alfie. Just as versatile, his fingers danced on the ivories as he played both Chinese and English hit tunes. Like old friend Jimmy Chan, he could have been successful recording some of his music.
Leong's been keeping himself busy these days both with his work and socially. Friends who know him well are aware that he is also a Mee Siam and Leg of Lamb culinary expert. Many of his kakis and colleagues, including some well-known personalities, have tasted his especially delicious mee-siam. "Hey, Swee Leong, time you opened a restaurant to let others taste this popular Asian dish," I told him one day. "Wait till you taste my leg of lamb," he replied, "Then you'll want me to open a Deli..."
We all remember Tan Swee Leong, the man who had interviewed Marlon Brando, Cliff Richard and The Beatles when he was still at the only cable network from the 60s.
From his school website, *Old Victorians' Association, he's been described as the legendary radio/tv compere and DJ "listed in the Who's Who in Singapore and Malaysia, a publication on prominent personalities." The writer added that, "Singaporeans of the older generation would remember with fondness the great voice and witty presentation of Swee Leong, first on Redifusion and later with RTS and TCS." Remember Swee Leong? We'd like to hear from you!*Quote from: http://blog.ova.org.sg/2009/05/satay-night-reflections/
Original ariticle: Andy Lim Collection.
13 comments:
Interesting to know that Tan Swee Leong is an Old Victorian. I vaguely remember that he used to host variety shows(?) or was it Talentime(?) or Miss Singapore(?) on tv..
On the lighter side, Old Victorians who have made their names as radio/tv comperes and DJs include the legendary Tan Swee Leong and the late S R S Naidu, popularly known as the "Birdman of Spore"
The Cathay Opening Event 23 March 2006:
In the past, MCs played a big role at Cathay’s shows, contests and promotions.
Larry Lai, Tan Swee Leong, Mike Ellery and Steven Lee were some of the regular MCs from the 50s and 60s who worked on shows with Cathay.
We are delighted that Larry Lai and Mike Ellery are joining us on Opening night as guest MCs.
stanley said...
I remember vividly the rediffusion sets in the 50s were made of wood and shaped like a square box with a knob and a speaker.
The English programmes were hosted by DJs Larry Lai and Tan Swee Leong. I wonder how many of my generation can still remember them.
The four Comments above were taken from website sources that mentioned Tan Swee Leong in name.
Click NAMES IN BLUE for immediate connection.
Thank you.
Uncle Tan Swee Leong's name was a household name in Singapore back in 1960s! As a teen then, I heard his name thro' none other than the defunct Rediffusion. I remember he hosted a number of programs, together with others like Larry Lai, Mike Ellery,etc.I recall he had a strong, clear voice, cracking jokes, too, when he spoke thro the airwave. I wish him good health and an active life, too!
Thanks again FL for your visit and contribution. It is true about his clear voice and active life.
I shall convey your good wishes and make sure he reads your mail.
The senior Old Victorians of Victoria School is organising a "Victorian Gold"reunion on 1 Feb 2013 at the school, and would like to invite Swee Leong to this special Homecoming of the Golden Boys.
Many Old Vics of Swee Leong's era wld like to be reunited with him at this special Homecoming. Appreciate you kindly ask him to contact email:
Your message has been conveyed to Swee Leong personally. He would contact you soon.
Your email and mobile phone number have not been published.
Thanks very much Andy. We look forward to hear from Swee Leong.
Thanks for visiting the blog. If there are other artistes and music personalities that you wish to write about from Victoria School please let me know. I'd only be too glad to spread the news about our famous Singaporeans and post them on the blog.
Hi,
we have lots of cat-themed products, come visit us and like us at Facebook...
Ha, ha, ha, ha, ha... Swee Leong prefers mee siam anytime.
Post a Comment