60s Music Singapore: Some September Sentiments, Songs: John Keats And Drones?

Peaceful rainy September Singapore on the streets and at the Botanical Gardens. Now's who's playing with those flying machines?

An Anonymous Comment... and Mine:

True, true. It is a very wet September so far; it's raining now and gets heavier too. The Heavens crying its eyes out at the state of the world, a world with hardly any peace, where newly invented drones fill the skies to destroy.

911 - a number known to all Americans, and the world. The Emergency services number. 911 will be seared in the memory of the world.

Every season has its beauty. Autumn, or Fall, is resplendent in fiery colours. It is also harvesting season, when Mother Earth offers puny Man her rich larder to tide over the lean Winter. 

In this New World, it is Time for Thanksgiving, an occasion many considered as important, if not more, as Christmas. At American and Canadian universities, Fall is when term begins afresh, time for Orientation and Homecoming, when the blaze of academic life and enquiring minds are stoked anew.

John Keats in Ole' England in 1795, because

the digitalized folks have only awakened

from their slumber in 1975.

In the Old World, we can't help but remember John Keats' "Ode to Autumn".

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun; Conspiring with him how to load and bless, With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run; To bend with apples the moss'd cottage-trees, And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core...

So, in Asiatic Singapore, we get the brown branches and green leaves bowing under the weight of the thunderstorm. Expect more rain this September 2025. And are we expecting the school holiday, Teachers' Day, Prophet Muhammed's Birthday, Little India's Deepavali Light-up, the Hungry Ghost, Mooncake or Mid-Autumn Festival too? Better check them out.

The preference for decorative lanterns in 

downtown September Singapore is obvious.

Let's fill our skies with the pops of yesteryear:

Maybe September, Tony Bennett.

Come September, Bobby Darin.

September Morn, Neil Diamond.

September In The Rain, Sarah Vaughn.

September When I First Met You, Barry White.

September Of My Years, Frank Sinatra.

Try To Remember, Brothers Four.

There are other singers too.

'Try To Remember' [Campfire 14].

The Brothers Four.

YouTube Video by: Mark Pearson Music.

Video was suggested by good friend, 

Chew Hee Hong who wrote about

Skeeter Davis. Click below to read:

.: "Skeeter Davis Was A Friend." Unassuming HH Chew Tributes International 60s Singer.

Whoops! Forgot the umbrella!

Comments are welcome.

[Anonymous, Comment Page on 13 September 2020 wrote; and I added some.]

Andy's 60's Music Favourite 'Knock Knock' Songs And Jokes?

When KNOCK, KNOCK songs were popular.

They were characterized by a call-and-response format, and usually with a humorous storytelling twist. Furthermore, they were interactive and catchy usually featuring a dialogue or one-liners reflecting the 60's lightheartedness. Social change and upheaval, these pops provided a fun and carefree world for listeners.

Beats Juliet screaming quietly: "Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou."

And she's on the balcony. Was Romeo at the door downstairs knocking? 

By the way, the two Chinese ladies knocking on the door are Juliet Lim and Juliet Tan. They both come from 1A Meta Road, Singapore.

😄

'I'm Gonna Knock On Your Door' [1959]

Also by Eddie Hodges, the last lines of the lyrics are sung 

so quickly they need good timing and fluency of the language 

to vocalize them. Just listen to Little Pattie go...

Little Pattie: 'I'm Gonna Knock On Your Door'

YouTube Video by: VintageVideoClips.

 

'Knock Three Times' [1970]

There was no 'Dawn' when the song was recorded, so

Orlando asked Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent Wilson, 

whom he had hired to work as background vocalists or,

in music jargon, backup singers. They became 

'Dawn' and K3T became a big hit.

Tony Orlando & Dawn - 'Knock Three Times' (1970 HD 720p) 

YouTube Video by: NVNCBL @VINCENTDICRESCE.

Knock, knock!

Who's there?

Why?

Why who?

Y.M.C.A.

Knock, knock!

Who’s there?

Rain!

Rain who?

You rain nothing but a hound dog!

Knock, knock!

Who’s there?

Everybody!

Everybody who?

Everybody was Kung Fu fighting!

'Knock On Wood' [1966]

Insulting indeed, when the teacher tells the child to 

knock his own head in front of the class and says it's wood.

The term is also supposed to ward off bad luck.

But then the song itself, composed/sung by Eddie Floyd, 

has a different theme. Amii Stewart sings it in style...

Amii Stewart - 'Knock On Wood' (Official HD Video)

YouTube Video by: Amii Stewart (Official)

BYE, BYE.

This is one crazy posting.

Three of my favourite knock, knock songs!

Andy, you going crazy or what? 😋

Images: Google.

"Andy 60s Music" Blog Has No Connection With Other Websites Using Similar Name.

 

Andy's Music Blog Reaches 4.3 Million+ Views

THIS BLOG HAS REACHED 4.3 MILLION+ VIEWS SINCE 1st SEPTEMBER 2025 AND IS STILL GROWING DAILY...

MILLION+ VIEWS

Thanks to all readers, friends, fans and contributing writers. You have helped to make this music blog a big success since 2008 and it has become one of the top 5 music blogs under 25 Best Music Blogs in SG 2025.

Andy. 2.9.2025.

60s Music Vinyl Records For Sale At Night Markets [Pasar Malam]: By Foo Jong Fook.

The writer himself, or a friend, at Albert Street Night Market 

during the 60's in Singapore, checking out vinyl records to buy.

Fabian Foo Jong Fook reminisces:

When The Record Shop Comes To You:

I was born in Albert Street, currently the Albert Food and Hawker Centre. During the day Albert Street was just an ordinary road but in the evening from 6pm to 10pm, it became a very busy Pasar Malam or Night Market.

There were many makeshift stalls selling everything we needed [last image below]. What was more an attraction to me were the record stalls, blasting music from the vinyl of our many Singapore bands like The Stylers, Travellers, Melodians and Chinese singers who sang in Mandarin, like Rita Chao or Sakura Teng. 

Vendors would come early to set up their stalls [last image below] and as the sun set, people who live around the area would come by after their dinner for their evening stroll and check out the shopping mall that visits the residents. 😄

The songs the vendors played were mostly Chinese pops. We kept hearing the same songs every night when those LPs [Long Play Records] and EPs [Extended Plays] were hot on the market.

Chinese records like these sold well among Singaporeans in the 60s who find them entertaining and the record covers were attractively designed to show off the musicians and singers.

Hawkers' food [image below] was at every corner, but I was too poor to eat night snacks. Only on special occasions were we able to buy these titbits with some extra pocket money that we had. The extra funds that I used to save were spent, not on food, but to buy records at Kwang Sia Records at North Bridge Road. But that's another story.

"Those were the days my friend; I thought it'll never end..."

Any experience on night markets in your own country? 

Comments are welcome.

16.11.19.

Food stalls @ Albert Street Night Market in 1966. 

Photo from 'flickr' by David Ayres.

Vendors come early to set up their record stalls; the 

early bird too gets his share of vinyl selection in broad daylight.

One could buy almost anything at a night market.

Do we still have them around in Singapore today?

Author and good friend:

Fabian Foo Jong Fook.

Read another 60's music story about vinyl records:

Click below:
.: Singapore 60s Chinese Records Are Disappearing

Singapore 60s Music Comments About Our Own Veterans. From Clarence Chung.

Clockwise: Ravi Coopusamy, Chris Rodrigo, 

Victor Pillay, Ivor Lesslar, Nik Osman

I've had a blast working with these really battle-hardened veteran musicians. Truly an honor for a young man like me.

Chris Rodrigo, the supporter of local music and truly unbridled facial hair, stands tall and was the manager of the band for the day. Thanks Chris!

Ivor Lesslar is a tall Eurasian man who is much kinder than he looks. I swear he belongs to an ancient and rare breed of electric guitar players who is able to wield a Fender Stratocaster and coax beautiful and musical tones out of it. The other person whom I know belongs to this breed is of course Mr. Latiff Jalil with his fat Strat! 

Nick Osman plays a mean drum groove and its truly amazing how such loud and accurate tones can come out of such a small man. Standing in front of his drumkit, I felt my cranium almost explode from the tremendous volume of his kick drum. He's also the only drummer I know who walks around 24/7 with a metronome and headset and I am curious to know if he's also keeping time when having a conversation with people. 

A hardcore music/jazz lover and representative of the Indian ethnic group in the band, Ravi Coopusamy seems to be the baby of the band even when I am around. His childlike demeanor means that he is instantly forgiven on the occasion he tinkles the wrong notes on the ivories.

Maestro Victor Pillay calls himself an Indian Peranakan. I am completely blown away by his splendid piano technique, restraint and easygoing character. A gem in Singapore and hands down the best piano player I've personally worked with. 

Newer is not better. Different, yes. The old school cats are incredible team players in a band and they definitely have much to pass on.

Written by: Clarence Chung

18th January 2013.

Thanks so much Clarence. Hope you still remember this article you wrote some years ago. If you are still out there and reading this post, do write in again.

Andy.

22nd August, 2025.

Happy National Day 2025 Singapore's 60th Birthday! Pop Stars In Singapore!

Elvis Presley: Andy Singapore 60s Music Blog

Celebrates Singapore's 60th Birthday 2025.

But he only performed in the U.S.

'Happy 60th Singapore.' says Lady Gaga.

Sammin Ang with wife Esther, the most pop duo 

in the Singapore music circle today. In red and

white, celebrating SG 60th National Day.

Yes, and Blackpink too. They were in Singapore, right? 

Happy Birthday Little Red Dot!

With Taylor Swift. And we didn't know?

Did she say hello to the Merlion?

The Island Voices, Singapore 2025.

Red and White, baby!

Coldplay in Singapore too?

Yes, they were.

Dato' Sri Siti Nurhalizah from Malaysia,

has performed in Singapore.

"Happy 60th Birthday Singapore!!!"

Paul Anka.

Paul Anka in Singapore 

'Crazy Love' Live at the Star Theatre.

YouTube Video by: G. 

And our own biggest pop star who lives here:

 Prime Minister Lawrence Wong,

singer, guitarist and overall musician!

Images from 

Google.

WA/META AI.

Andy's Music Quote: "I Do It For Fun, Not For Funds!" Old Friends n New! A Happy National Day 2025. 'Here We Are.'

Andy's Original Music Quote:

"I do it for fun, not for funds!"

These are OLD friends and some NEW ones whom I 

met in 2025 because of this blog connection. 

Roll out the flags guys, it's Singapore's 

National Day on 9th August 2025.

A HAPPY NATIONAL DAY TO ALL ! 

OUR 60th BIRTHDAY.

Students who are still with me through the years,

30 years perhaps? OLD friends indeed, today.

And they all love pop music in Chinese and English

and read this blog too.

With busker and very OLD friend Ioleen Chia [pink] and her friends. 

Well known for her singing, guitar playing and drumming, Ioleen

used to be in an SG girl band in the 70s called, D'Aces.

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/search?q=ioleen+chia

Andy with OLD friend Fabian Foo, and very

NEW friends Colin Goh and Richard Tham.

Blu Jaz baby, for a Charity Ball!

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2025/08/pop-music-from-80s-singapore-in-aid-of.html

With NEW friend, Tony Goh [famed Tony, Terry, Spencer Group]

with OLD friend Jimmy Yap at Tony's huge recording studio in

the heart of Shenton Way.

'Here We Are': Singapore National Day Song 2025.

Official Music Video. 60th Birthday.

YouTube Video from: NDPeeps.

With NEW friends, Busker Christopher Nathan and 

on-looker Mr Kai at the Toa Payoh Hub NTUC. Chris

 sings and plays hot, hot  hits from the 70s, 80s...

"I DO IT FOR FUN, 

NOT FOR FUNDS!" 

SAYS ANDY.

 

He's an OLD neighbour and friend and I haven't met him for years!

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2025/06/60s-music-dog-songs-by-pet-shop-boys.html

With NEW friend Jean Granger from Paris, France, 

whom I met with OLD friend, the late Alfred Wong. Jean

loves pop music and familiar with songs from Gay Paree!

Singing 'Diana' with a NEW gentleman Robert Wesley Seng,

whom I met at the Singapore National Library Lobby. He is also

another well-known Singaporean music producer, song-writer,

arranger and photographer.

Pop Music From Singapore 80's: 'Bloom Fund' Charity Drive For Retired Local Artistes: By Fabian Foo

From left, with TRCL CEO Colin Goh, Andy,

Fabian Foo [Author] and Richard Tham.

The 'Rice Company Limited' organised a Charity Drive

in support of retired local artistes.

'Don't Write Us Off Concert'

Blu Jaz, Eu Tong Sen Street.

The Central Clark Quay

Singapore

UP TO 800 VIEWS, 25 COMMENTS!

Hi Andy,

It was great that we managed to catch up yesterday with each other after such a long time. The meetup was fruitful as we got to attend a charity gig at Blu Jaz Club on 31st July 2025, where we enjoyed an evening of nostalgic music from our local talents.

It was so meaningful for many of our local entertainers putting their musical talents for a worthy cause, The Bloom Fund.

Let us hope that more charity drives for the music society will continue in the near future.

Fabian Foo

Author/Videographer.

Andy, Fabian [Author/Videographer], Colin [CEO], Richard.

With Richard Tham and John Klass.

Musician Clarence Tan, 

Singer Jimmy Yap, Andy, Fabian Foo

Stephen Francis, the man who organised the show and was

MC too, with good friend and recording artiste Irene Yap.

Clement Chow with his spectacular jacket and tie.

"There you are Clement, you're on my blog."

With good friend John Klass: DJ, singer, musician

and all-round entertainer, formerly from Gold 90.5 FM,

MediaCorp. 

Cedric Cork [Vietnam War active musician]

With DJ Larry Lai [Vintage RadioSG]

Singer Maia [from Irene Yap's FB page]

Sound Engineer Tony Teo, no sound, no show!

Actually, the most important man for the two nights.

Bellingham [from Irene Yap's FB page].

Jive Talkin' [from Stephen Francis' FB page]

Stephen Francis: Organiser and Musician.

YouTube Video by: Foo Jong Fook.

John Klass singing 'Footloose'

at Blu Jaz Club 31st July 2025 

YouTube Video by Foo Jong Fook.

Jive Talking: Fantastic Singapore Group at 

Blu Jaz Clark Quay 31st July, 2025.

YouTube Video by Foo Jong Fook. 

Speedway: 'Highway Star' 

Blu Jaz Clark Quay 31st July, 2025.

YouTube Video by Foo Jong Fook. 

Message From Colin Goh [CEO]:

My sincere thanks to you Uncle Foo Jong Fook for contributing to this blog and sharing your reflections on the inaugural edition of The Don’t Write Us Off Concert in support of The Bloom Fund.

By way of background, The Bloom Fund harnesses the power of the arts to support vulnerable seniors and foster meaningful intergenerational connections. Rooted in the belief that aging should be accompanied by dignity, creativity, and community, the fund engages seniors—particularly those experiencing isolation or cognitive challenges—through participatory arts programmes, creative workshops, and public showcases. By bringing together youth and older adults in shared artistic experiences, Bloom bridges generational divides and nurtures social cohesion.

More than just a fund, Bloom serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder that seniors, too, deserve the opportunity to grow, express, and flourish—especially in the later chapters of life.

A heartfelt thank you as well to Andy Young for so generously gracing the occasion. Let’s make time to reconnect soon—I’d love to hear more of your stories and insights on the music scene of yesteryear.

Author/Videographer.

Fabian Foo Jong Fook with Mrs. Foo

Thanking the folks below for their part in this Charity Drive'

It was truly the local Pop Singapore Concert for this 2025 year!

Stephen Pianist/Singer

Anthony Kwah on Keyboards

Jimmy Lee on Drums

Din Safari on Bass

Sebastian Ho on guitar

Regi Leo on guitar

Emcees for 2 nights- Chris Henson & Rob Collins

31st July: - Bellingham Band

31st- Jive Talkin' Band

31st- John Klass

31- Speedway (5 member band)

31st- Rozie Rahim

31st - Robert Fernando

31st- Clement Chow

31st- Shawn De Mello

1st August - Stephen Francis

1st - Maia Lee

1st - Jenny Vie

1st - Alia D’melda

1st - Jylian Khoo

1st - Dominic Wong

1st- Skye Sirena

1st- Jason Chung

1st- Rob Collins

DJs:

Dj Vijay

Dj Martin

Sound engineer- Tony Teo.

More videos and photos coming in. Check this blog everyday!

 

Not everyone can be featured though! 😸