Thursday, April 03, 2025

Johnny Tillotson and Val Kilmer: Tributes From A Singaporean Fan.

 

Johnny Tillotson [left] and Val Kilmer

One was a singer, the other an actor. Both have left us on First April, 2025. 

Johnny Tillotson was famous for his good looks and pop hits that are being sung even today. These included, Poetry In Motion, Dreamy Eyes, Earth Angel, Judy, Judy, Judy and others. It Keeps Right On A-Hurtin', was another pop hit, that came up tops in 1962. He composed at least 12 songs since he started his career.

He started off in 1958 with the song, Dreamy Eyes but came into prominence with Poetry In Motion. Although there were other holders to this song, his version was the most successful. 2 Grammy Awards, 112 artistes recorded, A-Hurtin' and 10s of millions of records sold.

He was a big scene in Singapore 60s with a huge following and his hits being sung at T-Dances, cabarets and nightclubs by local pop singers. The ladies love him with his own dreamy eyes and handsome features. In the early 80s, he was on a tour singing that included Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Japan, Australia and New Zealand. 

He died at 86 years. "And it keeps right on a-hurtin' since you're gone..."

Johnny Tillotson: Poetry In Motion. 1974.
YouTube Video by: RGM304

Val Kilmer passed away at 65 on the same date and was in the forefront on the silver screen when he took the Bruce Wayne/Batman role in 1995 with Batman Forever. It became a financial success. His movies included, Top Gun, Tombstone, The Doors, Iceman and others. His last movie was in 2022, Top Gun: Maverick. 

Henry IV [1], Hamlet, As You Like It, are plays written by William Shakespeare and Kilmer appeared in these productions on Broadway around the 80's and 90's. A Shakespearean actor too! That meant a lot!

These stars are personal favourites of mine and Tillotson, especially in the 60s, drew many followers to his songs and was one of the most influential pop singers in his time. Kilmer, a personal opinion, with his rugged and tough guy looks had the suave and personality to be Batman and Hamlet; that's two entirely different scripts and roles to decipher and act out!

Rest In Peace Johnny Tillotson and Val Kilmer. 

Comments are welcome.

Val Kilmer

Val Kilmer: 'Batman Forever': 10/10 Movie Clip.
I Have A Riddle For You [1995] HD.
YouTube Video from: Movieclips

Disclaimer:

Informational extracts have been taken from the Internet but the article above is not AI generated but a personal composition and opinion. 

Images: Google.

Saturday, March 29, 2025

Natasha Low: TV Actress: "Emerald Hill: The Little Nyonya Story"

Natasha Low in 'Emerald Hill: 
The Little Nyonya Story'.

     UP TO 400 VIEWS,     
20 COMMENTS, 22 LIKES

Ms Natasha Low [30] was first featured on this blog in 2013 when she was a K-Pop singer with the group called, SKarf. Now she's a pop TV actress on our Singapore screen acting as a boisterous, fierce but kind hearted young nyonya. What a change in roles but definitely for the better!

Congratulations Tasha. You've come a long way. Your family must really be proud of you. 

Best to read the previous article below to learn more about Natasha and her famous family...

Comments are welcome...

Click to read:👇

Natasha, during her K-Pop
days, has since left her group.


Kit Chan: Emerald Hill Theme Song 
Official Music Video.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZB28Fm4Wpg


Images: Google.

Disclaimer:
This post is personal and not promotional.

Friday, March 28, 2025

Raya 2025: SG 60 Anniversary: Celebrate Together.

WISHES,
SELAMAT HARI RAYA 
AIDIL FITRI 2025

Lagu2 Ya Alif Ewa Ewa Hari Raya
YouTube Video by: mszane14.


A special Hari Raya greeting from The Teepees.

[Thanks ladies, especially Freda Hanum 
who did this beautiful art piece:]

From left: Anna, Rose, Freda, Rumini.

Check them out from this connection:

👇or click LABELS below. 

Sunday, March 23, 2025

Happy [Gay] World Stadium: Free Wrestling Matches: By Dick Yip:


Wrestling in the 60s: A favourite with writer Dick Yip
[Image: Long n Winding Road FB]

Andy,

Very true dear friend! There were so many kind-hearted folks in the old days.

But I was also fortunate I had a very independent nature, unafraid to venture out alone even at night. My folks at home were never worried where I was or what I was up to. They knew I could look after myself pretty well in the 50's and 60's. 🙏😍

In 1960, I was in Primary Six at Geylang English School One. I was living with the family at Lorong 40, Siang Lim Park. But because I was sitting for the PSLE [Primary School Leaving Examination] and we had a big family at home, a decision was made that I should bunk with my elder sister's family at Dakota Crescent, in a ground floor shophouse unit. It was great for me as I could study quietly and walking to school was a breeze. 


Or Gay World Amusement Part entrance 
along Geylang Road; eastern side of Singapore.

On many weekends night, I would go to the Happy World Amusement Park alone [also known as Gay World] as it was not far away for a twelve year old child. I would have no money to pay for the entrance fee or anything else. But I had observed other children entering free with adult parents or uncles and aunties. The trick?

I just stood near the entrance and always a kind unknown uncle going in will ask, "You want to go in?"

And "Yes!" was my reply. 

Such friendly, kind uncles after getting me in for free will also ask what I wanted to see. My first request were the Wrestling matches inside the covered stadium. 

"Come!" they'll say, as they bought tickets, and in we went. It was free again!

Flyers for the wrestling matches given out 
to the spectators at Happy/Gay World Stadium

Then at the end of show, they gave me the flyers [images] and programmes for the night and I treasured these so much... kept them nicely pasted in an exercise book. The names of many popular wrestlers of those days I remember watching. King Kong, Sheik Ali, Tiger Puran, Leow Kwong Seng, and many more. 

Happy World was a magical land at night for everyone. Food, music, dances, rides, local culture, shopping, delicious, chewy tidbits and more. 

The story of my night adventures was featured on TV, "There Was A Time", a historical documentary by Media Corp, a few years ago.

Comments are always welcome...

Inside the Happy World Amusement Park where
a trade fair was held in the early 50s. Glittering neon
lights with a peaceful and joyful crowd enjoying the evening.

🥰🌺✌👍☘️
Here's another one:

Author: Dick Yip

Dick Yip: 
Leader In A Ukulele Group,
Story Teller and sings many
pop favourites.

Thanks Dick for the very informative letter.
Here's a song for you:
"I'm free to choose whom I please any old time
I'm free to please whom I choose any old time
So hold me, love me
Love me, hold me
I'm free any old time to get what I want, yes I am..."

I'm Free: Rolling Stones.

Live in Hyde Park [1969]
YouTube Video: by Mercury.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IjRk4y9a240&t=14s


Images from Google and
The National Heritage Board
Singapore.

Sunday, March 16, 2025

Ambassador Hotel Singapore: 60's Music With Ray Peterson's 'Tell Laura...'

Ambassador Hotel at Meyer Road and Katong Park.
(Image: Wadah Seni Entertainment Post.)

Hi Andy,

Glad to have stumbled onto your post and reading yours and others’ wonderful stories reminiscing of the old times!

I love songs from the sixties. When traveling in North America cities, I would still look for old diners with booth tables and some wall jukeboxes.

In the late sixties of Singapore, I occasionally hang out with a group of Mandarin and Hainanese speaking friends in the Ambassador Hotel roof top nightclub. They called the club manager ‘Boon’. I was told that the nightclub owner was a lady, probably one of those experienced entertainers from Shanghai.

Frequently we encountered a ‘guest-singer’. He usually sang popular English songs with Mandarin lyrics. He did Ray Peterson’s ‘Tell Laura I love Her’. I don’t remember the whole lyrics, only this part:

“… 日日我在想念, 夜夜我在想念…Tell Laura not to cry…”

Anonymous

27.08.2023.

黃清元 - 告诉罗娜我爱她 [Original Music Audio] 
YouTube Video from: 黃清元 Huang Qing Yuan Official.

[*Note: Such vinyl Chinese records are priceless today because
many nationals from other countries have bought them when
they cost $2 to $5 a piece in SG.]

Hello my blog reader friend,

Thank you for the visit and the above letter. I hope you are still enjoying your travel days and 60s music. Trying to figure out who the singer at the Ambassador was. Write in again when you feel like. Love that you write in Mandarin too. The song's for you. 

Andy.




*Disclaimer: This post is not an advertisement to sell records.

Monday, March 03, 2025

Andy's Music Blog Reaches 3.9 Million Views. Thank You.

                                  


3.9 MILLION+ VIEWS
since 3.3.2025.
🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶🎶

The live statistics can be seen moving on the right hand column of this page. 
Another 100,000 views to go and it'll reach 4 Million.
Thanks to all viewers, contributing writers, followers and friends.
You helped me make it through the night...


Thanks to Blogspot, Google and Flag Counter 
for statistics as of 3.3.2025 @ 4 pm SG Time:

Below is an older posting from 10th January, 2024 showing international reader standing from FLAG COUNTER app. Check it out:



Images from Google.

Saturday, March 01, 2025

When Andy 60s Music Goes Roaming In Singapore Meeting Friends.

It's March 2025 and there's been delays in posting 
photographs on this blog. Here are a few taken 
near the end months of 2024.
No showing off; just camaraderie!

"Old friends, old friends
Sat on their park bench like bookends
A newspaper blown through the grass
Falls on the round toes
Of the high shoes of the old friends..."
[Simon n Garfunkel]


The guitar champ.
With Ivor Lesslar, lead guitarist, black cap. 
We were @ Novena Square. August 2024.

The Pop Pianist n Singing Wife.
With Mr. Sammin Ang and his wife Esther, two very accomplished musicians. 
Of course there's Mr. Everywhere Jimmy Yap in the flowered shirt.
It's at a Singapore HDB coffee shop neighbourhood.
September 2024

The Elvis of Vancouver, BC, Canada.
Tall Happy Tay, the Vancouver Elvis and James Kwok 
after a coffee session at Clementi Mall in 
Singapore when Happy visited our island.
August 2024

I saw this sign in another country. Can't remember where. 
Could be Thailand or Japan. Not a bad idea but I don't drink.

Singapore Recording artiste Tony Goh
With the very talented recording artiste Tony Goh who owns 
a huge recording studio himself near the business district 
around Shenton Way. Tony was from the pop 70s group, 
TONY, TERRY and SPENCER. The vinyl costs some today.


Jean Granger/France and the Late Alfred Wong
With Jean [John] Granger from France and the late 
Alfred Wong who passed away in late 2024. We
were at a music pub in the Novena area. Alfred used
to provide free jam sessions at his apartment 
with coffee, milk and a huge spread.

'Old Friends': Simon and Garfunkel
YouTube Video by: kylecrazyford.

Which song are these lines from? 
Have a guess.

Mr Tan's Mystery Singer n Dancer
Tan Soo Khoon's [left] garden party guests in February, 2025.
One lady was a well-known singer, the other a dancer.
Know them?

Another verse of lyrics from a well-known song. 
Can you guess the title? Roaming in the desert?

"Riwayat mu-ini..."
We met by the Bengawan Solo River near
Serangoon Gardens in February, 2025.
                With Jimmy Yap, Larry Lai, Andy, Trevor Nerva and Terry Nair.


When Ricky n Rickie Meet
Fun jamming at Ricky Wong's [far right] home with friends 
that included Ricky Chng [checked shirt] and others. Meals were provided. 

Comments are always welcome.

And Alphonso Soosay 
sums it up on 3.3.25:

"Buddy Andy Young. Missing our 60’s days and catching up with our Ole friends fills our hearts with bittersweet nostalgia as our memories linger on as You have always shared with keeping closeness even though we are a distance away. Cheers."


Images: A Private Collection. Copyrights Reserved.

Wednesday, February 12, 2025

RIP Moses Lim: Comedian And A Loving Man Has Passed Away.

UP TO 500 VIEWS

20 CONDOLENCES

The Late Mr Moses Lim
12 Dec. 1949 - 11 Feb. 2025

A Tribute:

Condolences to Mr Moses Lim's family. According to local news he passed away on Tuesday 11th February at 75 years. He was more famously known as 'Tan Ah Teck' in his comedic role on Singapore television called, 'Under One Roof' where he, with his screen family, made home viewers hilarious. The actors included: Koh Cheng Mun, Andrew Lim, Vernetta Lopez and others.

Mr. Lim, besides being an actor, was also a television host and food critic. He studied at Maris Stella High School, Anglican High School and at Ngee Ann Polytechnic. He had a comedy partner, the famous film producer and actor Jack Neo. A talented man indeed, Moses Lim had worked with other well-known Singapore celebrities like Marcus Chin and Najib Ali. He was also invited by famed Hong Kong producer, Robert Chua to work there.

RIP Moses! We love you and will miss you...

Mr Lim, in yellow shirt, was with Andy Young and the Silver Strings in a Channel 5 Media Corp series in 2016 called 'Not The 5 Show' here:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/search?q=moses+lim+tv

Images: Google; A Personal Collection.

Friday, February 07, 2025

Does Singapore Hold Reading In High Regard? By: Christopher Toh.

    UP TO 300 VIEWS
16 CHATS, COMMENTS

I met Chris during those early years when he was a journalist. Cheerful, open and always knowledgeable, we had a chat over both our favourite topic, local music from the 60s. This article is a comment in reply to **my own article about reading books. [Andy]

"Having worked with a book publisher for the better part of five years, I feel sad that Singapore does not hold reading in high regard. While the book business in several countries has picked up in recent years, it is not the case in Singapore.

What's also interesting is that over here it's the nonfiction books that make the most sales. It used to be children's books but our declining birthrate has meant that fewer parents buy books for their children. So we are not creating tomorrow's readers today.

I don't know if it's because kids equate reading to school texts but somewhere along the way from sixteen to adulthood the idea of reading for entertainment stops and I believe that for many, it's a case of reading only because they must.

I hope I'm wrong. While I do enjoy a good video or two, apart from music, books are still my most basic form of entertainment.

What many people don't realise is that a lot of our top tv series or even movies are all adaptations of books.

Maybe it should not be a case about whether books should continue to be a thing but that storytelling continues to thrive. After all, our stories were originally of the oral tradition before books. And now it's moved on to electronic devices.

However, books still rank high as gifts so maybe that's where it will continue to survive. Keep giving books as presents!"

Comments are always welcome.

**  https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2016/09/five-decades-of-pictures-and-news-items.html

Author: Christopher Toh.

Christopher Toh 
Ex-Music Journalist, 
Pod-Caster.

Thank you my friend.
The nearest song I could find where 
some words and phrases relate to books?
Check out the lyrics...

Simon n Garfunkel: The Dangling Conversation.
YouTube Video by: Big Chuck Lyric.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjC6soIUVkk

Images: Google.

Sunday, February 02, 2025

Tan Soo Khoon's Chinese New Year 2025 Garden Party With Singapore Celebrities.

 

CHINESE NEW YEAR GATHERING 2025 @ TAN SOO KHOON's GARDEN PARTY.

Standing [L to R]: Vernon Cornelius, Mr/Mrs Andy Young, 
Jimmy Yap, Friend, Irene Yap, Mr/Mrs John Cher.
Seated [L to R]: Mr/Mrs. Larry Lai, Sandie Loo, Aleena Tan.

Do you know the 4 singers, one DJ, one dancer and one drummer?

We had two great hosts, Mr n Mrs Tan Soo Khoon,
 good friends, good ambience and very good food.

UP TO 500 VIEWS
   15 COMMENTS.  

Ricky Nelson: 'Garden Party' [Live]
YouTube by: ShoutFactoryVEVO

"I went to a garden party
To reminisce with my old friends
A chance to share old memories
And play our songs again

I played them all the old songs
I thought that's why they came
No one heard the music
We didn't look the same

But it's all right now
I learned my lesson well
You see, you can't please everyone
So you got to please yourself..."

Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Rick Nelson
Extracts from 'Garden Party' lyrics 
© Songs Of Universal Inc., 
Matragun And Hilliard Music


John Cher, Jimmy Yap, Irene Yap, TAN SOO KHOON [host]
Actor Pierre Png and wife Andrea de Cruz.

Only part of the garden party. We didn't sing nor
dance but chatted and feasted the night away... Fun time!

Host and Hostess:
Mr and Mrs Tan Soo Khoon
[centre stage in red and white]

Fred Ching says:
"It’s really wonderful to see gathering photos of Mr Tan Soo Khoon’s Garden Party. This brought back memories whenever I visited my father-in-law living in Tanglin Halt Road. As I speak fluent Teochew, he never failed to speak very highly of Mr Tan with his praises. 

Mr Tan takes pride in his work despite his heavy schedule. As I look back, Mr Tan is truly a blast from the past and he reminded me of this singer with the warmest voice in the world. 

 Brother Andy. Cheers👍❤️🥰.." [Edited].

Photographs from Vernon Cornelius and John Cher.
Thanks guys.