Singapore 60s Music: Chatter Matters: A Letter From Abroad. Searching For A Long Lost Friend.

CHATTER MATTERS! 

Full letter extract from

the Blog's Comment pages.

The anonymous letter below has never been answered. If anyone is familiar with the circumstances and is known to the writer, do reply on this blog. Thank you.

Hi Andy,

"I’m so happy to see the picture of your band Velvetones, because in 1964 I have a pen friend called *Charles Tung, of Chinese dad and English mum; he and his friends formed a group called the Velvetones too and later changed to Cormorants. His friends are Wilson Ong, Sam and Sammy the drummer; the three off them are guitarists.

Then in 1978 when I was moving house I lost his photographs, address, as he had just moved too. I wonder if any of you know anything about these boys. We are now almost 80 years and as my family can to go for a holiday in Singapore, he had always liked to talk about how nice your country is and had always wanted us to go visit whenever we can. 

So I hope if any of you can help me please find my friend. He has a younger brother called *Walter, a younger sister called *Linda and for a long time they lived with their parents at 110 Dorset Road Singapore 8 . I would very much appreciate your help.

The sixties had the best music and songs. We are lucky to have passed through that era. Thank you so much in advance. I pray to get some good news."

Anonymous Writer/Country Unknown. 2.7.2023.

Elvis Presley: 'Return To Sender'

YouTube Video by: Reigh Phillip Clayton.

Andy Replies:

Hello,

If there is any response, your friends will write to me. I shall give them your email address if you send it to me. You must also provide me your full name, address and the country you are from.

I shall not publish your address, etc. on this blog. It will remain confidential.

3.7.23.

Singapore 60's Music: Keith Locke [Quests]: 'Don't Play That Song' With Fred Ching

Good friend and author of this article 

Fred Ching with Keith Locke. Check them out.

    UP TO 450 VIEWS   

20 CHATS, COMMENTS

A bygone golden age of music, stunning musicians, brilliant voices and perfect harmonies, dear Brother Andy! Only the tender mercy of God did I ever get to meet Keith Locke. 

I was attending a concert to watch my childhood idol, Veronica Young at NLB Singapore. I was at this charity event and this dude was seated next to me. I recognised him.. and said ‘wow’ you’re Keith Locke? Blessings. 

We stepped out to take a breather during interval, and I thank him for his contributions to our Singapore music scene with The Quests. I asked him for an autograph and he scribbled it out on a card that I carried around in my wallet until it disintegrated! 

Concert tickets for Keith's show in 2012 Singapore that

Fred attended. Fred has watched 100s of international

pop music performances in Singapore alone...

We had supper together with Veronica and friends after the show. We walked Veronica back to her hotel and I took Keith for a car ride. I blasted some of the Quests songs and it brought tears to his eyes on hearing some of the songs that he wrote. 

What a remarkable man who worked extremely hard for his days with The Quests, probably the biggest Singapore band of all time! Wherever Keith may be.. God bless him.

🙏❤️🙏.. 

By Fred Ching     

Fred Ching has authored

a number of articles for this blog.

Check him out under LABELS below.

Keith Locke, 'Don't Play That Song'.

YouTube Video by: William Chan.

[With Ernesto Valerio, Veronica Young and

the amiable Jimmy Yap.]

With Henry Chua, Quests bassist, 

who went solo with Keith.

Here's socialite Jolly Jimmy Yap [in white], singing  

beside Keith Locke. Everyone calls him Mr. Everywhere. 

He is everywhere. Video has 20,000 plus views.

Images: Google.

Singapore 60s Music: In Memory Of Chin Oi Min From 'Friday Girls': By Nicole.

They were part of the choir group called, SIDAISLERS 

from St Andrew's and St. Margaret's schools. Check the

blog connection below.

UP TO 200 VIEWS 

   17 COMMENTS    

Letter 1 From Nicole:

Hi Andy,

I wish I had found *this page sooner. My aunt was one of The Friday Girls. In the picture of the purple sleeve above, she was the girl in the middle. Her name was Chin Oi Min. Unfortunately, my aunt passed on two days ago and I chanced upon your site while we were looking for her songs. I believe that she was still in contact with one of two of the girls (I think Rolana was one of them) in the group before her passing. 

And by the way, thank you for immortalising The Friday Girls on the post 👩.

Letter 2 From Nicole:

Hi Andy,

Here are some photos of The Friday Girls that we found while going through my aunt’s belongings:

The second photo is a card that they gave out to fans (my aunt - rightmost) and the third is a photo of my aunt and Rolana, taken when Rolana came to Singapore for a visit in 2017.

Hi Nicole,

Thanks for the blog visit and writing in too. I am sorry to hear of Ms Chin's passing away. RIP Oi Min. Hope this post will make you feel better and that Rolana will read it and write to this blog.

Warm regards,

Andy.  

'The Boys' accompanied 'The Friday Girls' 

for the Philips label vinyl records.

NB:

Friday Girls and The Boys [Naomi]

Songs by this group were usually folk and a few originals written by the late ROBERT SURIYA, band leader of THE BOYS. He also played lead guitar.

The FRIDAY GIRLS were together only in 1967, recorded a few vinyl on the Philips labels, appeared on television, and performed at the National Theatre when they were at their peak. They had always been accompanied by THE BOYS.

Images: Copyrighted by owner. Do not use them for any publication whatsoever.

NB:

*Connect below with other Friday Girls stories:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2012/06/tracing-sidaislers-or-friday-girls-from.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2023/04/singapore-60s-music-girl-vocal-groups.html

Andy's Music Blog Has 3.7 Million Plus Views: September 2024

   

TODAY 16TH SEPTEMBER 2024.

From feedspot.com

Click to read:

https://music.feedspot.com/singapore_music_blogs/

😀😄😃

Response from readers and friends:

Andy Young:

Thanks to all blog readers, Singapore and international viewers, contributing writers and friends... Help make it to 4 MILLION VIEWS.

Andy Young:

Hey, Moody, thanks for being the first FB friend to visit... Always appreciate your kindness.

Peter Cheong [Guitarist/SAS]:

Thank you Andy for your dedications. The younger generation got to know more about our local music scenes. The figures will go Up n On.

Ivor Lesslar [Lead Guitarist]:

Congratulations Andy!

John Cher [Percussionist]:

Heartiest congratulations ANDY! 3 Cheers!!! 

🥂🎈🎈

Andy Young:

John Cher hi, Sorry I missed your congratulatory message. 

Thank you John. We've both gone a long way together...

Stephen Han [Blog Contributor]:

You’re the best

Winston Koh [Singer/Trailers]:

Well done Andy that's great. Congrats! 

👍👍👏🎼🎶🇲🇨

Terence Lee [Guitarist]:

CONGRATULATIONS!!!

THANKS TO THE FOLLOWING FOLKS

FOR LIKING N LOVING 💗 THIS BLOG:

Freda Hanum

Alphonso Soosay

Fred Ching

Patrick Teng

Angela Leow

John Cher

James Kwok 💗

David Greenfield 💗

John Klass

Hiroshi Deguchi

Michael Fonseca

Sammin Ang

Somkid Lakhawat

Yip Dick 💗

Chen Hui Si

Jennie Law

Yen Chow

Kali Dass S

Tin Leong Lim

Colin Colin

Roop Singh 💗

Rose Khoo

Moody Cash

Ser Kiong Tan

Peter Cheong

Andy Young:

Thanks guys, you all made it possible. Must introduce the younger Singapore music-makers too, so that they can be featured on the blog... Let me know.

Andy Young:

Hi JOHN KLASS [GOLD 905] and DICK YIP. Thanks for the thumbs-up. thanks so much. 

Freda Hanum [Keyboardist/Teepees]: 

CONGRATULAIONS ANDY. AND TO THE BLOG. SO PROUD AND MUCH SALUTE. BEST SG MUSIC BLOG EVER.

Andy Young:

Freda! Thanks so much. You're one of the best blog supporters, writing music stories, illustrating fantastic posters and most of all writing sincere, loving comments. You write just as well as you play the piano! Perfect!

Jerry Saram:

Congrats Andy. Let's hope your blog will attract 5 million viewers in the near future.

Andy Young:

That's a dream come true Jerry. Thanks so much for your support always.

Cedric Collars [Musician/Perth/Australia]:

Congratulations Andy, well done. Keep your dedication going.

Andy Young:

Thanks Cedric. You're of the blog's best supporters too, writing stories and keeping your comments crisp and informative. A wonderful music maker you are too.

Happy Tay [Vancouver Elvis]:

It's my pleasure & I'm truly honoured to be involved with a part of Singapore history thru your blog my dear friend. May the Good Lord bless you and your family always 

Andy Young:

Welcome Ms. Liu to the blog. You must be a new reader.

Stephen Han

Well done, Andy.

Jimmy PresLee [SG Elvis Tribute Artiste]:

Congratulations Mr. Andy Lim. 👌👍💪

Andy:

Thanks Jimmy for your support all through the years. 

You're all heart.💖

Happy Tay [Vancouver, BC, Canada]:

👌👍👍🍷🍷🍾

Andy:

Thanks Happy for being a contributing writer of this blog since Day 1. 

Ronald Ho [The Meltones]:

Wow Andy. Record viewers. Congrats.

Anonymous:

Awesome news indeed! Well done Andy!

Jimmy Chng [Percussionist]:

Congratulations Andy as the readership of the blog heads towards yet another milestone....and the beat goes on...

Cedric Cork [Percussionist/Vietnam War Experience]:

NICE!

Andy Young:

Cedric Cork hello my friend. Thanks for the lovely comment. I see your logo on your FB post. Great! 

Fred Ching:

My heartiest congratulations, respect, blessings, as always to you dear Brother Andy! Many thanks for your blog and those great videos you post on line. Cheers!👍❤️🥰 

Andy Young:

Thanks Fred. Sorry I missed your congratulatory message. You have always been so generous with your comments and information. Appreciate. 

Liu Manli:

Andy, I have watched your post, and I also like music very much. I hope to have more opportunities to communicate with you. The best musician! Congratulations to you!

Andy Young:
Liu Manli, feel free to write on these blog posts anytime. I do not communicate but only on music topics. Thanks for visiting.

Henri Gann:

3,700,000 viewers plus? that's definitely a "Wow" factor.

Congratulation Andy!!!

Andy Young:

Hi Henri, it's with your friendship and help that the blog is what it is today. You are one of the pioneers who wrote many 60s music stories to add to its content. Thanks again for the memories you provided.

MOON CAKES AND MOON SONGS. 2024. HAPPY MID-AUTUMN FESTIVAL TO ALL

Click the connection below to read 

all the Mooncake and Song postings.

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/search/label/Mooncake%20Festivals

With each picture there is a connection below 

to take you to different posts. Just click it...

Enjoy the moon shine.

[케이팝] Korean Pop Singer: Gyubin [규빈] : SWAY: Quien Sera: Martin, Buble, Pussycat Dolls Hit [한국 팝]

https://kprofiles.com/gyubin-profile-facts/

*Sweet Korean Gyubin with 'Sway' 

Pussycat Dolls: Cover by GyuBin (규빈)

YouTube Video: Gyubin - Official

https://www.youtube.com/@Gyubin

    UP TO 350 VIEWS    

25 CHATS, COMMENTS 

Yesterday:

SWAY is an old hit by the late Dean Martin in 1954. Then Michael Buble revived it in 2003 followed by the Pussycat Dolls in 2005. There are about a dozen versions that include pop singers like, Cliff Richard, Rosemary Clooney, Bobby Rydell and Julie London.

The song was originally called QUIEN SERA and composed by Mexicans Luis Demetrio and Pablo Luiz. With English lyrics and recorded by Dean Martin it became an international hit at number 5five. 

Korean Pop with Gyubin

https://x.com/i/flow/login?redirect_after_login=%2Fgyubingallery

Today:

Now, a pretty young lady from Korea covers it [video above] in the best style ever to suit her generation. *Gyubin revitalises the song with her own charisma and a cute Korean accent but with that gentle swing of oomph, fresh subtlety and scat.

Today, if the singer doesn't make it within the thr3ee minute life-span of a young person's patience and listening endurance on the smart phone... that's it!

But GYUBIN did! One million hits within 2two years on YouTube. And she's only 17 with a long career ahead. Wow!

Congratulations Gyubin. I hope the Seniors who read this blog will love your version as much as I do and add more viewers to your tally.

[축하해요 규빈님. 이 블로그를 읽는 선배들이 나만큼 귀하의 버전을 좋아하고 귀하의 집계에 더 많은 시청자를 추가하기를 바랍니다.]

Sway has been sung by Dean Martin [top], 

Michael Buble [centre], Pussycat Dolls [last]

Gyubin

Original Songs:

Satellite - Single. Satellite - Single. 2024.

Special - Single. Special - Single. 2024.

Really Like You (Spring Version) - Single.

 Really Like You (Spring Version) - Single. 2024.

Really Like You - Single. Really Like You - Single. 2024.

Start To Shine (feat. Gaeko) - Single. 

Scribble - Single. Scribble - Single.

Now in more pensive mood, it's flying to the moon...

'Fly Me To The Moon' : Cover by GyuBin (규빈) 

YouTube Video: 규빈 Gyubin_Official

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1LWZokW_-Cc

Images from Google.

Desserts From The Nyonya Table: For Washing The Mouth... "Chuchi Mulut"

Young *nyonya lady with a BAKUL SIAH [auspicious basket]

for transporting food and sometimes clothing.

UP TO 350 VIEWS

15 CHATS, COMMENTS

I am not certain if this after dinner *Peranakan phrase has been discussed before but I was always wondering why older family members do not say, "PERGI CHUCHI PIRING..." [go wash your plates] after a meal at home but instead mention, "UNTUK CHUCHI MULUT..." [for washing the mouth] and places a bowl of fruits, cakes and ice desserts on the dinner table.

I realised that the phrase itself explains the reason for the dessert. We need to 'wash' our mouths with lovely Peranakan desserts after dinner. So instead of going to the kitchen sink to wash the plates, the child would ask cheekily, "MAMA, MANA CHUCHI MULUT?" [mum, where's the mouth wash?]. And he gets a huge stare...

So if you are told after a Peranakan dinner, "UNTOK CHUCHI MULUT," it means, "Have your dessert." And they are probably on the table. 👦

Some of these desserts are below...

"Untuk chuchi mulut": [For washing the mouth].

Fruit desserts.

Delicious Peranakan Cakes made of shredded coconut,

glutinous rice and cassava [ubi kayu].

Bo Bo Cha Cha [Bubur Cha Cha]

The best Peranakan dessert ever. Sweet potato pieces with yam cuts and colourful jelly tots. All covered in sweet creamy coconut milk with added pandan leaves for flavour.

*NB:

The term “Peranakan” generally refers to a person of mixed Chinese, Malay and Indonesian heritage. Many Peranakans trace their origins to 15th-century Malacca, where their ancestors were thought to be Chinese traders who married local women who may not necessarily be Malay or Indonesian Malays but speak the language. The language used above is in Bahasa Indonesia.

A nyonya is a Peranakan lady and is usually dressed in a sarong [wrap around batik] and kebaya [colourful embroidered blouse.]

Nyonya Coconut Milk Dessert | Bo Bo Cha Cha 

 Bubur Cha Cha | 摩摩喳喳 [Nyonya Cooking]

YouTube Video by: Nyonya Cooking

Peranakan Sayang Song on Hawker Food 

In Singapore Shanghai Tan SG 🎶 Guitar 

YouTube Video from: Singapore Travels Rapture! 

[The song on video is not related to Peranakan desserts.]

Images: Google.

A Malaysian Blog Reader Tributes Reggie Verghese, Martin Pereira, Vincent Lim, Iskandar Mirza Ismail.

UP TO 500 VIEWS, 24 COMMENTS

Anita Sarawak and Tracy Huang

Anita Serawak - 'Ayam Den Lapeh'

YouTube Video from:Zulkifli Ahmad

'Hello Darling': Tracy Huang

YouTube Video from: Michael Lim

"I am a Malaysian...": A Letter From Across The Causeway.

While checking letters from readers I came across this Anonymous comment below. Thank you so much dear reader and friend for writing from across the Causeway about these four very talented musical producers and the vinyl records that resulted, which were later sold during the cassette years.

Here's the letter in full:

"I am a Malaysian 61 now in 2024 and remember as far back as in the late 1970’s when my gifted and talented school mate who came from a musically inclined family bought the Anita Sarawak and Tracy Huang cassettes [images] and shared and played them for us. 

I was only about 15 or 16 at that time and the first thing I noticed was how remarkably the production sounded… it sounded very similar to the originals but sung by local divas Anita and Tracy... naturally, we read the credits. It started, 'Produced by Reggie Verghese...'

The original cassette of Tracy Huang 

as specified on the label and cover.

Cassette tapes of Tracy Huang 

sold well during the 1970s.

For illustration only as these 

cassettes above may be pirated copies.

Two other names, and were mostly being associated in other future collaborations were Martin Pereira and Vincent Lim [father of our well-known Singapore opposition party member, Jamus Lim]… till today, and add one more, the late Iskandar Mirza Ismail; nothing remotely close has ever come from Singapore as classy and of such quality standard from these four names… 

Cassette tapes of Anita Sarawak were recorded, 

produced and made by the awesome foursome 

mentioned by our Anonymous reader. 

The illustrations above may be pirated copies.

Original cassette with EMI Label.

They were trailblazers… so many throwing around names like King of Swing, King of this and King of that but no one remotely came close with the above talented and awesome foursome…

Thank you Singapore…thank you Reggie, Martin, Vincent and Iskandar … all great musicians & great humble human beings." 

NB:

Beside the original ones many of these cassettes sold were pirated copies. A lot of them were sold in the open market, legally or otherwise. Business was brisk as production was cheap and sold for merely $2.00 a piece or thereabouts. 

I am just wondering how the rightful companies and music producers dealt with this issue... Comments are welcome from readers.

Images: Google.

Singapore 60s Music Blog: Accolades For Andy

The people below have either appeared, contributed articles or commented on this blog. All comments are new and were received within these months in 2024. 

Thanks to the folks below who did. Appreciate the recognition this blog receives.

JOHN KLASS [RADIO DJ: MEDIACORP GOLD 905]

"Andy Young! Keep up the great work on your blog

I enjoy reading it. It’s always a great trip. 😊👌🏻"

DANNY KOH [PIANIST/LRSM, FLCM]

"Thank you Andy. Wow!! I'm truly amazed at your blogs. 

You jogged my memories. Yes, the photos and stories

reminded me of the good times!" 

HENRY CHUA [BASSIST/'QUESTS']

"Andy, Your blog must be the most informative on the music

scene. I check it often. Congratulations! 🙏🙏🙏 👏👏👏".

LESLIE WILSON JOSEPH [MUSICIAN/GUITARIST]

"I love your articles. It's a history lesson for me."

STEPHEN HAN [SINGAPORE/CONTRIBUTING WRITER]

"This is Andy Young aka Andy Lim who is not only a wonderful singer but also a prolific writer. Do visit his music of the 60's blog and you’ll like it immediately. It contains interesting and good information of local and international recording stars. You won’t be bored because there are quizzes for you to solve."

Danny Koh: I Wish You Luck

YouTube Video: ktjong

HIROSHI DEGUCHI [JAPAN/CONTRIBUTING WRITER]

"Hi Andy, I am always  honoured to be on your blog.

I always respect your country and its achievements."

DENNIS NG [SINGER/DANCER/CONTRIBUTING WRITER]

"Hi Andy, Thank you very much for your blog. You have showcased many in the music scene in Singapore and there’s never a dull moment reading the various stories of different people. Once again, thank you for your great effort and keep up the good work!"

"Comment is from my friend, a top local lawyer 

and accomplished guitarist," says HAPPY TAY 

[VANCOUVER ELVIS PRESLEY, BC. CANADA].

"Andy Young is probably the only one in Singapore that is keeping Music Memorabilia in Singapore alive and fluttering, as many of our generation have reached an age who treasure precious memories of our past. Kudos to him. His site will be worth a lot in time to come. Please convey my good wishes to Andy. When you next come back to Singapore, we could get him together." 

ELLA TAN [BLOG READER]. ILLUSTRATION

 "I have to write you here, but I have to tell you that you always share great posts. I was fascinated by your great contributions and your wonderful pictures.  God bless you.