Saturday, September 16, 2023

Like Coke Without The Bubbles? No! It's Passion n Consistency!

Hi Andy,

It is an achievement to be able to sustain the interest of even 2000 people a month on a regular basis on any given topic. What you have done could not be the result of a faint heart or a lame endeavour. It takes passion and consistency to incessantly create stories that your international readership can relate to and is stimulating enough to make them keep coming back to your blog for more. 

Your enthusiasm for your work makes the difference! Without it, there would be no zest! Like Coke without the bubbles! Flat! On behalf of all your readers, I wish to appeal to you to not even consider stopping your very fine work but to keep up with your enthusiasm for your unique blog. 

I am still hopeful that one day soon, the relevant authority in SG would officially recognize your work! It is strange but nonetheless true, no prophet will find acceptance in his own country! A case in point, recently the Australians conferred an award on Matthew Tan for his contributions to Country Music. 

I am of the view that it is SG that should have taken the initiative for such an award! Of course not only for Matthew but for other iconic local musicians as well, like Henry Chua and others!

Be that as it may, here's wishing you continued success in all your efforts to preserve our music heritage! God bless!

John Cher 

July 21st, 2016.

John was the drummer for 
'Silver Strings' from 2015.

Friday, September 15, 2023

Rolling Stones: Angry. "My Parents Went Ballistic. Clandestine Listening..." By Matsam.

The Rolling Stones: [Angry] Official Video. 
YouTube Video: The Rolling Stones.

 "And I saw the Stones on YouTube last week 
when they released their new album!" [Matsam]

It's an anonymous letter from 'Matsam' but boy oh boy, one of the best written by anyone since this blog started. Just read on... But thanks Matsam for the vibrant words and phrases. You made my day.

"I was 9 years old and saw the report in the Straits Times Singapore, the next day. It was full of screaming crowds, hysterical girls fainting and carried away to ambulances and the cops joining the free fray. 

My parents went ballistic, said this wretched pop music and evil personified Rolling Stones who could send people mad was a sign of the end times. I was told not to listen to corrupting pop music ever! 

Rolling Stones In Singapore in the 60's.
Image: Alex Schumacher. 

Well that sent me listening to all the pop I could clandestinely listen on the radio when my folks weren’t around. Nothing tastes better than stolen fruit. 

Cut to the present, I’m 67, and my wife literally dances with rage, when I turn on the music loud in the house everyday. And I saw the Stones on YouTube last week when they released their new album!"

Written by: MATSAM. 

Sep 15, 2023, 2:02 PM.

The Rolling Stones


'Angry' by: The Rolling Stones
Album 'Hackney Diamonds' [Label: Polydor]

Mick Jagger – lead and backing vocals, guitar
Keith Richards – guitar, bass guitar
Ronnie Wood – guitar
Additional musicians

Matt Clifford – piano
Steve Jordan – drums
Andrew Watt – production, backing vocals, percussion.

Disclaimer:
The new Rolling Stones video on this post is a reply to Matsam's letter when he personally mentioned the new song 'Angry' in his message. The YouTube video posted, which belongs to the Rolling Stones [Polydor], will be deleted immediately if it contravenes Copyright Laws. Thank you.

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?

Friday, September 08, 2023

Leaving A Singapore Music Heritage: By Wilfred Lim


UP TO 250 VIEWS, 20 COMMENTS, CHATS

Dear Andy,

Many people have not heard of the expression, 'No man is an island'. They do not think of leaving a heritage. They only live for themselves. Unlike for example... like what you are doing for others through your present MUSIC BLOG. It will be remembered for perpetuity that is when you are long gone... people outside your own family will remember you as the creator of this music blog.

Whereas in my case only my immediate family members will, hopefully, remember me from time to time... By comparison your music blog will go on as long as there is music. That's why I was glad you did not let a local organisation take over your music blog when they approached you some years ago. 

Well done my friend! This blog is your niche. No one can take it away. God Bless you my brother! Am proud of you! 

Wilfred Lim.

18.08.2023.

An old classmate from St. Andrew's Singapore, London-trained architect Wilfred Lim has always been honest and sincere with his words. We have been keeping in touch for many years even after his studies in the Commonwealth capital.  

Wilfred is not only a lawn tennis ace, he plays the guitar, teaches the ukulele and writes with distinction.

Thanks Wilfred for the encouraging words and for writing the letter independently. Like you said, we are octogenarians and have been a long time on Mother Earth, so no faking the media.

Keep that tennis racket swinging my brother. 

Below are two songs, favourites of Wilfred's.
Have I Told You Lately That I Love You: Patti Page
YouTube Video by: Mr. blindfreddy9999

How Great Thou Art: Elvis Presley
YouTube Video from: George Smith

LIVE FROM STATISTICS COUNTER:
Images: Google.

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

Jimmy Appudurai-Chua: A Tribute From Ronald Ho [Meltones]


UP TO 400 VIEWS, 35 COMMENTS, CHATS, CONDOLENCES

TRIBUTE to JIMMY APPUDURAI-CHUA 

It was supposed to be a sunny day but the news early this morning that Jimmy Appudurai-Chua, my very good friend, my Meltones bandmate, my classmate from 1955 at St Patrick’s passed away in hospital in England at 8.30pm 29, August 2023 made my sun set. His 76th birthday is 31, August – just two days away.

Jimmy spent most of his adult life in the world of music playing his guitar gleefully and wonderfully. He was happiest with a guitar in his hands. From the Meltones in the 60s to the Straydogs in the 70s and many gigs, he left for England and continued playing music with many bands including the UK Meltones.

Jimmy is one of the nicest people to have walked this earth. He was always cheerful and positive, never had an unkind word and always encouraging others. He lived simply, loved his char-siew, always loyal to his friends and a kampong boy at heart.

From the sandy road of Jalan Sempadan to the green fields of St Patrick’s, Jimmy grew up playfully and happily with his close friends.  From the music stages in Singapore to the music stages in the UK, Jimmy entertained with his guitar skills and in synch with his band-mates. And for his undying love for Mary, the mother of Jesus, he now walks into her arms in heaven. 

Ronald Ho. 

30 August 2023. 10.27 am.

Image: FB Copyrights Reserved

Thanks to Ronald for keeping in touch and writing this piece within an hour, when he confirmed Jimmy had passed away. 

Jimmy Appudurai-Chua with The Meltones. 
Ronald Ho sings: The Young Ones.
Esplanade Theatre: 10 March 2017
YouTube Video: Fabian Foo.

Connecting to other Jimmy A's posts: 
1. his life story.
2. with Meltones and

Thursday, August 24, 2023

John Klass 90.5fm DJ: Cool, Handsome Hearthrob!



Challenge!
"Can you GLISH a National Day song?"
"What?"

Had a bit of a chat with John Klass, the man behind the current GOLD 90.5 fm Home Stretch segment from 5pm to 8pm.

When I heard, a few evenings ago during dinner, that if I could hum a National Day song, I could win a prize. I am always in for any fun. I called up the station immediately. And, of course, Mr. Class [Klass] himself answered. 

The challenge was not to hum the SG song but to glish it [that's the second syllable of Singlish]. So I did. Didn't remember the title but he helped me complete the song when we both did a harmonising duet. And we went, "Glish, glish, glish, glish, glish..."😍. Could be, Count On Me Singapore?

And I won a $120 prize; oh well! Probably in pillows, bolsters and bedsheets. What an evening!

Thanks John, and to the sponsors of course.

John Klass

John Klass: My Way
YouTube Video: John Klass.
Esplanade Concert 2017.



Images: Google n Mediacorp.

Sunday, August 13, 2023

A Tribute To The Late Robbie Robertson: By Horace Wee


The late Robbie Robertson.
Credit: Kevin Mazur / WireImage.

Generally when a person passes away, a flurry of tributes and condolences respond to the announcement. I felt emptiness and disillusionment when there was almost a deafening silence in responses on the passing of this man when the news broke on Wednesday the 9th of August 2023 in this part of our world. It seemed like the news of his passing had been hurled into dark cyber space and was lost forever in a black hole.

Robbie Robertson was an iconic guitarist, composer and musician who carved out a niche for himself in the heady days of the 60s and 70s fronting a group named, The Band. This consisted of Canadians Rick Danko on bass, pianist Richard Manuel, Robbie on guitar and Garth Hudson on organ and other instruments and was a principal architect of the group's sound. Levon Helm was the American drummer and vocalist.

The Band: Up On Cripple Creek
YouTube Video from: bluearmyfr111

Helm was known for his deeply soulful, country accented voice, multi-instrumental ability, and creative drumming style, highlighted on many of the Band's recordings. Robbie Robertson being best known for writing the anthem like song The Weight, Up On Cripple Creek and The Night They Drove Old Dixie Down.

With the deaths of Richard Manuel in 1986, Rick Danko in 1999, Levon Helm in 2012, and Robbie Robertson in 2023, Hudson is the last living original member of the band.

The Band [l-r]: With Richard Manuel, Levon Helm, 
Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, Robbie Robertson.

Robbie grew up in a Native American reservation during his youth and learned music from his mother’s side of the family who were Mohawk and lived on the Six Nations of the Grand River reserve. He rose to prominence with The Band backing Bob Dylan when he went from acoustic to controversial electric performances. With The Band striking out on their own, they carved a niche sound that many have not been able to copy. There were elements of folk, rock, country and Southern rock that influenced people as diverse as The Allman Brothers, George Harrison and Eric Clapton.

The very essence of The Band is captured in the classic Martin Scorsese documentary film The Last Waltz.(1978) This was their farewell concert at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco. In one instance, Eric Clapton’s guitar strap comes unhinged and Robbie takes over the solo completely unfazed. He maintained a very close relationship with Martin Scorsese over the years and scored several of the films like Raging Bull, The Wolf On Wall Street and completing the forthcoming Scorsese film, Killers of the Flower Moon just prior to his passing.

May Robbie on his journey to the heavens find eternal peace.

(July 5, 1943 – August 9, 2023)

For the love and respect of his Native American heritage, donations may be made to the Six Nations of the Grand River to support a new Woodland Cultural Center.

Written by: Horace Wee

[Many thanks to our own guitar maestro, who wrote this article at the request of rhythm guitarist, Michael Bangar and myself.] 

Robbie Robertson: Somewhere Down The Crazy River
Official Music Video: YouTube Robbie Robertson.

Images: Google.

Article: Horace Wee [Copyrights Reserved]

Tuesday, August 08, 2023

Singapore Is Home @ 58 Years Young! Happy Birthday! Says Kit Chan With Lyrics

 

Wishing All Blog Readers, Friends,
Contributing Writers 
A Happy National Day 2023!

Kit Chan - Home (25th Anniversary Remake) 
(Official Music Video)
Banshee Empire.

Whenever I am feeling low
I look around me and I know
There's a place that will stay within me
Wherever I may choose to go
I will always recall the city
Know every street and shore
Sail down the river which brings us life
Winding through my Singapore

Chorus:

This is home truly
Where I know I must be
Where my dreams wait for me
Where that river always flows

This is home surely
As my senses tell me
This is where I won't be alone
For this is where I know it's home

When there are troubles to go through
We'll find a way to start anew
There is comfort in the knowledge
That home's about its people too

So we'll build our dreams together
Just like we've done before
Just like the river which brings us life
There'll always be Singapore

Repeat Chorus:

For this is where I know it's home
For this is where I know I'm home...

Singer/Composer: 
Kit Chan/Dick Lee.

From Freda Hanum, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. 
Member of 'The Teepees' Pop Group.

Connect to others:


Sunday, August 06, 2023

Music Quiz: Answers: 'The Lion Sleeps Tonight' Series Of Songs

 


ANSWERS TO QUIZ:
#1-5

1. THE LION SLEEPS TONIGHT
THE TOKENS

2. UNDER THE BOARDWALK 
ROLLING STONES

3. PLAY ME
NEIL DIAMOND

4. VINCENT
[STARRY STARRY NIGHT]
DON McLEAN

5.TEARS IN HEAVEN
ERIC CLAPTON.

Vincent: Starry Starry Night
Don McLean YouTube by: wysty67

ANSWERS
#6-10.

6. THE LADY IS A TRAMP
FRANK SINATRA, ETC.

7. LONESOME COWBOY
ELVIS PRESLEY

8. MEMORIES
BARBRA STRIESAND

9. SONG SUNG BLUES
NEIL DIAMOND

10. THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
SARAH BRIGHTMAN, ETC.

11. TEH OH! TEH OH!
as suggested by MRS. DAISY KOH
[A Singapore custom when ordering a cup
of tea without milk, at the drink shops.]

Tuesday, August 01, 2023

Music Quiz: Name These Young Pop 50's And 60's Singers

[1]

Their initials:
RNPAKCDWPBCFCSBEHEP

Most of them started their singing stints 
from the mid 1950's and 60's... 

One singer started in the late 60's but 
passed away in the early 80's at 32 years young.

7 of them are still around today 
and some are performing.

[2]


3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10.