Andy’s 60s Music Reviews Author Eddy Eng’s New Book, ‘An Enchanting Potpourri’

The book cover, with illustrations by KM Encila.

Enchanting it is! Here's Eddy Eng, with a potpourri of tales ranging from ghost stories, [and these are real ones, experienced by the writer himself, in his home at Emerald Hill], to stories from Singapore's corporate world with pages of his own "divergent views", and as he puts it, "musings". And surprise, surprise, he is also an artist besides being an author. He does oil paintings with framed interpretations of Venice in Italy, Zhangjiajie in China and other scenic adventures he went through during his years as a family man and as a business executive. He dedicates his book specially to his children and brother and lovingly acknowledges his wife Farrah, helping him with countless revisions.

Breezy at one end of the book; seriously different at the other, this author is like a chameleon, changing his writing style from an easy breather to that of a serious corporate lawyer facing the trial judge.

Our author is a ‘south paw’ or left~handed guitarist.

He designs all his chapters with lines from the great ones! Introducing his book, he quotes Janvier Chouteu-Chando, "The vicissitude of life teaches us about our limitations in a world with no guarantees and permanence." He says he's a die-hard believer that form and substance are both equally important and compares a good book to good food, so he fills the pages with colourful illustrations by designer Krystle Mae Encila. And they make up a great menu. The cover illustration [above] is one.

Eddy sings Elvis on board a cruise liner and wows the crowd with his performance.

Now, the reason why he's on this blog. He does not only have a flair for writing and art; Eddy is also a bass guitarist using left-handed guitars. He says that his "passion for music went back to his childhood days" and if it wasn't for his mother, "he would have been a musician or artist". He even went to music school to hone his skill. 

And to top it all, Eddy is also a pop singer. The image shows him rendering an Elvis hit  with, ‘Crying In The Chapel.’ Wow Eddy! What can’t you do?

Eddy has the last words. "This book," he spouts, " is meant to entertain, inform and provoke." So, guys, here's a book that's enchanting and absorbing, written in cheek! Delicious indeed.

He’s got somethin’ many folks do not have. Class!

Comments are welcome.

Andy.

Get in touch…

EDDYWRITES: 

Where words come alive.

Website: eddywrites.com

Mobile:  +65 9117 5551

Sonny & Cher - 'Sing C'est La Vie' (Stereo Remix) YouTube Video by: jacob 6657

According to the author, this oldie has served a purpose in later life when things did not turn out as expected.

Eddy's left-handed guitars, one of which is a bass. He should be on stage soon with such talent and artistry.

He had to serve his army days in Singapore like other citizens do. Eddy [left] puts it, "With the boss inspecting unit parade."

Author, artist, musician, soldier and a corporate executive; Eddy Eng. Thanks, Eddy, for the chat and book. It's really been great meeting you after all these years.

[Eddy has included in the book two of his own two articles from this blog. Do you know which ones?]

Click below to read:

.: A Happy Lunar New 2024: Facing Dragons @ The Gates: 龍門遭遇 By Eddy Eng

.: Beatlemania Becomes Beat Le Mania: By Eddie Eng

Copyrights Reserved: All illustrations are from the book.

Andy 60s Music Lyrics: Lonely Hearts, Lonely Days, Lonely Boy, Solitary Man, Eleanor Rigby, Are You Lonesome?

Discussing Loneliness:

The lyrics that go with many of these songs about loneliness could make the happiest person very depressed. So, let's look at the topic, within limited borders, and some of the pop songs that go with it. I'm no psychiatrist but writing only through the experiences of pop song lyrics.

Loneliness And Lost Love:

This one is, I think, the most common experience of loneliness any person could go through. So, when Singaporeans Fitzgerald and Pascal composed their huge local hit, 'My Lonely Heart' and expressed, ‘Please return my heart so I may cry... Every night I pray... to meet you someday,' lovers connect with the song immediately. But in this particular instance the conclusion says it all, ‘I know it's true, I won't be seeing you.' 

The lovers know that all's lost with no light in the distance. Like Georgia Gibbs, with her 50’s hit, was right when she sobbed, 'Guess it never pays to make your lover blue, Seven lonely days I cried and cried for you.' Lost love indeed.

Loneliness With Hope:

Here the theme takes a turn. 

There could be some hope couldn't there, after a lost love. 

'Maybe tomorrow a new romance, No more sorrow but that's the chance you gotta take,' brought about these lines that most people in break-ups often expressed and where most songs about loneliness derived. Roy Orbison made it huge with, 'Only The Lonely,' and with some clues of a new beginning. So, they might not be, 'gone forever, so far apart.'

Paul Anka is totally devastated as he cries, 'I'm just a lonely boy, Lonely and blue... I'd like to hear somebody say, I'll give you my love, Each night and day.' So it's not a breakup here. He has no partner  to love because what he wants, 'is someone to love.' So there’s hope but with some desperation?

No war here; just an illustrative image to show a soldier boy with a suitable wartime background?

Loneliness As A Soldier:

Two wars [one?] are going on today and many people, including soldiers, have lost their lives. Many of them, who are away from home, experience loneliness on the battlefield.

In a 60s hit, Bobby Vinton lamented, 'I'm so lonely for my own, I'm Mister Lonely, Wish I had somebody to call my own... to call on the phone... Now I'm a soldier, a lonely soldier. I got no letter in the mail. I wish I could go back home.' 

His experience as a soldier boy in the 60s rang true as the Vietnam War loomed in the distance. And our wars? Could we afford some more? Because war goes beyond loneliness...

Loneliness When Old:

'Ah look at all the lonely people, Picks up the rice in the church where the wedding has been, Lives in a dream... Then there's Father McKenzie, writing the words of a sermon that no one would hear.' How observant were Lennon and McCartney when they sang, 'Eleanor Rigby.’ 

'All the lonely people, where do they all come from?'

Most seniors who read this post know what loneliness mean. Health problems; spousal death; non-visiting children; friendlessness, etc. would lead to a nasty list. And like a friend mentioned, "Even Mother Earth rejects you!"

"Are you lonesome tonight?" No, not only tonight... it's, "Are you lonesome always?"

Hey, but what about Michael Jackson's, 'You Are Not Alone.'

General comments are welcome. 

A 1926 song, Elvis recorded it in 1960 after his

army release. 2,000,000 copies sold by 1992.

Recorded in 1962, Vinton wrote it in the late 50s 

during his army days as the Vietnam War escalates.

Written in 1958 and released in 1959 with Don Costa,

after 'Diana' hit. It was featured in his movie, 'Girls Town'.

'Eleanor Rigby' [lyrics]: The Beatles. YouTube Video from BTA MUSIC.

The Beatles - Eleanor Rigby (Lyrics)

“There goes my baby, There goes my heart, They are gone forever, So far apart, But only the lonely, Know why I cry.”

“Don't know that I will, But until I can find me, The girl who'll stay, And won't play games behind me, I'll be what I am, A solitary man, solitary man”

“Seven lonely days make one lonely week, Seven lonely nights make one lonely me, Ever since the time you told me we were true, Seven lonely days I cry and cry for you.” 

'My Lonely Heart', a local recording; this vinyl piece was a sell-out in the 60's. One of the classics in Singapore's music history.

#An add on: The lyrics hinges on the fact that distancing oneself from the ordinary may lead to a lonely existence. There is also another interpretation, as explained by Cedric Collars, provided under the Comment Page. Do read it. 

Frank Sinatra sings “I will drink the wine." YouTube video by: Amir.

Frank Sinatra I Will Drink the Wine 1971 HD

[This original article, as most others are, is copyrighted.]

Andy’s Singapore 60s Music Blog HITS 5 MILLION VIEWS IN 2026

THANKS AGAIN VIEWERS, READERS, FRIENDS AND CONTRIBUTING WRITERS. THE BLOG REACHED FIVE [5] MILLION ON 20 JANUARY 2026…

 

FROM VIEWERS ALL OVER THE WORLD, THANKS FOR SUPPORTING THE BLOG! 

GALLOPING INTO THE CHINESE LUNAR YEAR OF THE HORSE.

DAVID BOWIE AND MICK JAGGER: ‘DANCING IN THE STREET’ OFFICIAL YOUTUBE VIDEO BY DAVID BOWIE.

BORING!

SHE KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT MUSIC AND SHE SLEEPS ALL DAY. DON’T LISTEN TO HER…

Andy 60s Music: A Tribute To The Late Malcolm Hyder By Danny Koh

The late MALCOLM HYDER who passed away on 11 JANUARY 2026 in Singapore; reported by good friend DANNY KOH.

“Malcolm Hyder, the driving force behind our band, FLYING FEATHERS, has passed away. During our formative years, we would gather at his Joo Chiat Road home to rehearse and hone our skills. Malcolm's dynamic personality and inventive ideas not only shaped our music but also inspired our band's name. 

The members in the band were Roger Prior, Harvey Klass, Patrick Nathan and Myself.  All of us were in our 20’s. Played at the RAF Officers Club in Changi.

As I reflect on these memories, I'm reminded of his remarkable life, which included his tenure as a teacher at Siglap. He will be deeply missed.

Rest In Peace, Malcolm. Condolences to his Family.”

Written by Professional Musician/Pianist DANNY KOH. Thanks Danny. Copyrights Reserved. Click below to read about Danny.

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2010/03/danny-koh-tinkling-through-years-part-i.html

[NB: MALCOLM HYDER (left) with AUBREY MILES and THOMAS PAUL were also well known as members of a vocal group called the BAMBINOS. They were adept with favourite jazz pieces where the group would use scat and do-wop to brighten their songs.] IMAGE courtesy of JUDE GERARD PAUL.

Do write in if you remember Malcolm.

CLICK TO READ ABOUT ANOTHER OF ‘THE BAMBINOS’ 

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2017/05/aubrey-miles-from-bambinos-rip.html

Malcom HYDER left) with RICHARD ANG (on guitar) who sent the picture. Copyrights Reserved.

A NEW YEAR message 2024 from MALCOLM. Picture sent by RICHARD ANG. Thank you so much RICHARD for the photographs. Precious indeed, such images🙏

CHI BABA, CHI BABA (MY BAMBINO GO TO SLEEP.) YouTube video from PERRY COMO. A song sometimes sung by MALCOM HYDER with his group the BAMBINOS.

This posting was done on an iPad.]

Andy 60s Music Blog Tributes The Late Xie Jinshi [谢金石] Hokkien Song King

David Xie Jinshi (谢金石), a veteran Chinese singer known as the "Hokkien Song King" in Singapore and Malaysia, passed away at the age of 73 on 8th January 2026, while he was on a cruise.

He rose to fame in 1972 after winning a singing competition and released his first Hokkien album in 1979. The "Hokkien Song King" was well known in the 80s and 90s for his powerful voice and for providing singing classes at various community centers.

His greatest professional regret was never having the opportunity to perform in a Hokkien opera (Gezi Opera), despite his mastery of the dialect. He was scheduled to perform at the Esplanade with a live orchestra soon. 

His family, friends and colleagues described him as a dedicated teacher, a kind-hearted man and definitely a pop star. According to those who were close to him, his determination and singing talent made him what he was.

Rest In Peace David Xie. We shall all miss you. Condolences to his family.

Comments are welcome...

This article is a short summary adapted from newspaper reports. Thanks to Danny Koh, David's good friend, for sending me the news of his death, without which I would not be aware. 

David Chia [谢金石] 谢金石福建风专辑 YouTube Video by: 谢金石 David Chia

Danny Koh and David Xie. They did 10 live streaming during Covid with lady singer Tandy Lim.

(1) Danny Koh with singer Tandy Lim and David Xie Jinshi. (2) With Frederick Phua, owner of British Hainan Restaurant and Godfather to David who was of the Christian faith. 3) Fred with Portrait of David. Photographs are Copyrights Reserved.

谢金石 ~ 燒肉粽组曲 (福建歌曲) @ 歌台欢乐夜 第5集 Xie Jinshi ~ 'Roasted Pork Dumplings Medley' (Hokkien songs). YouTube Video By: RedTaurus

[Roasted Meat Zongzi Suite (Fujian Song) @ Joyful Night at the Music Stage Episode 5].

Andy 60s Music Blog: 朋友 [Pang Yau: Friend of Mine] Alan Tam Wing Lun [譚詠麟]

People. We meet them along the way as we go through life. Some of them become our pang yau or friends while others just pass us by. Here are some old and new friends I met when I retired totally from singing after Covid in 2019.  These pictures are not in any order. Check us out...

Lyrics of a pop song you all know. What I do when free. Wandering around to check out friends and strangers. Know the song title? And singer?

Meeting a bespectacled Chinese Santa in front of a well-known Chinese painting. Do you know this place? It's not too cold actually but for me it was.

The late Mustafa Al-Johari, a respected singer musician I met at a concert. He became a friend but lived in New Zealand. Mustafa passed away not too long ago. Goodbye my friend. May you Rest In Peace. Condolences to his Family.

Ahh! The wandering singing ambassador Jimmy Yap, with former 'Dukes' drummer Clarence Perera and his friend for a chat before Christmas 2025.

It was orchids galore with the expert himself, Mr. Johnny Yeo, at the Botanical Gardens. Johnny, good friend and a serious orchid enthusiast was on fun duty. Besides being an orchid lover, he also plays the Chinese erhu, the ukulele and is a cycling enthusiast.

While visiting the National Library lately, meeting four buskers who were off duty. They had a great time listening to the pianist. But no singing, says the security guard on duty. A visitor, took pictures.

On 15th May 2025 Amanda, guitarist, and Dorothy, leader of a group of young ladies from Yuying Secondary School Guitar Emsemble Alumni, staged a memorable performance at the Tan Tock Seng Hospital Atrium. A huge crowd awaited.

Mr Bob Salleh and Mr.Ali were in charge of the acoustics that day. And what a fine job they did. Not an easy task with the public, patients and a big audience milling around them to watch what they do. I became friends with them too. Thanks Bob and Ali.

And here's the Concordia Guitar Ensemble about to go into their guitar play and rendering songs for the Hospital crowd and passers-by. The group was founded in 2019. Thank you, ladies. You all made my day. These 3 pictures and other ones will be posted as a full article soon. So watch out for it.

朋友 (Pang Yau - Friend of Mine) - Alan Tam Wing Lun (譚詠麟) YouTube Video by: EmperorTam.

The Music Section at the main library, Middle Road. It's only one part of a huge collection of books about songs and their singers. There's Clapton, Parton and Springsteen. With Beatles book of their lyrics. Notice others? Books are my great friends too!

An interesting moment, meeting Mr. Chee Soon Juan at a Supermarket. He was rather busy as usual but this time shopping for groceries. No chat but he was kind enough to spare me time for the picture. 

Pianist Sammin Ang is a good friend and a versatile musician; one who plays quite a number of instruments. His wife, Esther is a singer who can croon in English and Chinese. They appear at many concerts and entertainment venues.

This friend sends me coffee greetings each morning. A well-known Elvis Tribute Artiste, Jimmy PresLee owns many Elvis-oriented pantsuits when he appears on stage. Uh-huh-hah! 

And the good friend Jimmy [top left] who's everywhere gave Rediffusion DJ Larry Lai [with cap] and me a big birthday treat on November 25th. Thank you so much, Jimmy. It was extremely delicious food of local delights, including Larry's kong bah pow. He swallowed three huge ones. We had two birthday cakes and as usual Larry got the bigger piece. 🤣 And here's where I met many new friends.

Mr. Christopher Nathan, that's the man! Check him out and help him out. He's always at the Toa Payoh Hub near the NTUC that is opposite the Value Dollar Store. He sings well and does songs by Freddy Mercury. Hope to meet you again my friend. 

Lovely lines from a 60's hit. Do you know the title? It's there for you... This is one of my favourite numbers. Do you know the singer?

Here's a cutie pie you'd love to be with. Friendly and loving you can cuddle this giant for as long as you like. He won't object. You should see him tumble on the lawn he's actually admiring... and he sleeps in an air-conditioned room. As Ronald Ho says on the Comment Page below, this beautiful animal could be a Samoyed from Siberia. 

In psychedelic colours, here's a Disc Jockey [DJ] at work. Psychedelic is one of the most popularly used words in the 1960's.

My favourite lines as a Senior. Not many years to go but you still get people you know trying to knock you off sometimes. Sad! Do you know the title and the group that sings it?

Can you name this song and singers?

Thank you for reading up to here. Last one, a beautiful decoration piece creatively done for a Christmas dinner table. 

Have a great 2026 everyone. Hope to meet more friends along the way... It's only January.