Singapore's Paul Anka at the Rex Cinema:
I was interested in music since my school days and sang during the end of year school concerts and functions. I guess I love the stage and took the opportunity to perform whenever I could. In fact, four of my classmates and I participated in a skit called, "Kiss No Harm," where we drew laughter and joyful tears from our audience during the annual concert.
When I started working, I took part in singing competitions at annual picnics organised by commercial organisations and one like 'Amateur Night' at the Capitol Cinema, the 'Vespa Club' Nite at Siglap Road.
I never looked back after that and free-lanced with a few bands like the Velvetones (later Philips recording artistes, 'The Firebyrds') and Swallows, Singapore's number one Pop-Yeh-Yeh band.
I met The Silver Strings when I met Audie Ng (bass) and 'Danny Boy' (drums) during their jam sessions at Idris Road. The others were David Chan (lead) and Wilfred Chew (rhythm). At that time the group practised songs by The Shadows, The Ventures and other groups.
Like many such contests those years, they were held to promote the movies, singers like Paul Anka and actors. It was a genuine contest and quite a number of prominent Singapore 60's artistes participated.
For me, it was fun and games, took an academic path afterwards and left the band trail after nearly two years.
Check out later postings on this issue.
Andy with his trophy after winning
the Paul Anka Title in 1959.
Images from Google; Private Collection.
SG50: A Pioneering Spirit on The Singapore Memory Trail.
