Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Tommy Sands Another Rock N Roll Influence.

As the 50s went by more musicals were produced and the singing stars became household names.
I remember rushing to the Alhambra Theatre at Beach Road to catch the movie, 'Sing Boy Sing'. Tommy Sands, who had the leading role, and another Elvis Presley copy-cat, was as popular. In fact Tom Parker, Presley's manager was supposed to be Sands' too.
With the usual guitar, side burns and sleek hair Tommy sang his way in the movie to many rock and roll fans who were already immersed in other pop singers. His songs, 'Teenage Crush', 'Sing Boy Sing', 'A Little Love' and 'Friendly Persuasion' (theme from a different movie) became hits.
Singapore bands followed the trend during these early days but many of the band boys were still at school and those who had the audacity and guts would organise a group to sing and dance like Tommy or Elvis.
The buzz word then was TEDDY BOY as everyone wanted to look like the singing stars.

2 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lasted for a while but was sensational during his peak. He is still around.

Anonymous said...

He wasn't as popular as Rick Nelson who was younger I think. Nelson also had a song with Teenage in the title.