(3) Mark Yun 60's Radio TV Singapore Star

In 1965 Mark Yun Chong Hai released an EP on Philips (image) "Never Die", the title song of which was penned by himself. His music was so popular that the song, as well as another track, "There'll Never Be", both original numbers, topped the Hit Parade Charts simultaneously over Radio Singapore and Rediffusion for weeks. Incidentally these two songs had their entire arrangement and orchestration done in Holland.

A follow-up was another recording, "I've Got A Feeling Tonight". For about a decade the crooner was a regular feature everywhere. "Even the postman whistles the tunes I recorded," Mark recollected with humour. He had even been compared to Pat Boone, "a clean, cut crooner who stole the hearts of many."

Mark had worked with producers like Domingo Raquiza, Tony Yeow, Yusuf Ahmad and Charles Lazaroo. There had been write-ups of Mark on Radio & TV Times in 1982 and other music magazines and newspapers. His last public performance was at the Esplanade Concert Hall in 2003.

Over the years Mark has developed a keener sense of music and focused on phrasing and interpretation of songs. He still performs professionally on occasions and his repertoire is mainly standards and jazz. Mark is a devoted family man with wife Adeline and sons Gene and Shane.

Interview with Andy Lim. All rights reserved.

Another Manhunt completed.