(2) Western Pop Undesirable Yellow Culture 70s

Mark Yun (image: yesterday n today) had his singing debut in the Radio Talentime in 1962. At the audition, the producer was so impressed with Mark's vocals, he asked him to sing the complete song, There's A Goldmine in the Sky. 
In fact, having heard Mark sing during his hey-day, Mark sounded just like Pat Boone, with his God gifted bass-baritone vocals.

He finished runner-up in the finals. The crooner's deep and mellow voice coupled with his relaxed style made him one of the most sought after performers in the 60's and 70's.

During the days when the slogan was, Merger he was selected for a Command Performance before the King and Queen of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. He was also featured in the first local music production over TV Singapore called Dendang Ria in 1963.

A recording contract (story in the next post) followed in 1965. He was singing all over in Singapore for about a decade. Mark was on radio, TV and stage.

"Misfortune struck in 1970 after the government branded Western pop music as undesirable Yellow Culture and RTS was directed to suspend all local productions of English music. 

"Producers of radio, TV then quit for greener pastures," said Mark. This move was devastating because it affected both the non-professionals like Mark and it was worse for those who made a living from music. Performances on the stage, radio and TV were terminated.

Andy Lim's interview with Mark Yun. All rights reserved.

More about Mark Yun in future postings.