Zhang Xiao Ying - CantoPop JPop Tokyo Square

Since Canto-pop became the buzz word in Singapore, Zhang Xiao Ying had also pressed several albums in Cantonese. But sales were slow and because of strong market competition and lacking proper promotion in Hong Kong, the business was curtailed by her record company.

She continued with Mandarin pops but also recorded oldies from the 50s and 60s. When she recorded melodies for the Spring festival, they sold just as well, like Chinese New Year goodies. According to 3 Dream Blogspot, "Her voice injected the spirit of splendour and goodness for each New Year."

Zhang Xiao Ying also translated Canto-Pop, J-Pop and Tokyo Square's Within You Remain into Mandarin. She was the first Chinese singer to have a special TV programme dedicated in her name. It was screened on Channel 8 under the TCS (Television Corporation of Singapore) banner.

Image/Article: Andy Lim Collection.

Zhang Xiao Ying (张小英) Chinese 60's Music

UP TO 25,000 VIEWS  

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A Singaporean but of Shanghai parentage, she came into prominence when she won the Rediffusion Talentime singing contest in the late 60's. 

She was signed up for a recording contract immediately and a song, Three Dreams, was specially written for her first new album. Soon Zhang Xiao Ying became a household name.

Since A-Go-Go music was popular during that period, she signed up with Golden Urn Records and produced some. She became very much in demand.

In the beginning, she was accompanied by the instrumental group, The Travellers but was later backed by The Stylers who were more popular in the region then.

Singing Lover's Tears in Bahasa Indonesia.

When she came under Denon's Prinstar Records the promotion of her latest pressing would be broadcast on Rediffusion weekly. She is known to sing her songs clearly, with perfect diction, energy and feeling.

Some of her fans did not realise she could sing just as well in the Indonesian language. Again her pronunciation and ability to speak the language proved a hit with those who loved to hear her (video above).

In the early 70's, when black and white TV was popular, RTS - Radio Television Singapore - had a programme called Hua Yuen Liang Xiao (梁萧华) hosted by famous comedians Wang Sar and Ye Fung. Scheduled on Friday evenings, Zhang Xiao Ying appeared every third Friday dishing out her latest hits.

Many Singaporeans who were familiar with Mandarin rushed home from work and waited in their sitting rooms for her to come on screen. It has been known that her programmes also drew hundreds to the Community Centres where many television sets were placed for the general public who did not own one at home.

The magic of today's media has brought us back to the 60's again. And because of the flexibility of You Tube and the internet, Ms Chang is again with us. 

Enjoy.

One of the most pop Chinese New Year song by Zhang Xiao Ying (张小) that came out in the 70's. The title Ta Di Hui Chun (大地回春) means the welcoming of spring in the big land which refers to the homeland (China).

More of her:

http://singapore60smusic.blogspot.sg/2009/06/chang-xiao-ying-had-cut-several-albums.html

Zhang Xiaoying (Chang Siao Ying) - 

Dare Not Tell You 不敢告诉你-张小英 1970s

Image/Article: Andy Lim Collection.

Mexico To Singapore - Los Bobos - 60s Music

LOS BOBOS is renowned for its extensive repertoire and vast experience. This strolling trio comprises Bobo on keyboards (right) and lead guitar, Ally on bass and Vivian on lead vocals and rhythm guitar.

They can sing and play in the only way they know how, with much passion. The group is able to provide a variety of songs ranging from ballads to soft rock as they are all seasoned vocalists. With a repertoire that covers from the golden oldies of the 50s, 60s to current hits as well as songs in various languages, LOS BOBOS combines three talents to produce music you won’t want to miss.

Los Bobos have performed all over Singapore these last 20 years. Below are some of the more well-known venues:RAFFLES HOTEL 2007 /OCHO RESTAURANT (CHIJMES) 2006 /THE BISTRO (NUSS/GUILD HOUSE) 2005 /The BRITISH CLUB 2004 /TRADER’S VIC (OTANI HOTEL) 1998-2003 /CINNABAR (OTANI HOTEL) 1997 /SOMERSET BAR (WESTIN HOTEL) 1994 /N.T.U.C. CLUB 1992-1993 /CHANGI BEACH CLUB 1991-1992 /LOBBY LOUNGE/(HILTON HOTEL) 1990-1991 /CHESA RESTAURANT (HOTEL EQUATORIAL) 1989 /RESTAURANT (HOLIDAY INN) 1987 /COACHMAN INN (PSA BUILDING) 1986.

And the songs they sing? Here is a short repertoire of their top 40 hits:

All Rise/Betterman /Breakaway /Bring Me To Life /Can’t Get You Out Of My Head /Chilli Cha/Cha /Cool /Corazon Espinado /Don’t Cha /Don’t Know Why /Don’t Phunk With My Heart /Eternity /Everytime /Get The Party Started /Hips Don’t Lie /Hole In The Head /Hung/Up /If Tomorrow Never Comes /Kiss Me /Let’s Get Loud /Lose My Breath /Push The Button /Since You’ve Been Gone /Sometimes /Sunday Morning /Superstar /That’s The Way It Is /The Game Of Love /The Ketchup Song/(Asereje) /The Tide Is High /The Cheeky Song (Touch my bum) /Toxic /Waiting For Tonight /What Took You So Long /Whenever Wherever /When You Say Nothing At All /Where Is The Love.

Image/Article: Los Bobos Collection. All Rights Reserved.
Edited: Andy Lim.

(3) Doris Ang - Sandboys - Chinese 60s Music

Clockwise: Alan Ang, Doris Ang, Simon, Sherman 

[Richard's younger brother], Razak, Jansen Lee.

UP TO 800 VIEWS, 15 COMMENTS

Another singer is Doris Ang, and according to some enthusiasts, is popular in the late 60s. She is backed by a group called The Sandboys and recorded the EP titled, Crying In A Storm (1966). It has been pressed by Japanese singer, Emy Jackson and The Smashmen (1965) and one of the oldest J-Pop. The Quests too have accompanied Rita Chao.

The selection on this EP includes, Me The Peaceful Heart, a fast beat Lulu favourite, Simon Says by 1910 Fruit Gum Company (a late 60s bubblegum sing-a-long) and How To Catch A Boy. The recordings are in Chinese on vinyl ST 1007.

The recording of the song, in comparison to other better known vinyl recording companies is amateurish but worth listening to. It goes to show the enthusiasm of youth and the music scene in the 60s. These bands recorded not for the economic gains but for the fun and satisfaction it brought them when pop music was just surfacing then.

Doris Ang & The Sandboys - 'How To Catch A Boy' 

我己找到男朋友 - 1968 - Singapore

YouTube Video by DJ Honey.

I must thank Richard Rajoo, guitar enthusiast and a popular jamming kaki with other local musicians, for providing me the names of the band members above.

Image/Original article: Andy Lim.

RICHARD RAJOO (GUITARIST) said...

Yes Andy, Sherman is my younger brother. Monday morning, my sister in law called to Inform: Sherman, just died in the Hospital🤦🏻‍♂️* 🙏🏻RIP✝️ 13.7.2022.

(2) Lisa Lim - The Stylers - Chinese 60s Music

The third singer is Lisa Lim, who recorded under Precious Urn, a well-known label offering mostly Chinese melodies and once owned by Roxy Music Company at North Bridge Road.

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Her choice is the well-known golden pair combination of Guantanamera and San Francisco with Patches (1962), a song about teenage tragedies by Dickey Lee and The Last Waltz (1967) by Engelbert Humperdinck.

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These four songs are totally different in rendition and Lisa Lim has a knack for providing a special feel for each one. It is difficult to ascertain if she really carries some of these songs but they are oldy goodies. (Image: KEP 522).

.

She has also pressed other covers on Amigo Records with The Stylers and the songs include, Nobody's Child, Proud Mary, Fraulein and I'll Never Fall In Love Again. Quite a repertoire with Proud Mary being in a different category altogether. Lisa Lim sings in Cantonese and has a high powerful voice to sing this selection.

.

Ronnie See and his New Burns may sing his own version of Patches during the Orchid Country Club gig in July, 2009.

Image/original article: Andy Lim Collection,

(1) Penny Lim Silver Stones Chinese 60s Music

Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong and other South East Asian countries have their fair share of lady singers in the 60s. They are young, pretty and talented and steal the limelight. These singers include, SK Poon, Sakura Teng, Rita Chao, Theresa Teng, Agnes Chan, Lena Lim and a host of others.

.

But these singers paved the way for others and these late 60s ladies have managed to press vinyls to their names too. Penny Lim is one and the image shows that she has recorded with The Silverstones.

In this particular Sakura Records release, she sings covers by Western pop singers with such hit classics like Butterfly by Jim Ed Brown (a French song translated into German and English), Circle Game (1968) by Joni Mitchell, All Kinds Of Everything (1970) by Dana and Sweet Dreams, which I have no knowledge about. Couldn't have been by the Eurythmics. Most of them sing in both Chinese and English.

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Certainly an accomplished group, The Silverstones use the echo chamber to advantage. Is it possible to differentiate them from the Stylers?

.

Image/Original Article: Andy Lim Collection.

Remember Michael Jackson King Of Pop 25 June 2018

29 August 1958
25 June 2009
King Of Pops












REMEMBERING MICHAEL JACKSON: 25 JUNE 2018.

There is approximately 68 million Google search for Michael Jackson when he died 50 years young in Los Angeles, California today. Next, to Elvis Presley and John Lennon, he was one of the most celebrated and talented singers, selling about 750 million albums worldwide.

He started singing as a child of 5 and in 1964, joined his brothers to form the Jackson Five and later Jackson Brothers but when Michael went solo, he became an international sensation.

Jackson won 13 Grammy Awards, 13 number one singles in his career, more than any other male artist in the Hot 100. One album Thriller (image), sold about 50 million copies.

He was a pop icon for four decades, married twice - once to Elvis Presley's daughter, Lisa Marie - and his private life, deemed by many as weird, was shared by all. He left behind 3 children.

Michael Jackson performed 3 concerts at the National Stadium in Singapore, on August 29 and 31, 1993 and another on October 25, 1996, during the HIStory Concert. The stadium packed an average of 40,000 fans (approx: 90,000 and 30,000) from all over South East Asia and beyond.

"Heal the world/Make it a better place/For you and for me/And the entire human race/There are people dying/If you care enough for the living/Make a better place for you and for me..."

To be honest I loved his singing style when he was much younger and sang songs like Ben and I'll Be There. Beyond that, it was the kids who liked him. But his moon-walk, man that was sumpthin'. 
Michael Jackson as a young boy singing about his dog Ben.

Images: Google
Music: YouTube Ben.

Statistics on Michael Jackson: Wikipedia, The Straits Times, Singapore and minor sources.

The innumerable stories on this superstar are unbelievable.

Image/MJ Thriller album cover/original article: from Andy Lim Collection.

Below are more connections on MJ. Check them out:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2009/09/blog-post.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2009/09/michael-jackson-60s-ill-be-there-and.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2009/07/we-are-world-for-michael-jackson-too.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2009/10/60s-music-personalities-are-still.html

Crescendos: Singapore's First Recording Artistes

New dances like the Twist made way for pop music that had different beat variation. It also provided opportunities for local groups like The Crescendos to record. They were the first group in Singapore to acquire a recording contract with Philips, an international label. The song was Mr Twister, a Chubby Checker hit.

This first song, with Frankie on the flip (image), sold over 10, 000 copies in Malaysia and placed it in the Philips World Top Ten. Connie Francis didn't have much of a chance in Singapore with Susan Lim's rendition. Air time was important then, so the few radio stations and Rediffusion broadcast made it a top pop.

They became the talk of the town and scored with another, In The Good Old Summertime, and an original song, The Boy Next Door. Both songs sold over 10,000 copies each.

But ironically, the real twist came when the group, at their peak, decided to take a break because of personal commitment and recordings stopped by 1966. Worse, Susan Lim disappeared in a Malaysian east coast incident which left the band devoid of a talented singer.

The Crescendos started with John Chee, Leslie Chia and Raymond Ho in July 1961 and won the second prize in a talent show. When Susan Lim joined them, they were placed second in a Radio Singapore Talentime contest held on 30th December, 1962 and took part in various shows for charity.

They are part of Singapore's 6os music heritage as they opened doors for other local groups to record with international labels. Eight of their hits have been released again recently, together with other 60s recording artistes.

Image/Original Article: Andy Lim Collection.

The Crescendos group is under Universal Music Singapore.

The Twist - Chubby Checker - Dance Influence

When Ernest Evans did The Twist, little did he realise he was creating a dance revolution, because it was the beginning of a cultural shift away from embracing a partner that ballroom dancing entailed.

The Twist, dated from 1958, was written and actually recorded by a Hank Ballard. It was a B-side that got to the A-side just because a bar owner banned youngsters from touching one another during dancing.

The fad picked up, the dance became a sensation and Ernest Evans or Chubby Checker (stage name), a chicken-plucker became such a huge success that he recorded, Mr Twister, Let's Twist Again and Twist Train on Columbia Records (image).

Other songs followed with strange titles like, Twistin USA, The Ooh Poo Pah Doo, The *'CC Rider' Stroll, The Chicken, The Hucklebuck, The 'Love Is Strange' Calypso, The Slop, Your Feet's Too Big and The Pony. Even The Arthur Murray School of Dancing - well-known with 60s dance students - offered dance instructions of the Twist on Chubby Checker's vinyls.

In case Singapore Seniors have forgotten, it's holding an outstretched bath towel and getting it going back and forth - the hip motion for The Twist. The rest is up to you, so if you have the groove you would have the move!

*Look for it, sung by Elvis Presley - YouTube video.

Bibliography: 1. Music/Bruce Eder/Cassell Book - 2007. 2. King of the Twist/Columbia Records.

Image/Original Article: Andy Lim Collection.

Freddie Aguilar Anak Philippino Music Influence

(UPDATE: 27 May, 2025) 

FOLK singer and Original Pilipino Music (OPM) icon Freddie Aguilar died Tuesday. He was 72. Reports said Aguilar passed away around 1:30 a.m. at the Philippine Heart Center.

RIP FREDDIE. 

THANKS FOR 'ANAK' N YOUR LOVELY MUSIC.

CONDOLENCES TO MR. AGUILAR'S FAMILY.

  UP TO 2,000 VIEWS,  

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This blog does not usually discuss late 70s music but there's always an exception and this particular song is going into that territory.

Most 60s music lovers and those in the business, play this song over and over again because of its haunting melody and heart rendering tale of a parent’s love for a wayward child. It has captured the ears and hearts of many Singaporeans and to many, it seems to be the only folk song that comes from this beautiful country of music, love and 7,107 islands.

The original Tagalog version that brought it an international success, climbed fast to the top ten charts in Japan and Europe; over 30 million copies were sold worldwide, with more than 100 cover versions and 55 conversions in 27 languages, including English.

The singer is Freddie Aguilar, the one Asian singer, and composer who broke into the western market with this unbelievably poignant song. Aguilar has been given the distinction of being the only Asian artist to achieve worldwide fame. It was such a big hit that Billboard Magazine reported it as a No. 2 on the Top 100 Hits of the World in the 80s. He received an Asia Star Award in 2008 and is President's Duterte's favourite singer.

Go to any nightspot in Singapore today and the song is still being played by our local artistes, sometimes in Tagalog and sometimes in English. I first heard it sung by a Filipino singer at the former Glass Hotel at Havelock Road.

18 April 2015

Organised by musicologist, Dr. Joe Peters (he likes my blog), I met Mr. Aguilar during one of his special performances here about four years ago when he was invited by the Singapore Management University where he described his early years as a music maker and his life and performances. He went through much hardship but settled into an astonishing career. His son performed too with their accompanying band, if I remember correctly.

Good friend Rickie Chng (lead Silver Strings) accompanied me to the talk and short performance. 

An Original Article: Andy Lim.

Two friends, Dr. Joe Peters, who loves this blog and old friend, Dr. Kirpal Singh, NTU/NIE lecturer in the 2000s. They were with Freddie Aguilar at the talk given by this famous Filipino pop singer and icon in 2015.

Goodbye Mr. Aguilar. 

Rest In Peace...

Mantovani & His Orchestra 60s Music Influence

Most people in Singapore have heard of Mantovani but some think that he only plays classical music. He does but he also plays pops. In fact he recreates his music to suit both classical music lovers and popular music enthusiasts.

"Put your feeling into your music, my boy," Mantovani's father used to tell him, "Music without feeling is little more than a noise." Mantovani has followed this sound advice throughout his remarkably successful career.

Using his conductor's baton, he orchestrates his musicians through beautiful, enchanting melodies; violins soar, cascading and creating fountains of exciting sounds as familiar themes become transformed into thrilling jewelled patterns. Yet, however rich, colourful or sensuous the harmonies, his music is always warm and filled with emotion.

If there are stars in the eyes of 10,000 persons, it is Mantovani who gives that magic touch with his slender baton. In classical music jargon, he uses 28 strings (6 first violins, 6 second violins, 6 third violins, 4 violas, 4 cellos, and 2 double-basses), balanced against 13 brass, woodwind and percussion. It explains how he creates his sparkling, luminous orchestration. Like his father, he says, "Musicians must feel the music." Edited/Decca Record Company, 1959.

In this particular 33rpm vinyl, he plays Jerome Kern, Cole Porter, Frederick Loewe, Irving Berlin, Richard Rodgers, George Gerswin, Victor Young, Hoagy Carmichael and lots more. These are composers of international renown and the best of the 50s and 60s or even earlier.

If baby boomers have been influenced by Cliff Richard and the Shadows, then there are those who have been enchanted earlier by Mantovani and his Orchestra.

Articles on his life and works are everywhere on the Net.

Information: Sleeve Cover.

Image/Edited article: Andy Lim Collection.

(4) The Trailers With Henry - Copyright Laws

"Even to this day, the protection of artistes' work continues to be an arduous task. I wonder how many local artistes know what is copyright. Why is copyright important? How long does copyright exist to cover the artistes' works? My personal view is: Anyone who takes another's musical works without the permission or compensation has infringed copyright laws.

Although I contributed so little, I am honoured and proud to be part of Singapore's pop history. The places visited; the many friends I've made will be things, "I'll remember and treasure all my life." Henry Suriya.

This article is the final part in the series.

Image/Article: The Trailers and friends. Henry Suriya Collection. All Rights Reserved.

60s Music Scene - Brawls? Play Peace Pipe!

To believe that the 60s music scene was all glamour and glitz is to believe that fairy tales are true. There were happy times when bands had it good, just singing their songs and strumming their guitars in unison at the various venues but there were times when the goings were rough and band members would try to avoid the confusion and play on.

It happened sometimes, when a bunch of rowdy youths would come into the night spots to create problems. They could get wild and become unruly even during a performance. A staring incident could easily trigger a fight.

These fights usually started when a group was having a good time at a night club, drinking and dancing with their girl friends on the floor, while another group would be staring at these girls. When one party challenged the other, a quarrel would ensue and minor scuffles occurred.

Personally, there were no encounters when the Silver Strings or Velvetones performed during our time. They were all peaceful occasions as patrons enjoyed the singing, the music and the dancing. Management, at these entertainment halls, was always cautious of trouble-makers so actually, "fairy tales can come true, it may happen to you, if you're Young at heart." And play Peace Pipe by the Shadows.

Image: Showing youthful attitude and gait that could create a misunderstanding between parties but they may not necessarily be bad hats.

Image/article: Andy Lim Collection.

Dan Enterprising Man 60s Music - Esquires.

Singer and leader of the Esquires for the VivoCity gig is Dan, the hot and fiery rock and roll man who brought the house down that night, with his repertoire of hit oldies. Dan also plays the saxaphone.

He has a shop that fixes electronic stuff that includes amplifiers, guitars and other multi-media paraphanelia. He has many photographs, pictures and posters, plastered all over his shop, showing his music history with his former bands.

His shop also rents studio space for young music enthusiasts to practise their trade or hobby in music. And he's still in the same business. Great.
Another successful manhunt.
Image/Article: Andy Lim Collection.

From San Francisco To Singapore - 60s Music

As explained in a previous posting (June 16/2009), another popular song covered by as many singers and instrumental groups, is the June, 1967 hippie hit, San Francisco (wear some flowers in your hair) by Scott McKenzie. It was composed by John Philips of the Papas and the Mamas.

Do not to be mistaken, because another San Francisco begins with the line, "I left my heart in San Francisco" sung by Tony Bennett in 1962 but written in 1954 by Cory/Cross. It was a hit as well.

In Singapore, the Girvin Sisters, Elizabeth and Marilyn with *Horace Wee, were backed by Charlie and His Orchestra to record a single (image), with Guantanamera as its A-side. 'Charlie' is well-known amongst vinyl record collectors as his name and 'orchestra' seemed to have backed many local artistes. The vinyl was produced by Star Swan Records. (Check posting on December, 21/2008.)

*The possibility that it is Horace Wee comes from Alphonso Soosay's write-up on this superb Singapore guitarist as he lead the RTS (Radio TV Singapore) Orchestra's performance of this song which attracted a huge number of fans and reviews on the media. (Universal Music, Singapore.)

Image/Article: Andy Lim Collection. All Rights Reserved.

(3) 60s Music Decline - Money Piracy Culture

"The boom in the local recording industry created an avenue for "pirates' to thrive. Recordings of popular artistes were found evrywhere on many different labels. There were times pirated copies could be found in shops even before the originals hit the market. Unbelievable, frustrating and sad, yet nothing could be done.



Henry Suriya

At that time, both Malaysia and Singapore were not protected by copyright laws. Privacy was rampant in some Asian countries. A huge portion of the artistes' earnings were take away by these crooks.

The 'down syndrome' started to take place, beginning with fewer stage shows and followed by the disappearance of shops that sold musical instruments. Jobs were lost. Tea-dances were banned as pop music was regarded as 'yellow culture'. The music scene slowly but surely slipped into slumberland."

Many of our local artistes were echoing the 1964 hit song by the Animals - We Gotta Get Out Of This Place. Some of them did just that and (while some got out of the industry), others moved out of Singapore."

Henry is brother to Naomi and Robert (singer/composer) of the Naomi & The Boys fame. FYI: This family has 12 of their songs on the 100 Greatest Singapore 60s Definitive Collection that was recently released.

Image/Article: 3rd part of a series by Henry Suriya.
All Rights Reserved.

The Esquires - Hot November Night - Vivo City

There are also 60s musicians who are tutors in music schools now, and while some are busking on the sunny streets in Singapore, others sing under the moonlight. They do not earn much, work for many hours and can be found at Orchard Road and other street venues.

Farid (left) was on lead guitar during the VivoCity gig. The Esquires also accompanied Wilson David, a well-known Elvis Presley impersonator, when he fronted them during the show singing, Mean Woman Blues, Wooden Heart and Mona Lisa.

There were numerous 60s artistes who had performed in Singapore's night-spots, cinemas, theatres and hotels. Singapore nightlife was truly vibrant, captivating and unforgettable.

Some of them are still playing at private clubs and hotels, while others have either gone into business or quit the scene for more lucrative careers.

Khalik (left) was the bass guitarist for The Esquires that evening and all their musical instruments were provided by Dan of Dan Enterprise at Peninsula Plaza. He was the leader and saxaphonist for the band.

The Esquires were men of steel who braved the night to heat the stage up at the VivoCity Concert in November 2008. They were the band that started the rockin' and rollin' that evening. Some of them are more than half a century young but they were in top form.

The concert also featured The Silver Strings, Veronica, Mike & Herb, Andy, Wilson David, Max Surin, Michael Goh and The Trailers. Jerry Fernandez was the MC for the evening and the other Jerry was on the drums (right).

Images: all 3 from Mike & Herb through Steven Farram - Australia.

60s Music Better Than Today's - Twitter Youths

About 9 hours ago today, Twitter Brian of bhbluebird8 remarks: "Maybe I'm getting older, but I keep realizing that music from the 60s and 70s is so much better than what is played nowdays."

About 8 hours ago today, Twitter Ashlilouise (Hollister) made the same comment: "My grandad was 56 today and it made me think... what is it like to have lived in the 50s and 60s? I'm so jealous, they had good music."

Knivesinmyeyes says: "As I sit out here smoking my cigarette, I can hear slow 60s music playing in the distance. It's making my night."

These comments are from very young people and how right they are. The period from the mid-50s, 60s and early 70s is the golden era of pop music. Singapore too, had its golden years during the 60s.

Image: twitter.com

Information: Topics from 60s Music Bing beta website.

The Shadows Versatility - Hawaiian Guitar Too

He plays bass for this group and also the hawaiian guitar for another band. He enjoys what he is doing and spends much time jamming with his friends when he is free. He has a large collection of guitars. Shadows' versatility too.

The Shadows Versatility - Leads 60s Music

Quiet, unassuming but friendly, George Chew only lets his fingers do the walking and talking when he leads the band with his versatility on the Fender frets playing, Apache, FBI, Kon-Tiki and other Shadows hits.
George is able to communicate well with his bassist, rhythmist and drummer and harmonise as a whole. What band is George with and who are his guitar mates? Check him out soon enough.
Image/Article: Andy Lim

(2) Singapore 60s Musicians For Charity Shows

"An entertainer's life in the 60s did not evolve around the music alone, many were also involved in community service - a fact not many people are aware of. Top performers very often were called upon to help in fund-raising events for various charities in Malaysia and Singapore. They did this willingly and seldom were paid.

Recording technology was inferior then. Good recording and sound engineers were few. As a result many groups produced their own music through trial and error. Yet, some of the best local recordings were done in the 60s. This also inspired some to become good record producers."

(2nd part in a series of 4 articles by Henry Suriya.)

Article/Image from: Henry Suriya Collection - All Rights Reserved.

(1) Henry Suriya Singapore 60s Artiste Recalls:

Local music was at its peak during the 60s, it was a period which also saw the beginning of some good song writers and record producers.

The 60s was a vibrant period for Singapore's music industry. Everyone became a part of the music scene - those who liked to dance, those who loved and bought our vinyl records, the radio stations that played our music - without them no singers and bands could continue. Their support for the locals artistes was the greatest compliment any artiste could ever want.

To many of us, music was just a hobby. We could never make a living from music. The highest one could achieve is to make a record and get some publicity in the media.

(1st part of a series where HENRY SURIYA, recording artiste, provides an overview of Singapore's vibrant music scene during the 60s .)
Image: www.wesdooley.com

Guantanamera - 60s Music - Covered By Many

The song, Guantanamera, needs no introduction and it has been interpreted in many languages including Chinese (image) but for most music lovers, it's the melody and the beauty of the original lyrics in Spanish that enchant.

The original composer for this Cuban folk song is uncertain but is usually 'attributed to a José Fernández Diaz (Wiki)' and written around the 20s. The lyrics relate to a particular woman from Guantánamo, with whom the person had a romantic relationship. If used with different lyrics, it can be a vehicle for social commentary, etc.

There are many versions but the lyrics loosely translate as, "I am an honest man from the land of palm trees, so as I lay dying like a wounded deer seeking refuge in the woods, I want to share the verses of my soul. I have a white rose each for this sincere friend who has given me his hand and for the cruel one who has torn his heart. I also wish to share my fate with the poor people... to me, the mountain brook provides more pleasure than the sea." Possibly a rejected lover!

The Sandpipers, personally, is the most poignant and popular since it was arranged by Peter Seeger.  There are other versions by Los Lobos, Trini Lopez, Joan Baez, Jose Feliciano and Julio Iglesias. 

There are numerous Asian versions of Guantanamera too including one by The Burns, Charlie & His Go-Go Boys, Lisa Lim and Horace and the Girvin Sisters. If readers come across any other version, please contribute. The accompanying song on these vinyls is usually, San Francisco (Some Flowers In Your Hair)

Vinyl Image/Article: from Andy Young.

Herp Alpert & The Tijuana Brass - Latino 60s

Remember Herp Alpert and the Tijuana Brass? Singaporeans loved his good looks and trumpet. Better than Harry James. They sold twice as many records in 1966 as compared to The Beatles.

Herp Alpert and the Tijuana Brass were first on the Billboard album charts for 18 weeks with 4 albums in the Top 10. Lonely Bull, (image) Whipped Cream and Other Delights, South Of The Border and a single that must be mentioned, Spanish Flea. The hits followed one after another as the handsome L.A. Californian introduced Latino sound to the pop/rock mainstream in the 60s. He is the "A" of A& M Records with Jerry Moss (M).

Alpert's musical accomplishments include 5 number one hits, 28 albums on the Billboard charts, 8 Grammy Awards, 14 Platinum albums, and 15 Gold albums. As of 1996, Alpert had sold 72 million albums internationally. But he could sing too and with This Guy's In Love With You, he topped the US charts for 4 weeks and reached Number 2 in the UK.

A personal favourite: SPANISH FLEA, a melody heard so many times, it comes out as a whistling tune, anytime, every time. Mr Herp Alpert.

He was also an influence on Singapore music in the 60s. Born in 1935, Herp Alpert should be 74 now. It is also well-known that he uses only Benge trumpets (image).

Comment by Mr Lum about the non-existence of instrumental music from the 80s till today has been inadvertently left out after the post has been deleted. The answer is probably because of IT and digitalized music without live musicians. Next, it's probably because of the introduction of rap where there is hardly any melody to be instrumentalized. Any other reason?

(Articles: Sourced from Music by David Wells)

Pan Xiu Qiong 潘秀瓊 SK Poon: Lover's Tears 情人的眼淚

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Pan Xiu Qiong or Poon Sow Keng, the original singer of "Lover's Tears," is featured in today's Straits Times Life Section. Read about her life and the book she has published that will soon be available.

At the Monday Interview by Straits Times journalist Andy Chen, she explains why her fans must 'forget her not'.

She will be appearing in a concert in August at Suntec City. Also on May 21st, 2009 an article about her was posted on this blog. Check them out.

A Personal Experience:

My moments with this lady singer came about when I was introduced to her by a Chinese school teacher friend of mine. He was with me at a primary school in the East Coast. We got along fine; he wanted to learn more English, I wanted to learn about Chinese pops.

Lover's Tears was the first song he introduced me to. This was in the mid-sixties when I had already left the Silver Strings and was grounded at school. I was gently advised about singing in the evenings and doing vinyl recordings with the band. I didn't do any more singing nor played with any band, focused on my work and, as a hobby, set my mind on learning about our local Chinese singers.

My teacher friend interpreted the song to me line by line (remember there was no Google Translate nor any useful nor fruitful Chinese interpretation gadgets at that time except for the usual listen and repeat Chinese lessons).

Poon Sow Keng (Pan Xiuqiong) - Lover's Tears 1964 

潘秀瓊-情人的眼淚 . Video by zzenzero. 

I had tried to attend one of her concerts when she was here not many years ago but to no avail. Her concerts were usually booked full house weeks before her performance.

According to Ms. Pan, this song made her famous. For me, it made me learn a little Mandarin.

Thank you, my friend, wherever you are today and Ms. Poon for learning Mandarin using the lyrics of your songs.

Oh my gosh! I grow up listening to S K Poon! The Queen Of Bass with her unique and distinctive vocals is one extraordinary performer whose renditions will bring music souls on a beautiful reminiscing journey and a trip down nostalgia lane. 

I could still remember saving up quite a bit to get my first cassette tape, a compilation of her classic songs and I could play over and over in my black Sony Walkman way back in the ’80s. From cassette to this one favourite CD of mine, her songs have walked me through many decades and she is still one of my most favourite female singers. Brother Andy, great to hear this again. 

Thank you for posting!😊

Connect below to read the other posting:
http://singapore60smusic.blogspot.sg/2009/05/blog-post_21.html

Images and videos: Google and YouTube

COMMENTS FROM 2019:

Anonymous:
I have been listening to her songs since I was a teenager.
Her Lovers Tears song is, in my opinion, the best of the lot.

Heard she stays in Toa Payoh.

Andy replies:

I am sure all of us would like to wish her good health , happiness, and long life. Thank you very much, Anonymous. Yes I hear she stays at Toa Payoh Singapore
Together with you, we'd like to wish her happiness, good health and long life too. It would be nice if she writes to this blog so we can meet and chat with her.