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.
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.
16 comments:
A remarkable achievement surely. Incredible.
Hey Andy, do you know Vernon Cheong? He's got a blog similar to yours.
We dont know each other personally but I have visited his blog and I think it's fabulous.
Vernon Cheong started his blog much earlier, detailed and knowledgeable with Singappore 60s pop music but he concentrates on SE Asian talents.
This blog explains music influencing our talents in the 60s.
But I think we both do it for the passion and fun and never for financial gains.
Hi Andy! Just read this after so long of not visiting your blog. Aguilar's 'Anak' is certainly one of my favourite of all time. Simple and catchy tune, plus the moral values that it contains. It's great that you featured him!
Hi womad, thanks for the kind words. I just bought one of his LPs, 'Freddie Aguilar After Anak' and features covers like, 'House of Rising Sun', 'Blowing in the Wind', 'The Boxer' and other Aguilar originals.
Costs me $2.00 and it's on Polydor (2427 021).
Cheers.
I cannot access your blog anymore womad. Please help. Have you shut it down?
It cost you SGD2.00? That's a really good buy for a collection!
Regarding my blog: No, i didn't shut it down. you can try access it through here: http://womad.blogspot.com
Thanks womad for the plug. Just visited your blog and I typed your article for today's posting. Hope you don't mind.
I like your blog though it seems to have lost some sting... I actually love your rebellious self. But what you're doing now is great.
And a fantastic artist too!
Hi Andy, I encountered your blog while doing my research for our bar.
Being a Filipino, I have so many things to be proud of (despite our infamous govt) and one of them is Ka-Freddie. Indeed, he is remarkable. Manifested by the numerous translation of "Anak".
Hi Mary,
Thanks for visiting and your comments about Freddie Aguilar.
Singapore has many Filipino professionals working in the music industry and when I meet them we discuss Aguilar and Anak. He's really the best.
Good luck on your research and do write again when you are free.
He released his new album “Magdalena”. It went double platinum in its original Tagalog language – the language Freddie totally loves and believes in. Since then he has played a pivotal role in the musical life of modern Philippines in films, stage shows and recordings.
The Story of Anak is one of endeavor, perseverance, nationalism, and the use simple musical tools and language that points directly to the heart and ears of the human being. Freddie has also presented the Asian music industry with a unique music business model. He is coming to Singapore to tell us some of the long held-back stories behind “Anak” and his illustrious self-made musical career.
Thank you for posting this about Freddie Aguilar. Just like Jesus, many of his own fellowmen, do not recognize his achievements. But, I believe that he is truly the only Filipino artist that has transcended the barriers among nations through his Filipino compositions that focus on social, moral, economic, and political reforms.
I RECEIVED A LETTER OF THANKS THIS MORNING (23 APRIL 2019) ON MY MAIL.
HERE IT IS:
"Thank you for posting this about Freddie Aguilar. Just like Jesus, many of his own fellowmen, do not recognize his achievements. But, I believe that he is truly the only Filipino artist that has transcended the barriers among nations through his Filipino compositions that focus on social, moral, economic, and political reforms."
Stephen Han
I like Freddy’s rendition of “Anak”
Michael Lee
Hi Andy - Don't know much about Freddy.
Have listened to some of his songs and like Stephen I like his rendition of "Anak" best.
Cheerio
Andy Young
Thanks, STEPHEN, MICHAEL, JIMMY, ROSE, and JENNIE for the thumbs up.
There's an English version he sings.
Michael Lee
This is the version I like. Sound more soulful even though I don't understand a single word of Tagalog.
Cheerio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-n-2lPzH7Do
Andy Young
Michael thanks again for your participation.
But it's the same video on my blog, taken from the same source, the same soulful version.
Exactly. :-)
THIS POST IS SHARED BY VICTOR NG ON HIS FACEBOOK PAGE.
THANKS, VICTOR.
Yeah, I can listen to Anak over and over never tired of it. I sang this song too in Tagalog...
I was one time working with a Philipino band form by Dave Lock.
My Philipino band member taught me in Tagalog.
Worked for Dave Lock for about 3 years where he sends us all over Sarawak.
I got this Anak version in Japanese too where I learned while working in Hiroshima in 1985.
Very nice write out about Freddie Aquilar...
Thank you all for the comments and interesting anecdotes about Aguilar.
Appreciate the time you all took.
I'm just wondering if he's still singing and active.
Post a Comment