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TOP TUNES INFLUENCE: 1956-1957
Singapore, in the 50s, had more than its fair share of instrumental music before The Shadows and Ventures came to town in the early 60s. In fact, the music was more varied and instead of the monotonous three electric guitars and a drum routine that permeated the world in the 60s, the influence of both Latin and strings came distinctly from a few big band combos and orchestras.
First, the Latin flavour came from orchestras like Perez Prado's. Following the Top Tunes 1956 list and having lived in that decade, the tune that surpassed all others in popularity in this genre was, Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White. It was played everywhere and for many years, as the whole country was immersed in this particular Latin song with its powerful trumpet solo, exciting rhythm and mambo madness.
Pérez Prado Y Su Orquesta - 'Mambo No. 5'
YouTube video by: uhbytube
Besides Cherry Pink, Perez Prado during his hey-days also provided Mambo No 5 and Patricia (image). Then Cha-cha-cha came to light as many Latin songs with the conga, mambo, samba and rhumba beat were changed to the cha-cha beat. And "one, two, cha-cha-cha," came to life!
Singapore dance cabarets at the Happy World and Great World, where you can pay for a lady dance partner [taxi dancers], was filled with Seniors who enjoyed the vibrant movements and steps.
"Like exercising and playing soccer!" someone screamed!
"Yes, but fully clothed!" someone added, chuckling!
MOONLIGHT, MOONCAKES, MAMBO, MADNESS
It's 6th October today and Singaporeans celebrate the mooncake festival. Below are some connections if you are interested.
Click below:
Perez Prado Orchestra in the 50s and 60s.
Mid-Autumn madness with mooncakes and mambo.
Enjoy my dear readers! 6th October, 2025.
Original article: Andy Lim Collection.
Images: Google Collection.
Posting Updated from: 10.9.09.
Patricia: James Last and Orchestra.
YouTube Video by: Last Forever
12 comments:
Pure LATIN... Reminds me of who? SUNNY LOW DANCERS.
Yes, Richard, the Sunny Low Dancers, so suave with their movements and acrobatic movements. Poetry with music and dance. Thank you for reminding readers who have seen his dancers in action those years from the 60s.
I used to listen to Latino music all day and enjoy the percussion instruments from my deep set Stereophonic Equipment. The sounds were separated so distinctly and clearly from my four speakers in the living room. Thanks, Andy, for this posting.
CPAABW was very popular indeed. It still is. The powerful trumpet solo made it an ideal tune to be played as an intro for a showtime act/performance in nightclubs or at company's dinner events.
Thanks, Jimmy, for your constant flow of music comments about melody makers from the past. Yes, the trumpet is an ideal instrument for that lone introductory call because of its appealing bugle sound.
Merriment and mooncakes. Don't forget to celebrate tonight.
Thanks for the comments Anonymous and Mr. Cherian. Mighty nice of you both to come in on this our 60's music blog scene.
Thanks Andy. I guessed many of us in the English stream of education grew up listening to such wonderful Latin music and watching the exotic dances accompanying it. Irreplaceable.
Nothing like good oldies songs/music that lasts till today❗
Yes. If readers and listeners know their choices, Latin rhythm's one of the best forms of music to tune in to nowadays. With colorful video enhancements these dance movements come alive. Like you mentioned: IRREPLACEABLE. Thanks Ronald.
Thanks to ANONYMOUS for your lovely comment. Nothing like oldies. True!!!
Thanks so much Cedric. As always, you're one of the first to comment, and very positive ones too, cheering the heart of each individual reader of this blog. Those were great hotels your dad played in, although two of them, the Ocean Park and Sea View are no more around.
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