Sunday, November 08, 2009

Naomi & Boys - Singapore 60s Christmas Card

ANDY'S CHIT-CHAT WITH SINGAPORE 60S ARTISTES:

Another coincidence. I managed to get a copy of Naomi & The Boys' Christmas EP only a few days ago. According to the group's 1995 write-up by Eric Yeo, Managing Director of Polygram Singapore/Malaysia, "Many people might not know they were the first local group (in Singapore) to record a Christmas EP."

Henry Suriya (image) acknowledged this piece of information and further explained that brother Robert's original, My First Chrismas Without Daddy was written as a tribute to their father who passed away at a young age of 44.

The poignant rendition by Henry's sister Naomi moved members of the recording staff so much during this particular pressing that they cried openly.

Silver Bells rang the cash registers and Mary's Boy Child together with An Old Chrismas Card made this EP another hit for NATB. It was definitely with dad's blessing.

Henry Suriya hasn't retired from singing and we hope to get together soon for another stage performance. He grows orchids in the front porch of his apartment and has quite a collection.

When I last visited him Henry showed me his records and posters that he has collected during his many years with The Boys.  Our lunch was at the Serangoon Garden Food Centre. Simple living for two simple people.

Original article: Andy Lim n Henry Suriya Collection.

1 comment:

ALPHONSO SOOSAY FACEBOOK said...

In December 1996 Naomi & The Boys released their first Christmas EP with these above songs entitled “Silver Bells”, “Mary’s Boy Child” “My First Christmas Without Daddy” and “An Old Christmas Card”.

I remember Naomi breaking down in the Recording Studio as she was Recording “My First Christmas Without Daddy” a song written by her brother elder Robert Suriya in memory of their late Father. If one were to listen to that song now, one can actually feel the emotions of sadness and true feelings of their first Christmas without Daddy.