(4) Canadian 60s Music Influence: Four Lads

Although well accepted and internationally famous, many fans in Singapore in the late 50s and 60s were unaware that this vocal quartet were originally from Canada. The group first made their mark in the US in New York, when they accompanied *Johnny Ray (earlier posting) with Cry and A Little White Cloud That Cried (both 1951).

When they recorded with Columbia, The Four Lads had their first independent success with The Mocking Bird (1952) and their second with Istanbul (1953). Twenty singles were released by 1959 and all characterized by their closely harmonized singing. Recordings during these years were on 78rpm.

These hits also included Skokiaan (1954), Standing on the Corner (1956), Who Needs You (1957), and the million-seller, Moments to Remember (1955). The group also cut many LPs for Columbia, Kapp, and Dot. These were the songs Singaporeans listened to and collected before the transition to rock.

When rock n roll hit the world afterwards, one of the Four Lads remarked, "Well, after the Beatles hit we knew that the party was over. It was obvious. It was over as far as the recording studio was concerned. We made some records after that but nothing with any success. Not only that, but nobody wanted to record people like us - they wanted to do only rock. But we kept working, doing our thing, and singing to our audiences..." Contemporary Musicians Magazine.

*Robert Song, who fronted The Checkmates and The Stylers in the 60s, was Singapore's Johnny Ray. He was with The Gaylads (vocal quartet)/Flamingoes Combo too.There are many Four Lads Websites on the internet. It is interesting to note that The Four Lads are still active today.

Reference: (1) Canadian Encyclopaedia Historica. (2) Wikipedia. (3) http://www.musicianguide.com/
Image: amazon.com
Original article: Andy Lim

(3) Canadian Music Influence: The Diamonds

  Very well-known during the 50s were three vocal quartets from Toronto, who later emerged as international stars. The first group, The Four Lads perfected their well-tuned style by singing gospel music and being in the St. Michael's Cathedral Choir School.

Their former schoolmates, the Crew-Cuts, would modify African-American Rhythm and Blues chart hits to create pop hits songs like Sh-Boom (1954, originally by the Chords), became a craze for white audiences.

The third Toronto based foursome, The Diamonds (image) precipitated a major dance craze in the world, based on their recording, The Stroll (1958). Also, Little Darlin' (1957) and Why Do Fools Fall In Love (1956), became Singapore hits.

Do not mistake them for The Blue Diamonds (3 postings on this blog), who came from Holland and were very popular in Singapore.

Reference: Canadian Encyclopaedia Historica.

Image: The Diamonds Website.

(2) Canadian Influence: Local Vocal Groups

Remembering the late 50s and 60s, James Choa (check his posting earlier) recalled the good old days of radio and his own vocal quartet, The Gaylads who played to full houses in the nightspots in Singapore with their band, The Flamingos.

They sang songs by The Diamonds, like, Little Darlin', etc. Now there are hardly any pop quartets that have survived in Singapore. But we have cappella groups though.

In fact in the late 50s and early 60s another vocal group called The Three Bambinos were just as popular. Then came The Crescendos and The Sundowners who were able to cut records with international labels.

Incidentally, most of the Singapore vocal groups discussed came from the Katong area in the East Coast. I wonder why?

Image: Universal Music Singapore.

Original article: Andy Lim

(1) Canadian 60s Pop Music Influence In S'pore

Percy Faith

These few postings will take readers for a Canadian 60s pop music ride, as the Canadian music influence in Singapore is quite extensive. It is another journey and the names of artistes and songs are mentioned because they are familiar and also personal favourites.

Before the advent of television and when radio was king of the living room and bedroom in the 30s to the 50s, bandleader Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians had a number of hit songs which began with the early microphone, early radio-era pop song, Charmaine, Red Sails In The Sunset, Young At Heart, Deep Purple, etc.

Another internationally successful Canadian-born bandleader of the 40s and 50s was Percy Faith (image) and his orchestra. Many senior Singaporeans still remember him as the man that made 50s and 60s pop songs into beautifully orchestrated 'lush' music, e.g. Born Free, Windmills Of Your Mind, Theme From A Summer Place and hundreds more.

Jazz pianist Oscar Peterson was also a world success from the 50s onwards. Most enthusiasts remember him even till today. Peterson was the 'Maharajah of the Keyboard' and the 'Brown Bomber of the Boogie Woogie.'

Then there's Nova Scotian country music star Hank Snow who, after making an impact in Canada, went to Nashville, Tennesse and became famous. In 1954, before young Elvis Presley became popular, Snow allowed him to appear on stage as his opening act.

Image: amazon.com

Reference: 1. Canadian Encyclopaedia Historica. 2. Wikipedia.
Original article: Andy Lim.

James Brown, Bob Dylan, Cher, Peggy Sue, American Pie, Purple Rain, Stand By Me?

It's interesting to read snippets of "over a century of the greatest artists, albums, songs, performances and events that rocked the music world."

James Brown (image) playing at The Apollo is under 'Key Performance' in the book, "Working up his soulful screams before opting for a velvety growl, he continually took his audience to the edge and back again, women exploding with screams and hollered responses... (Page: 286)"

The Little Black Book Of MUSIC (General Editor: Sean Egan, 2007) is also worthwhile buying as it's a reference guide, so if the reader is that keen on pop music, the book costs about 17 pounds on Amazon ( about S$40.00++?).

The content consists of music from 1890 up to the present day. That's a long history and a detailed and interesting one too. This blogger is learning a lot from this book and as usual, it's available in our libraries.

With nearly 800 pages, the book is small, square and thick. But worth the amount paid for!

Image: amazon.com.uk

Original article: Andy Lim

(5) Country Western 60s: Singapore Cowboys

They are one of the best bands in Singapore and they specialise in Country and Western Music. Matthew Tan is the vocalist and plays rhythm guitar, Michael Png plays steel/acoustic guitar, Richard Danker plays bass, while Derrick Danker is on lead guitar. Phillip Monteiro plays drums.

For their EMI the group recorded, Singapore Cowboy, Broken Lady, Lucille, Daytime Friends, That'll Be The Day, Legend In My Time, City Of New Orleans, Movin' On, Margaritaville, It Was Almost Like A Song, Lovesick Blues, Play Born To Lose Again, From Graceland To The Promised Land and The Last Farewell.

For Part II, on EMGS they recorded, Let's Put The Sing In Singapore, Love Or Something Like, I Can Almost See Houston From Here, Honky Tonk Downstairs, *Stranger, Shenandoah, Get Down Country Music, Leaving YOu Is Easier Than Wishing You Were Gone, Tulsa Time, North To Alaska, More Than Just A Memory and Showboat Gambler.

*Female vocalist of the 70s Tracy Huang accompanied them in Stranger. Both recordings were produced by Reggie Verghese, engineered by Vincent Lim and strings arrangements were by Martin Pereira.

Information: EMI Records (Long Play Vinyls). Image: Back Cover of EMGS5016 - Andy Lim Collection. Original Article: Andy Lim

(4) Singapore Cowboy/Cowgirls: Matthew, Mandarins/Crescendos/Naomi/Henry Suriya And The Boys/Sakura/The Dukes

Matthew and the Mandarins from Website of a private photo shot.

When our Singapore dudes and dames started singing their cowboy songs, most of the songs were imported from the Wild Wild West. They were simply covers and these included, Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (Naomi & The Boys), Silver Threads And Golden Needles (The Crescendos), Lonesome Town (Bobby Lambert & The Dukes), Love Is A Golden Ring (Henry Suriya & The Boys). Sakura Teng too recorded, I Don't Care If Tomorrow Never Comes and The Surfers with, By The Time I Get To Phoenix.

But one dude who covered many cowboy songs is Matthew Tan with his group The Mandarins. Matthew wrote two songs, Singapore Cowboy and Let's Put The Sing In Singapore. He is the only Country singer from Singapore who recorded at Nashville, Tennessee.

They used to play at the Hotel Negara, Singapore and were popular during the 80s oil boom, when many American oil riggers were stationed on the island. They were also at the Peacock Lounge, Shangrilla Hotel. Today they seem an almost forgotten local talent, except to country music fans.

Lately, they have been performing at a Singapore private club. In hand, there are two albums of popular country and western songs on the EMI Singapore label titled, Matthew and The Mandarins, I and II. Having heard them on record and having seen them perform at the hotels, there is no doubt that they are a talented country and western group.

Image: http://image56.webshots.com/

Original article: Andy Lim

(3) Roy Rogers - Country/Western Music 50s

These names must sound familiar to some people. Buck Jones, Hopalong Cassidy, Wild Bill Elliot, Rocky Lane and Tom Mix. With cowboy movies, the basics were there. And along with the goodies came the melodies. Country and western songs!

(2) Country Western Influence: Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, Roy Rogers, Hank Williams, Frankie Laine, Jim Reeves, Glen Campbell

During the earlier years in Singapore there were already many songs from the treasure chest of country oldies. Songs like, Dont Fence Me In (1945), by Roy Rogers and Dale Evans, not forgetting Gene Autry, Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (1945) were in existence on 78rpm records. 

Then favourites like, Your Cheating Heart (1952) and Jambalaya (1952) by Hank Williams followed. His own personal choice was Cold, Cold Heart (1951).

Frankie Laine's High Noon (1952) Rawhide (1958) were also best sellers as the theme of the rough and tough in country music gripped Singapore, "And I must face a man who hates me/Or like a coward, a craven coward/Or like a coward in my grave..."

People who came to the US from Europe composed songs like the Texan Fraulein (Bobby Helms), and Little Dutch Girl (George Morgan). The influence was gradual though, so when Elvis Presley emerged with his first movie, Love Me Tender (1956) followed by Loving You (1957) with songs like, Lonesome Cowboy, A Lotta Livin' To Do and Hot Dog, most pop music enthusiasts went agog. Country and rock were combined. Johnny Cash joined the scene with, I Walk The Line (1956).

My Rifle, My Pony and Me by Dean Martin, Ricky Nelson, Walter Brennan (harmonica), John Wayne.

 Then Rio Bravo (1959) hit the big screens in Singapore. Tough John Wayne, sexy Dean Martin and teenage idol Ricky Nelson held everyone to ransom with My Rifle, My Pony And Me. Rick sings an extra Get Along Home Cindy with the rest. 

Marty Robbins with El Paso (1959), known as a gunfighter ballad, kept Singaporeans singing this elaborate tale of 13 verses for months on end. Then Jim Reeves, who had earlier hits provided his rendition of, *He'll Have To Go (1959) and Johnny Horton with, North To Alaska (1960).

When Glen Campbell, By The Time I Get To Phoenix (1967) hit the trail and John Denver came with Leaving On A Jet Plane (1967) and Take Me Home Country Roads (1971), the Country and Western craze woke the baby boomers up!

The Singapore 60s cowboy craze erupted when our local boys and girls came with twanging acoustic guitars and hawaiian guitars as back-up. Not many Fenders appeared on stage then. The CW craze had begun.

Then, shades of Ferlin Husky, a cowpoke from the hills of Pasir Panjang, Singapore, emerged! He was Rocky Wong and appeared on stage in full regalia, with his cowboy suit, guitar and hat. He could have been the first Singapore cowboy. (earlier posting: August 9th, 2009).

This journey, discovering country music from the 50s to the 70s, is a personal one and the songs are milestones along the way.

*Singapore Karaoke Favourite: Jim Reeves', He'll Have To Go (1959).

Image: http://cnet.com.au/

Image: http://spout.com/films

Original Article: Andy Lim

60s Country & Western Influence: Rocky Wong

Taken from: http://www.modcentric.blogspot.com/ - August, 30th, 2008.

"A recent quirky local 60s find. This EP is best described on its sleeve as for, 'Country and Western Numbers With The A-Go-Go Beat'. Says the sleeve: 'Rocky Wong, the Singapore Hill Billy Singer, also nicknamed as the Cowboy from Pasir Panjang Hills, and whose style of singing resembles that of Slim Whitman, is no stranger to the music scene.

Rocky had competed in the All Malaya Amateur Talentime Competition during the 50s and had since then appeared in many variety shows, nite clubs, the British Forces, Radio and Television."

The EP songs feature four 'cowboy' hits as Singaporeans would express it. They include: Walking In The Sunshine; Rose Marie; I Remember You and Unchain My Heart. Rocky is a great yodeler too, from what I understand.

I met Rocky personally through a great friend, Alfred Wong, if I remember correctly. He was singing at a hotel with a rooftop garden but am uncertain where it is. The lady owner told me he still draws an audience when he sang and played on his guitar.

All the best Rocky. Until we meet again.

Rocky Wong - 'Walkin' In The Sunshine' 

(Roger Miller Cover) YouTube Video by: CoverVerse.

1st National Day 1966 And Singapore 60s Pops

Singapore celebrated its first National Day (image) in 1966, one year after Singapore's independence from Malaysia on 9 August 1965. The venue of the parade was usually at the historical grounds of the Padang, where the declaration of Singapore's independence was held.

(Songs by our local artistes heard on Rediffusion and Radio Singapore that year included, It's All Over; I Know; Happy Birthday, Baby; Making Believe by Naomi & The Boys, Silver Threads And Golden Needles by The Crescendos, Push, Push, by Keith Locke & The Quests and Mark Yun's, Never Die.) A recording of Naomi and The Boys was played over the loudspeaker during the lst National Day Parade.

Since the first parade in 1966 and up to 1975, the venue was located in this central area. The idea was to bring the parade closer to the people. In 1976, the parade was held for the first time at the newly completed National Stadium, where the much larger area of the stadium allowed for more people to view the parade live.

The National Day Parades are organised by the Singapore Armed Forces, with the extreme involvement of a multitude of public and private organisations.

The 1968 parade was the first parade to be held in the rain. By a strange coincidence the theme for that year was, "Building A Rugged Society".

Princess Alexandra of the British Royal Family, carrying out royal duties for the Queen, was the special guest at the 1969 parade, which not only celebrated Singapore's 4th birthday, but also celebrated the 150th anniversary of the founding of Singapore.

(International popular hits included, Love Letters, by Elvis; Wind Me Up, Visions, by Cliff Richard, These Boots Are Made For Walking by Nancy Sinatra, The Sounds of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel, Svensk-A-Flicka with Johnny Lion & The Jumping Jewels, 19th Nervous Breakdown; As Tears Go By by The Rolling Stones and Michelle by The Beatles.)

If readers have contributions on Singapore 60s music and National Day, please do so on the 'comments' page.

Reference: Wikipedia

Image: National Heritage Board.