Sunday, October 16, 2011

Versatile: Singaporean Randy, Indonesian Ervinna

Both had hit records in the 70s. Randy Lee (image 2, left) of the Stylers had EP and LP vinyls sold in the thousands because of the cover songs the group recorded during those golden years. Likewise with pretty lady singer Ervinna (image 1,2 right) who was another S.E. Asian hit maker.

The Stylers with rhythm guitarist and leader of the pack Randy, had recorded in English, Chinese and Malay. Even today, in record shops, The Stylers vinyls dominate the shelves with their cha-cha, a-go-go and other dance instrumentals. Rhythmist Randy is now involved in the administration of a company that deals with body-building equipment.

Ervinna, a Chinese Indonesian singer from Surabaya, was one of Indonesia's pop vocalists, having released more than 200 albums of Western and Chinese songs recorded in Singapore in the 70s and beyond. The figure did not include dangdut, Jawa, keronchong, Melayu and other traditional songs.

It is common knowledge that during her hey-day, Ervinna often released 3 albums in a month. Besides The Stylers, she had been accompanied by other groups like Singapore's Thunderbirds, Charlie and His Boys, The White Cloud Orchestra and the Orches Melayu Pancaran Muda of Indonesia.

These two artistes met recently in Surabaya, Indonesia to chat about old times and for Randy to present Ervinna with the first series of CDs that had recently been taken hot off the press from The Stylers stable of pop songs.

Images: Andy Lim and Randy Lee Collection (Copyright).

Original article: Andy Lim.

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

From private email, Randy Lee:

Thanks for the posting. I met Ervinna in Surabaya and have told her of your blog quite some time ago.

Cheers.

TCLai said...

Thanks Andy, I did read the letter from a certain Dr Lee to you. nice tribute you did.

Here's a story (in my typical style) about Russ and me, through my growing up years. :-)

Feel free to use it as a guest blog. Enjoy.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Thank you Randy for the feedback. I am sure she'll be glad to know we still remember her in Singapore.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Thanks TC. Russ Hamilton will surely appreciate what you have done to his song titles.

An imaginative piece indeed.

Randy Lee Keng said...

Andy

I've recommended Ervinna to your blogspot, hopefully she'll be delighted after visiting it.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Thank you Randy. And for visiting too.

Anonymous said...

I am Santhosh from India. I would be extremely grateful to you if you could help me get the MP3 of the following songs of Ervinna.

I had a cassette which had 22 English songs of Ervinna, which got destroyed. I have managed to find 13 out of that 22 - but could not get the following 9 songs.

I am ready to pay. Requesting your help – and guidance. Is it possible to get the email id of Ervinna if you don’t have those songs with you?

(1) Judy, Judy, Judy (2) Seven lonely days (3) I will follow him (4) China doll (5) Please help me I am falling (6) Roses are red (7) She will never never love you (8) Good bye Jimmy, good bye (9) Itsy bitsy teenie weenie yellow polkot bikini

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Hi Santhosh,
I sent your note to Randy Lee from The Stylers.

As I have explained mine is a personal blog and I do not transact business.

Hope Randy can help you, otherwise you can check out e-bay and other sites that sells records or CDs.

Cheers.

Anonymous said...

From Randy Lee private email:

Andy,

This Santhosh from India is asking for some of Ervinna's songs.

We just can't sell him those songs without asking for permission from the copyright holders.

The copyright owner could either be Ervinna or her record company, White Cloud Records.

It is also improper to let Santhosh know the email address or Ervinna without her consent.

Also it is not proper for me to reply to Santhosh, as it does not concern me or The Stylers.

It is good that you have referred Santhosh to e-bay.

Regards
Randy Lee.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Thanks Randy for reply.

Well Santhosh, the best is to check out record shops on the Internet. I am sure you can find many.

I cannot help you further, because as I have explained mine is not a blog that tries to sell vinyls or CDs but one that documents Singapore and SEAsian pops.

So all the best Santhosh. Happy hunting. The fun is in the pursuit and the final catch is the bonus!

Anonymous said...

Ελλάδα said...

I absolutely love these guys. What a great show.

It arrived on time and was in great shape. I love to watch and listen to this group. They are great.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Thank you sir or madam, wherever you are from.

Can't read your script and I honestly don't know what you are talking about!

wardgreene said...

Ervinna was always...still is...one of my favorite singers. I still have about 30 of her cassette albums from the 1970s,but I am trying to find her albums on CD or MP3 and n o luck. Only things on eBay are records.That's way before even cassettes!!! Where are all the CDs?
Every trip to Indonesia,I bought more Ervinna,in English,Chinese,and Indonesian. But now my cassettes are old. Anyone know where I can buy CDs ?.Ward.(wardgreene@hotmail.com).Thanks.