Irene Ryder (黎愛蓮) Ryding Hong Kong Pops 60s Part 1

Hong Kong Island Memories

Hong Kong island has brought back pleasant memories of Tsim Sha Tsui's shopping district and the hunting around for old vinyl records.  Here's one HK pop artiste I used to listen to in between the Indonesian groups and Singapore ones.

UP TO 2,200 VIEWS

Dedication to Her Songs:

What impressed me about this particular lady after listening to her both on vinyl records and CDs was her dedication to the numbers she sang. Whether it was an appeal about Nobody's Child or a teenage angst where she found, Lipstick On (Your) Collar, she delivered them with sincerity and feeling.  

Eurasian Good Looks:

Those years, some Asian artistes simply made covers of western hit songs to sell and she was one of many singers. But with her youth, Eurasian good looks and singing grace she was different and stood out from the crowd, as she was able to charm her record buyers and her audiences with these assets.

English Diction:

Irene Ryder or Li Ai Lian (黎愛蓮), a Eurasian born in Hong Kong in 1949, had an English father and Chinese mother.  She was able to interpret her songs and her English diction was above par, perhaps better than some Asian lady singers in the 60s and 70s. Irene speaks Cantonese very well too.

A-Go-Go-Queen:

In 1966 she acquired the unofficial title of A-Go-Go-Queen from a dance talent contest where she earned her fame. After the contest, Irene and her dance partner were invited to perform in Singapore and Malaysia and promote the dance craze, doing seven to eight shows daily.

Vic Cristobel:

With this exposure, she was approached by music arranger and producer, Vic Cristobal of EMI Records who started her singing career in 1967.  The first single she pressed was a cover of Lulu's, To Sir With Love. She became the top singer in the territory three months after her song was released.


Osaka Exposition 1970:

The single was called *Baby Baby (video above) and it was this recording in 1968 that established her fame as a singer.   She was the only female singer chosen to represent Hong Kong at the 1970 World Exposition in Osaka Japan.  

Bruce Lee

Part 2 Next Week:

(Read Part 2 when she had to end her singing career.)

Images/Video: Google, Uncle Ray 101CD Box and YouTube (Shatinterry).

Information: from Shatinterry (YouTube), Wikipedia and Websites.

Bruce Lee's Brother:

Among the other singles that she recorded was a duet with Robert Lee, a former member of Hong Kong's beat band The Thunderbirds. and the younger brother of martial arts star Bruce Lee. Robert also has a recording about his famous brother called, The Ballad of Bruce Lee.

ahkim anthony tan

By chance good friend Laurence Lim, who wrote about his band The Trebles for this blog, introduced me to a kindly and world renowned hair stylist last week when we were having a drink at a local coffee house. One thing led to another and I was presented with a beautiful book about this personality. Below is a sampling of the work done by AHKIM ANTHONY TAN.

This posting will appear in December, 2016, just before Christmas.

Copyrighted photograph. Sydney Tina Lambert.

Happy Birthday! Blog Marches Into 6th Year.

My Secretary

 












This blog is into its 6th year today and I couldn't have managed it without your constant support. 

So to all my regular readers, contributors and friends from Singapore and all over the world, thanks very much. 

If you have stories to tell or comments to make about our local music scene and its overseas influence please write in. 

         Rock Happy Birthday Song - Video: Chaine de fenicnarfabc

Since 22nd November, 2008:
Blog Postings: 1425.
Published Comments: 4994.
Readers: 847,656.

Images: Google and Wendy from La Salle Institute.
Video: You Tube Caine de fenicnarfabc. 

The Pioneering Spirit walks Singapore's Memory Trail.

Singapore 60s A Musical Revue: It's On Tonight! @ La Salle Institute! LIVE!

The revue focuses on  local Singapore  pop songs from the 60s, enacted  by a cast of girls and boys in glittering, colorful costumes, nostalgic music and vibrant dances. Can you beat that? Local 60s melodies are finally recognised by our youth.

Performed within the confines of a little theatre, the cabaret act was at its best. The stage was constructed just a little above floor level and greeted the audience seated within a nightclub surrounding. 

        The Crescendos/Susan Lim - Mr Twister/Frankie - eosyeo


The players consisted of a very energetic cast of enthusiastic La Salle students who are currently doing their graduate degree programme.  The revue was what I've always dreamed of when I started this blog i.e. an appreciation of Singapore's golden age of music.

Cast and crew worked hard to give you a treat like no other! Even though all 3 shows are sold out, you can still try your luck at the door! There will be food and alcohol! Come and join us as we bring back the 60s!

Fun Fact Of The Day from Musical's FB:

"For only 2 years (1964 - 1965), Andy Lim fronted Singapore guitar group and recording artistes, The Silver Strings."  We are excited to have him attend the musical!

                            CONGRATULATIONS SINGAPORE 60s! 

                                Thank You for all your support!

Silver Strings leader Audie Ng, present lead guitarist Rickie Chng, rhythm guitarist for a coming short film Lawrence Lim and I had a tremendously exciting afternoon watching the musical.

"Can I come again this evening?" I asked.

"Sorry Andy," came the answer. "Not even standing room!"

Please have another round of shows. 

"These singers and musicians were creating an extraordinary local pop industry.  Yet today, many are not celebrated as the legends and trailblazers that they truly are. May their legacy live on, not only for this current generation but for many more to come (Caleb Goh, Revue Director.)"

These boys and girls sang: You're The Boy, My Boy Lollipop, Lover's Concerto, The Boy Next Door, Bengawan Solo, Aaja Aaja, Boom Boom, Mr Twister and many more.

Cast of La Salle's: Singapore 60s A Musical Revue 

with Andy, Audie, Lawrence and Rickie.

My dream that this blog could influence some change and let our youth in on the 60s. Thank you Caleb.

Images from FB and information have been taken from the Musical's Programme pages distributed to patrons. Copyrights Reserved: La Salle Institute. 

You Tube Video: The Crescendos/Susan Lim - Mr Twister/Frankie -  eosyeo.

Jimmy PresLee: Singapore's Elvis Tribute Artiste: (新加坡猫王)

UP TO 2,000 VIEWS, 14 COMMENTS

Kat King On The Prowl Within Our Midst:

We met within the confines of a Burger King restaurant. Looking as cool as the Cat himself, Jimmy PresLee resplendently dressed in a black Elvis shirt, waited for 2 hours because he completed an earlier appointment way before time.

"Good afternoon, Mr Lim." We shook hands as he introduced himself politely and addressing me using the same salutation throughout. Jimmy reminds me of Elvis who used to call people he met either, Sir or M'am.

An ETA:

I told him I had always been a fan of The Pelvis but had never met an ETA, especially a Singapore one. As far as I can remember singers who performed on stage singing Elvis numbers were known as Elvis Presley impersonators or simply, Singapore's Elvis or Malaysia's Elvis. 

And there were many of them these past 50 years, from the original Johnny Aroozoo and Wilson David in Singapore, to Rocky Teoh and H.T. Long in Malaysia.

"You have the stature, you have the looks and definitely the charisma of The King. I have watched your video on FB and I think you have impressed me as an Elvis tribute artiste. I hope to see and hear you perform live soon."           

Nighthawks and Purple Hearts:

"Why did you decide to be an Elvis tribute artiste?" I asked. According to Jimmy (67), he had never been on stage singing any number, let alone Elvis ones. He had only been following Singapore pop bands through the years and listening to songs from the west.

But it was 4 years ago in 2009 that he and his wife Judy (61) decided to join the Singapore Elvis And Country Group (SEACG) for weekly karaoke singing at Thomson CC. They struck a high note and eventually joined  the Nighthawks singing weekly with a live band at Tanglin CC. 

One year later feeling more confident about his singing, Jimmy assembled his own live band called Purple Hearts and performed his first gig at Bishan North CC.  He wore his first Elvis customised jumpsuit and Jimmy PresLee, Elvis tribute artiste (ETA) was born. 

Jumpsuits and Elvis Presley Alliance of Asia:

"These jumpsuits cost a bomb," he volunteered, "as they are customised and made to order and cost as much as S$3,000 each." If you checkout his FB, you would probably realise that he has many suits. 

Because of his various performances at CCs, private club functions and charity concerts he was posted on You Tube, and when they became known, Jimmy's Facebook friend base soon enlarged.  

As a result Elvis fans from all over the world wanted to add him on, including ETAS from many countries. Many of them became his personal friends.   

Within a few years he was invited to attend an Elvis Presley Alliance of Asia event in Hong Kong where he got to sing alongside 12 ETAS from Asia.  This was followed by an invitation to Manila to perform with 8 ETAS. 

Seeing how good these ETAS are, Jimmy thought it would be a treat for Elvis fans in Singapore to be able to watch a mega concert paying tribute to Elvis Presley,  the king of rock 'n roll.   

Family and Memorabilia:

So with his very supportive wife (who is cousin to Malaysia's Elvis, Rocky Teoh's wife Jacqueline) and 3 daughters, he became the show agent and organised this inaugural event out of passion and purpose to bring back exciting memories for the baby boomers and the pioneer generation. 

All they want is for the people who love Elvis and his music to come and watch the show. They promise it will be great entertainment.  

                   Jimmy with his wife and three pretty daughters.

I thanked Jimmy for taking time with me as we said our good-byes. He confided that because of his frequent trips he has been collecting Elvis Presley memorabilia from all over and now wants to give them away because he has too many."

"Sounds good. I might pick up on that offer." I told him. "Thanks again. I'll see you at the concert..."

Elvis Presley Tribute Artists at, Elvis Is In The Building Concert, on 21 August at  D' Marquee Downtown East Singapore.

These ETA shows are big overseas and such concerts happened all the time throughout the calendar year.  The gigs hot up when it was around Elvis' birthday in January or near his death anniversary in August. Whatever it is, to his fans, Elvis has never left the building.

When I wrote to Jimmy later in the day I mentioned I was glad to have met him and appreciated how he had given me a personal introduction to the special world of Elvis.

Images/Article: Jimmy PresLee Private Collection. 

The largest gathering of Elvis impersonators is 895, achieved by Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (USA) in Cherokee, North Carolina, USA, on 12 July 2014.

Mandarin And Cantonese Covers Of Beatles Songs

披头士乐队歌曲中文和粤语

When Tunes Only Matter:

For once I shall leave 60s music bloggers not reading but listening. You know these familiar tunes so the lyrics don't matter.  You have added advantage if you know Mandarin or the Chinese dialects and scream, laugh or cry when you hear the words. 

These EP vinyls, 7-inch round, were the MP3s of yesterday. With a little turntable packed with a valve amp, teenagers could play it everywhere, together with the stack of records. Who cares about lyrics. They just a-go-go to whatever tune is on and sweat their hearts out.

This posting couldn't have been without uploads from You Tube by zoundcracker, lvlalaysiaboleh, PsychedelicGomper and p wong. Thank you all.

Lara Tan n Trailers: Puppet On A String

[Cover: Sandie Shaw]

YouTube Video by: CoverHeaven

School girl Lara Tan loved singing at school and concerts and was provided with about 40 songs to select for her vinyl debut. Since Mandarin songs had a bigger fan base in South East Asia, Lara recorded covers of current English 60s songs and had them translated into Mandarin by a Ms Violet Chow. The above hit was one. To make the formula work she was backed by The Trailers, one of the most popular bands in Singapore then.

                                           蓓蕾 -  國語版 Video: zoundcracker  

Sexy Billy Tam looks good and sings just as well. Listen to her version of this very popular song but with a Latin touch.  Fiery cheongsam. Billy's Chinese version of western pops were always saleable. It was one of the group's first hits.

                           上官流雲 - 一心想玉人 Video: zoundcracker

The introduction is familiar and sounds hotly convincing but you don't really need a translator to understand the meaning. Good singer he is. Know his name? He sings in Cantonese. Watch out for the part where he goes, mmmmmmmmm... substituting the group's manic screams! That's a professor's music thesis in itself.

 Maggie Wong/Jungle Lynxs Video: lvlalaysiaboleh

Just as sensual, Maggie Wong, a cabaret star, sings this one.  The A-Go-Go dance was popular amongst the Chinese crowd in the 60s and Wong was known as the A-Go-Go Queen.  She has this Beatles band to accompany her.   BTW, what's the plural of lynx? Does it matter?

 

Chan Po Chu: Video by p wong

This video is a scene from a popular movie starring Chan Po Chu where three guitars and drums depict the typical stage scenario in the 1960s. Compromised but nobody cares. They just love the music.

 In case you missed it, Videos 1,2 and 4 are in Mandarin; Videos 3 and 5 are in Cantonese.

Article and posting by Andy Lim. 

  

Videos from You Tube. This posting is temporary so enjoy them while you may.

La Salle Presents: Singapore 60s A Musical Revue

LATEST NEWS: "FULL HOUSE! THERE ARE NO MORE TICKETS LEFT!" SAYS AYSHA WONG (5 NOV 14).

4 NOV 14:
News just in about a special musical. Here's a note from a FACEBOOK entry.

"Ever heard of Sakura Teng? Shirley Nair & The Silver Strings? Anita Sarawak? Veronica Young? Or how about The Crescendos? You may not have – but your parents may – ask them. These were amongst an extraordinary group of artists who dominated the Singapore Pop music scene in the 1960s.

In preparation for Singapore’s 50th Anniversary, the Musical Theatre programme presents a tribute to these pop artists who in their own way were part of the first years of Independence. This will be a night of great music and nostalgia, and a celebration of a unique and wonderful   aspect of the Singapore story. 

 

Proudly brought to you by:
Cast: Level 2 Musical Theatre students
Director/Choreographer: Caleb Goh
Music Director: Ben K...iley
Choreographer: Richard Chia 

A collaboration with BA (Hons) Musical Theatre, Diploma in Technical and Production Management, Diploma in Audio Production, Diploma in Music & BA(hons) Arts Management students. 

Seating is limited so please plan to arrive early. Once seating capacity is reached, subsequent patrons will have to stand during the performance.
  

SHOWTIMES

21 November 2014 - 8pm (FULL HOUSE)
22 November 2014 - 2pm (FULL HOUSE)
22 November 2014 - 8pm (FULL HOUSE)

Get your tickets at http://singapore60s.peatix.com/Lasalle College of the Arts Flexible Space."

LA SALLE COLLEGE is 30 years young this year.
Images/News piece from FACEBOOK.
gif: www.buzzfeed.com