Simon Lee Tak Kwang (MBE): My Dad By Michael Lee

A big thank you to Mr Michael Lee who allowed me to post his story below about his father, Mr Simon Lee, a musician who came well before anyone else during Singapore's big band scene. Mr Lee Senior was awarded the MBE, i.e. the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, in 1958.

The story of Simon Lee Tak Kwang (MBE)

By his son: Michael Lee

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Professional Career:

My father’s birth year was 1909 (Year of the Rooster). He lived at 10, Cuppage Road, Singapore. He completed school at St Joseph’s Institution with a Junior School Certificate. He was also a bodybuilder who was less than five feet tall but could lift a weight of 250lbs. 

He joined the Singapore Improvement Trust (SIT) as a junior clerk in 1928 and became chief clerk in 1945. He continued working with HDB from 1959 till 1966. He was appointed a temporary clerical supervisor for one year. 

He was entrusted to revise the Singapore Improvement Trust Standing Orders for The Housing and Development Board (HDB). He was respected by Lim Kim San, Goh Keng Swee and Howe Yoong Chong for his honesty, integrity, dedication and determination.

Stamford Raffles is known as the founder of Singapore and Lee Kuan Yew as the founding “father” of modern Singapore. However, in my humble opinion, my dad can be said to be the foundation of modern Singapore. He risked being beheaded by the Japanese. 

Musical Career:

My dad was the Billy Vaughn of Singapore in the 1950’s and 60’s. He also played a lot of Glen Miller and Edmundo Ros Latin music, together with dance music, which was popular in those days. 

His music ranged from the Kronchong, Joget, Rongeng, Latin-American, Ballroom, Marches, Hawaiian, Chinese and most evergreens. Any music that could be played on a mandolin, alto or tenor saxophone, the accordion or clarinet, my dad was able to deliver.

He played with various bands – the Kronchong and Marches were his favourites.

Later in the seventies, he still played the banjo and mandolin but more often he used a similar mandolin-like instrument and carried on playing the keronchong and marches. Before and immediately after the World War 2, he played with many bands using the mandolin. 

His specialization, of course, was playing Dixieland and his main instrument if I recollect correctly, was the clarinet. It is not an easy instrument to play as the musician needs good teeth, strong gums and a pair of powerful lungs.  As my dad grew older his teeth left him and with dentures, it became more difficult to play the clarinet.

Some of the songs my dad was renowned for were: In the Mood, La Cumpasita, Sail Along Silvery Moon, Harbour Lights, Red Sails in the Sunset and Tequila

I can honestly say that for these songs my dad was one of the best on alto- saxophone in Singapore during his time.

He often played with RTS (Radio Television Singapore) members like Renaldo Lachica, the Otegas, Louis and Rufino Soliano, Domingo Requiza and other RTM members too. Other musicians he played with were, Jimmy Topas, Baby Low, Tony Danker, Paul Low, Edward Chew and Roland Gabriel (the Rhythm Revellers). The former solicitor-general and Singapore Law Society president Francis Seow played the double bass sometimes until he migrated to the USA. 

My father was also involved with an Indian band at Tekka, current Little India (a tourist sight along Serangoon Road). He was the only Chinese playing amongst his friendly Indian musicians. 

During the 1959 pay-cut era for civil servants, my dad played at our Military Bases to earn extra money. He also played at ballroom dance halls like the Raffles Hotel and Victoria Memorial Hall. The two band names my dad often played with during the lean period were "RR" for Rhythm Revellers and the Combo A La Carte.

Often for charities or some house functions my dad and the late Singapore magician, Khoo Teng Eng (Teresa and Victor's father) were like KFC and McDonald – if you find one you are likely to find the other.

As far as I know, my dad was the only Singapore musician with an MBE The Most Excellent Order of the British Empire) medal. I think it should be made known to Singaporeans that there was a Singapore musician with an MBE too. The late E. W Barker, who loved music just as much, liked my dad too.  Remember The Beatles? They made international headlines when they received theirs on Oct. 26, 1965.

I shall always remember and respect my dad for his achievements and music- standing during a moment in Singapore's history when the Lion had just been aroused from its deep slumber to a new roar.

Michael Lee (above), the writer, who was born in Singapore, now lives in Sydney. This article and its photographs have been authenticated and copyrighted by the writer.