Monday, May 03, 2021

The Reynettes - Sensational Group That Electrified Singapore - Jimmy Chng

UP TO 2,000 VIEWS, 10+ COMMENTS

Chatting with Jimmy Chng, drummer for pop 60's guitar group, THE DECIBELS. After reading Daniel Abidin's [The Dukes] comment about him having been nearly electrocuted, Jimmy provided a similar scenario with an experience he witnessed. Thanks very much Jimmy. Lin will be pleased with your contribution.

''Playing an electric guitar that leaks even tiny levels of electricity can be highly discomforting at best and fatal at worst - if the leakage level is high. 

I remember an occasion when the Reynettes from Hong Kong were hired to perform at the Tanjong Inn, Singapore, for the nightclub's opening.  The Wong family of musicians had taken over the premises and had sought the service of my dad to help with the setting up of electrical power points extensions for the sound system and guitar amps. 

Kowloon Hongkong - The Reynettes - Hong Kong Group 
performed at Tanjong Inn, Singapore. Video by - awhwong.

After the band's performance, which was thoroughly enjoyed by the guests, one of the band member approached the Wong family to complain that there's something wrong with the electrical wiring to have caused the leakage and that they will not be performing the following night if the problem wasn't fixed. 

My dad then did an investigation and after ascertaining that the power extensions were all in order, went on to check the source from where the power extension was plugged into. Upon opening up the socket cover, he discovered that the earth wire had worked loose! Thank goodness none of the band members suffered severe electric shocks on opening night.''

An original article by Jimmy Chng.

The Reynettes 

The Reynettes, a vocal pop group with Rose, Baby, Luz, Jeanette and brother John were members of a family from Hong Kong, spent time in Singapore during the 60s to perform too.

They had their debut at the Happy World Amusement Park, and the island immediately fell in love with them overnight. The pretty ladies mesmerised audiences with their performances and became a sensation at the El Amigo and Golden Crown nightspots and the Princess Garni Hotel at Orchard Road. 

Their first Extended Play was released in Hong Kong in 1966, titled, Kowloon Hong Kong with tracks Kowloon Hong Kong, Rescue Me, Bei Mir Bist Du Schon and This Little Boy. 

They complemented the first with another EP titled, Soulin' The Blues that coincided with their nightclub engagements in Singapore. The tracks included Knock On Wood, New Orleans, Night Train and their greatest hit, My Life Is A Lonely One, which hit number one in the local charts [image below].

Images/YouTube video - Google.

An edited article from - https://www.last.fm/music/The+Reynettes/+wiki

12 comments:

STEPHEN HAN said...

Stephen Han
I had the chance to watch the Reynettes in the early shows at Capitol Theatre

MICHAEL LEE from SYDNEY AUSTRALIA said...

Michael Lee
Yes, heard of the Reynettes.

FREDA HANUM TEEPEES said...


Freda Hanum
Yes I have heard of this wonderful Reynettes,
I think I saw them in tv was too young to be able to watch them performing live.
Interesting article Andy.

HIROSHI DEGUCHI JAPAN said...


Hiroshi Deguchi
The record jacket and the song remind me of the days when I longed for Hong Kong. There seemed to be something mysterious and exotic about the city, SG, too.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

1] Freda Hanum you must still be si-manis tujoh-belas.
The group reminds me of TEEPEES, but this group has a brother.

2] STEPHEN and MICHAEL FOR COMMENTS

3] Hi HIROSHI,
You have travelled to many exotic places.
Tell us your story and the music you experienced and heard.
Would be fun.

4] Thanks all for comments. Never seen them myself.
JIMMY CHNG who wrote this article was a drummer with guitar group THE DECIBELS from the
60's.

STEPHEN HAN said...

I remember on one occasion of Reynettes’ concert one of the sisters had malfunction when her skirt kept falling down.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

WOW.
She must have been uncomfortable.
Thanks for your cute and interesting observation.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Freda Hanum
Ericbronson Wong
Ser Kiong Tan
El Manso Nobel
THANKS FOR SOPPORT

Neil Farrell said...

Some of the band used to live opposite me in hill top mansion, third floor, above north point 1967-9. I remember going into the apartment once they had a mini stage in the corner of one room if my memory serves me correctly but I was seven at the time

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Hi Neil,

Thanks for the pretty piece of information. Was this in Singapore? Would be great if you could write in, or leave your email address? I won't publish.

Be a contributing writer if you can?
Appreciate the visit.
Anytime.

NEIL FARRELL said...

No it was Hong Kong, Hill Top Mansions, North Point.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Thanks Neil.
Got your email address.
Anytime you feel like writing about 60s, 70s, 80s music please do.
I'll write to you soon.