Singapore Pop 60s: Winston Walters Dukes' Singer

Winston Walters with The Dukes

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The Dukes guitar group was one of the top 10 anchor pop bands that were around from the 1960's. Having met band leader Daniel Abidin [formerly Zainal Abidin] as a young man, I missed meeting one of his singers but managed to catch them both during a lunch get-together at Bedok Corner some years ago. 

Do you still remember Winston Walters? He recorded a single on Philips Records in 1966 with the Dukes, singing two songs: Don't Take Pity On Me and Mmmmmm. 

When he was with the Dukes in the early 60s and 70s he had a repertoire singing Cliff Richard hits and Bubble Gum music. Winston was the younger brother of Daniel's army colleague Alan Walters and introduced by Jerry Murad [Daniel's brother/Dukes member]. Although Winston played the guitar he only sang with the Dukes.  [Thanks to Daniel Abidin, leader/bassist of The Dukes for information.]

So what's Winston doing nowadays in Perth?

Clockwise: 

Daniel Abidin, Paul Shankar, Winston Walters, Andy, 

Vernon, John Cher and Jerry Fernandez.

Here is Winston with a personal reply:

Dear Andy,

I joined the Dukes when I was only 17 years young and played with them till I left for Australia in 1977 and settled in Perth. 

Joining a three piece band in the Western city of Australia, we played in pubs around Perth. It was fun time again and when I got used to the music beat again I later joined a five piece band playing at the more established places like the main Yacht Club in Perth and at more sophisticated venues and corporate functions at their dinners and get-together. Christmas and New Year gigs were fabulous nights to remember. 

After two of our band members passed away, I moved on and teamed up with the usual three piece again. These days I spend my time mostly playing around at a music studio and recording my favourte songs on CDs. 

I also devote much of my free time playing at churches and charity functions and gigs.

Regards.

Winston Walters.