Zing! Went the Strings of My Heart: [1935] Aretha Franklin. Garland, Sinatra, Coasters, Trammps

(G) 60s Cigarette Advertisements With Theme Music

The Vinyl Record Cover Of A Brand Of Cigarette Sold In Singapore With Its Own Theme Song - Cool!!!

UP TO 1,300 VIEWS, 50+ CHATS, COMMENTS

When cigarettes were the order of the day up to the 70s, advertisements were rampant and most of the popular brands of tobacco were sold in Singapore. These advertisements could be heard on the radio or rediffusion and seen on both the small and large screen. Newspapers, magazines and even vinyl records were promoting cigarettes (image).

By the early 70s, the Singapore government had already realized the negative effects of smoking, and implemented regulations for smoking vide restricting smoking in public places and advertising of tobacco. Now smoking is totally banned in Singapore and to get a puff, one can only do so in designated areas. It is also expensive to smoke.

These Cigarettes Were Very Popular 

During The Pop Music Era Of Rock n Roll.

On Side One of the 45 rpm vinyl (image), the title theme, Get Away From The Everyday, was sung in English on the first track while the second track had the same theme played on the organ. On Side Two, the saxophone was used to play the Consulate theme.

The back cover promoted Consulate Filter Tipped Menthol Fresh in its green box and Consulate King Size Filter Tip Virginia in its maroon box. In the 60s the people were enjoying movie theme songs, airline theme songs, condensed milk theme songs and cigarette theme songs. What other theme songs were there? Anyone?

Or, if you wish, connect to read Wen Hing's interesting article about SMOKE:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2022/09/smoking-in-singapore-king-of-road-roger.html

The List: Top 5 Cigarette Advertisements.

YouTube Video by: Strombo.

Image/original article: Andy Lim Collection.

YouTube Videos from Strombo.

Andy Singapore 60's Christian Songs

I was just thinking how many songs from the 1960's, that has a Christian theme and recorded by our local Asian bands and singers were recorded because they are inspirational or pressed for release because they were popular then.  I can remember a few but some of them have been taken from albums and most have been reviewed on this blog.  Some of the songs are spirituals while others may have religious connotations:

1.    I Believe by The Tidbits
2.    Just a Closer Walk With Thee by The Crescendos
3.    I Shall Be Released* by The Blackjacks
4.    The Lord's Prayer by Esther Chan (HK)
5.    Away In A Manger by Anneke Gronloh

6.    Mary had a Baby by Anneke Gronloh (Indo/Dutch)
7.    Mary's Boy Child by The Blue Diamonds (   "    )
8.    Let There Be Peace* by Frankie Cheah
9.    I Shall Be Released* by Paul Cheong
10.  Dem Bones by The Saidaislers

11.  On a Day by The Saidaislers
12.  Go Tell It On The Mountains by The Saidaislers
13.  My Song to You (Jesus) by Mervyn Nonis
14.  He's The One: Derrick/Richard Danker, Mervyn/Dudley Nonis, Tony Fonseka
15.  I'll Never Find Another You by Wendy, Grace, Linda, Judith, Sharon
16.  Grace and Glory Psalm 84 by Frances Yip (HK).

Singapore 60's singer Poon Sow Keng made this point about singing Christian songs, "Yes, I am still very healthy but I spend most of my time doing my work in churches. I've told God I am prepared to leave this world at any time. That's why I am so happy..."

This list can go on so I hope some readers can contribute songs they remember recorded by our Singapore and S.E.Asian singers and bands.

A Blessed And Happy 2014 Easter To All!

Vinyl Record Sleeve Art From Singapore

                    
 UP TO 1,700 VIEWS 

      18 COMMENTS     

Some Sleeves Speak

Vinyl is back with a vengeance and I'm glad I kept my lot, especially the local ones because they have become a rarity these days. While some enthusiasts are buying used vinyl, others are buying newly pressed ones.  In 2014 alone more than one million new vinyl has been sold worldwide and up till now, if website figures are correct, up to four million vinyl have left the record racks. 

A young man who bought a vinyl record was asked the reason why he didn't buy the album on-line. His reply was simple, "The art work on the cover is worth it all..." 

Record covers are works of art and if you love the 60's, their prints are emboldened either on large 12 inch LP canvases or on 7 inch EP squares but broad enough to be framed and hung on the apartment or house walls.  

The record covers below, with drawings of our local stars, are commonly found, even a few years ago, but are hard to come by today.  All the figures are hand drawn by artistes unknown but must definitely have been our own local Singaporeans. For this posting I could only credit one artist that I have acknowledged under a sketch. Very sad.

                                                 Image 3
The blog images published on this posting are not very clear, coming from the home printer and computer but close enough for you to guess who the singers or bands are.  So, just for fun, especially those who are new to local 60's music celebrities, try to guess who the groups or singers are.

This particular piece (image 3) was done in black and green,  with strong lines featuring the singer's hair, shoes and semi-solid guitar. In the background are smaller drawings of the same person with different guitar poses.  The lines are a clear  where the black colours meet and sufficient to create the atmosphere needed. 

A top gun from Malaysia, this singer was a school teacher from Johore Bahru. Great voice, with personality plus, he used to woo the young ladies with his, Woman In My Life, one of his top hits. The photographer and designer is Freddy Ang. It is an EMI Studio Recording.

                                           Image: 4           
This next one (image 4) is more a caricature of the group and the drawing features the detailed faces of each member, holding his own musical instrument. The lead singer is sitting on a diamond, symbolic of the group. Hard to tell if they are Asians or otherwise but definitely a neat piece that could be hung on the wall.

They did not cut too many vinyl records but first recorded in Singapore in 1965. The boys became local celebrities when they appeared on television and became known on radio and Rediffusion.  They have appeared down under in Australia. Apparently the singer's compositions (sitting in the middle) were well known in the Far East. From Philips, the caricaturist is not credited.

                                                     Image: 5
A personal favourite (image: 5), it looks like a water colour painting. But it is a subtle piece and uncommon for a local record cover. Colours are relaxing to the eye and of pastel shades. The singers are recognizable.

Yes, this group became well known first with one group name and then hit the high notes with another when they were in Europe for many years. The above image shows the four on a record sleeve and they covered a Beatles number and a Bee Gees top hit.  The vinyl is a pirated version from King Record and there is no credit given as to who the artist was.

                                                     Image: 6
Is this a charcoal sketch (image: 6)? Looks like it. Dark, bold and strongly engraved, the drawing explains the two songs recorded. Yesterday's Sorrows (black colour) and Four Corners of My Life (four heads forming the corners). A strong piece indeed and with very bold lines.

This band started in the 60's but went straight on to the 70's stronger than ever. They wrote their own songs. A well-known group, they had cut quite a number of original hits. Produced by Life Records, this Libra vinyl should have had the artist credited. 

                                                    Image: 7
The original cover (image 7) shows the sheen on the singer's batik shirt, a beautiful purplish blue. It is well drawn and the facial features are identical to the person himself. The belt looks natural and typical of the 60's. White pants go well with the batik. Very local styling. I like the jacket that looks like leather, carelessly hung on his shoulder. 

Second prize winner of RTS Talentime 1968, this gentleman was known as The Man From Bukom. Voice, smooth as Johnny Mathis, he captured everyone's heart with his rendition of Born Free and became a regular on radio, Rediffusion and on television. He could be heard singing even during the Malay programmes in Singapore and Malaysia since he is bi-lingual. Again, the artist was not credited but it was an EMI Recording.

                                                Image: 8
This particular record sleeve art piece (image 8) is so famous anyone familiar with Singapore music will know who the group is. Possibly drawn for this internationally famed company, the colours and textured patterns take us back to the 1970's. 

Different coloured jeans prominently featured proves what the company is trying to project and sell. The focus is obvious. It's a beautiful commercial print and I wish I had a larger copy of this picture.

The group is the same one that was written about earlier on this posting. Can you guess which one?

So there you are folks, beautiful pieces of sketched memory for you, drawn from unknown artists of the 60's and 70's and now masterpieces (for me that is). 

You might know who the singers and bands are, but do you know who had drawn the art pieces?

If know the artists or if you are one of them please write in. I'd love to meet you. 

This posting is similar to one done on 23/06/2011 but with a different emphasis.

   Frankie Cheah, Western Union Band, Ray Johnson n Diamond Four, Surfers,                                             Sugiman Jahuri, WUB.

Images: A Private Collection, Google.
You Tube Video: sarinafanclub09

                     Frankie Cheah and Sugiman Jahuri EMI Muzikarama

When Cigarettes Sponsored A Festive Ball Of Pops

Event companies in the 60s took advantage of festive occasions and organised socials to attract the merry-makers. These dance parties would usually be held at prominent hotels like the Adelphi or Ambassador and at popular venues like the Victoria Memorial Hall which had a fairly large floor for dancing.

Go-getters attended these functions to sweat the night to the beat of the top bands in town.  During a 65 weekend there was always a party going on somewhere on the island.  Singers, bands and dancers were glad to perform at such venues for publicity and sometimes for the generous renumeration.

Organisers would only approach prominent companies that were able to sponsor them because the overheads could be high. In 60s Singapore when smokers had more freedom to puff their stuff cigarette distributors were ever so willing to pay big money to advertise their product at such functions.

The particular event above (image) was one such example and mainly sponsored by a cigarette company. Besides the promotion in the newspapers, long and huge banners would be hanging in the dance hall.  Possibly free cigarettes would be distributed throughout the evening and cartons given out as floor  prizes. In the Easter Ball discussed, Edinburgh Cigarette Company was the main sponsor.  I searched the web but could not find the group's website although I found the advertisement (image left) in the Straits Times newspaper. I am wondering if the company is still in existence. Anyone?

Those years there were many brands on sale in the Singapore market. I remember Matterhorn, Lucky Strike, Consulate, Capstan and Players cigarettes very well. These companies did everything they could in the media to promote their product. One such company, famous Camels, raised eyebrows and sent smoke signals.

In the 50s  and possibly the early 60s, one of the most infamous cigarette advertising slogans was associated with this brand of cigarette: “More doctors smoke Camels than any other cigarette.” Apparently the advertisement began in 1946 and ran for some years in magazines and on the radio (image right).

And the pitch they used?  “Family physicians, surgeons, diagnosticians, nose and throat specialists, doctors in every branch of medicine… a total of 113,597 doctors… were asked the question: ‘What cigarette do you smoke?’ And more of them named Camel as their smoke than any other cigarette!"

Cigarettes or otherwise the Grand Easter Ball featured a number of guest stars who were popular in the 60s.  The advertisement is revealing since it also published the places one could buy the evening's tickets from.

Singapore had no SISTIC outlet then but equivalents like Winston's Arcade, Robinson's, etc. were around Collyer Quay in the business district while Katong Flower Shop was in the East Coast near the old Tay Buan Guan and Roxy Cinema. But most enthusiasts bought their last minute tickets at the door. Three bucks for a show and dance. Now it's $300/00.

The two bands, Les Kafilas and Bateks (image above left) were there to relieve The Silver Strings and were known as guest bands. Siva and James Choy or Cyclones (image right) had a large following and these supporters would have been there that evening. 

If I am not mistaken Veronica Young (image left) had just joined the Strings. She is also known as Singapore's Millie Small, having won the competition held at the Great World Sky Cinema accompanied by the group. I was actively fronting the Strings during this season.

Images: from The Straits Times newspapers, websites on cigarettes and private collection.

Original Article based on lst image: by Andy Lim.

Artistic Logos Promoting Music Of The Past

What will they think of next? Logos created by people who truly love music from the past. These imaginative, artistic and beautiful images have been inspired by (1) an old drive-in movie sign, (2) a radio station in the US and (3) an Elvis Presley favourite , Blue Suede Shoes. Images: Google. Inspired by: LL.

Leggy Fashion Models, Drooling Band Boys: Singapore 60s

UP TO 2,600 VIEWS

UP TO 2,600 VIEWS

A long time ago in the 60s and 70s, way before Jade Seah and Nadya Hutagalung appeared on our local catwalk, Singapore had its share of beautiful, leggy and sexy fashion models.

One of the more popular modelling agencies that had these damsels was Joan Booty's.Annual dinner and dance events held by business organisations had top bands, pop artistes, comedians and variety shows to entertain the staff but they were incomplete without these agencies providing models to strut the stage of the hotels, theatres and nightclubs in Singapore.

So wherever the get-together was held, these ladies provided the oomph and glamour and the more revealing the girls were, the larger the members in the audience and louder the wolf whistles.

When I spoke to the 60s band boys about such events and the live music they provided as the models appeared on stage, one comment was, "We try to play the simplest tunes with the simplest chords because we'd rather drool over the girls and their swimming costume changes than think of our guitar chord changes."

The statement is meant more as a joke because the bands take their music accompaniment of models on stage seriously, so woe betide those bands that are frivolous or non-professional because they will not get another contract the next time around.

[Note: Spelling of 'boutique' to 'Bootigue' understandable but why 'gue' and not 'que'? The above advertisement appeared in a souvenir magazine for White And Blue Nite at the Victoria Memorial Hall on Saturday,
28th February, 1970.

The dance was to celebrate the 5th Anniversary of the P.I.E.U. Bridgestone Branch and sponsored by Bridgestone Singapore Company (Private) Ltd. Anyone attended this function?]

The band in attendance was The Stylers and the compere was Larry Lai. Hey LL, you remember this one?

Illustration of a leggy young lady.

Original article: Andy Lim.

Image: [Models] Copyrights Reserved.

Haiti Tragedy - Donations From Singapore

(1) Send cheques to: Singapore Red Cross at 15 Penang Lane, Singapore, 238486. Include name, contact details and "EARTHQUAKE HAITI" on the back of your cheque.

(2) Walk-In Donations: Cash or Cheque donations at the Singapore Red Cross as above (near Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station), Mon To Fri - 9am to 9pm. Sat/Sun: 9am to 1pm.

Information: Straits Times Press, Singapore (18.01.2010).

Tonic Chop Gajah Sangam Boys: Part 6 Advertisements.

The postings about Advertisements On Vinyl prompted a friend to send an article:

"Tonic Chop Gajah, which literally means Elephant Brand Tonic is an interesting vinyl and features a number of bands all singing about the virtues of the Tonic, which was very popular in Malaysia and Singapore in the 60s.

The performers are the Sangam Boys, Jabis 5, Vinnoli Music Party, and Kugiran 4 Sekawan. There are four tracks on the EP and all are sung in Malay, although the singers spell out the name of the Tonic in English.

Tonik Chop Gajah - Sangam Boys

The Sangam Boys are known to me mainly for backing other artists, such as S. Roha and Halim Yatim. A group called Vinnoli Music Party was still operating in Singapore in the early 2000s at Indian functions, and they might be the ones who do a more Indian sounding track.

There was an 4 Sekawan that backed some Malay singers in the 1960s. Jabis 5, of which I know nothing, could also be a band, or it might be the group of singers."

Could be the last posting in this series on advertisements. Thanks Steve!

(If I am not mistaken the Sangam Boys are also Tamil speakers. Please correct me if I am wrong because we have a large Tamil population in Singapore. I am not sure if they have produced records in Tamil.)

Image/Original article: 

Steve Farram Collection, 

Darwin, Australia; Eric Ching.

Zhang Xiao Ying Promotes Denon Stereophonic

It is quite obvious that this back cover of Zhang Xiao Ying's Prinstar EP vinyl is promoting the 60's Denon stereophonic record player, popular among the general public who cannot afford expensive European, British or American sets.

The stereo set consists of a record player, a radio/tuner/amplifier and a pair of simple speakers. In this typical 45 rpm Chinese recording made in Singapore, Zhang Xiao Ying is accompanied by a well-known guitar group called The Travellers although the songs are not part of the promotional package as offered by other advertisements on vinyls.

Vinyl covers were used as a means of promoting products because back in the 60s a popular singer could generate at least 10,000 copies of an Extended Play record. Each EP sells for less than US$4.00, an affordable price for any teenager or person in the street. 

Usually the company advertising the product paid for the production of the sleeve, saving the music company some money from its total budget.

Image/original article: Andy Lim Collection

(H) Hotel Reservations Ariverdeci Roma Brazil Auf Weidersehn'n

The montage above comes from an EMI/Electrola Long Play F665 524 called, Dance Around The World In SRS Hotels. According to the back cover the reservation service connects customers to more than 100 leadings hotels. The music, from 22 selections, features some of the most popular melodies in the 50s and 60s.

The songs, some of which are familiar with Singaporeans include, Zorba's Dance, The Kangaroo Flop, Limbo Rock, Hare Krishna, Arrividerci Roma, Brazil, French Cancan, Auf Weidersehn'n, Pata Pata and surprise, surprise, Kyu Sakamoto's (image), Sukiyaki and Singapura sung by one Imca Marina and composed by John Mohring.

The Orchestras are pretty well-known in Europe then, Hugo Strasser's and Harry Roche's. It may take a while to sort out the other faces on the montage. Anyone familiar with the personalities?

Image/original article: Andy Lim Collection.

(F) Frances Yip - Cathay Pacific - Hong Kong - Geylang Sipaku Geylang - Oh Di Mana - Rak Khun Kao Laew - Beautiful Seoul - Widuri.

A sequel to Frances Yip's Discovery Album in 1974 by Cathay Pacific Airways, this album is Discovery 2 where, 'songs from the heart of Asia and beyond' had been recorded. With her strong, crisp and beautiful voice, Ms Yip sings melodies from 13 different countries.

They are Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Hong Kong, The Philippines, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, India, Australia, New Zealand and the Middle East.

Until 1973, singing was only part time for her but when she came in first in a talent competition, the contracts came in fast and furious. She joined Cathay Pacific to promote the airline and has cut many singles, EPs and LPs too. The image shows the back cover of this particular EMI Long Play recording done in Singapore in 1978.

If the reader still cannot remember Frances Yip, then one of the greatest hits in Chinese pop history may. Shanghai Beach.

Frances Yip: 'Shanghai Beach'

YouTube Video by: waiting87

Image: Google.

(E) Advertisements On 60s Vinyl Records

Image from vinyl record cover.

UP TO 500 VIEWS, 20 CHATS, COMMENTS

When Milkmaid Milk promoted their sweetened condensed milk, they gave away a free vinyl (image) with the January 1971 issue of a well-known Singapore woman's magazine.

The EP has 8 tracks but none of them are pop songs. Side One has the jingle, Grow Tall Little Man in English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Cantonese, Malay and Tamil while the fourth track is the musical version.

Side Two has another jingle, Go Get Milkmaid Milk sung in Singapore's four official languages and the two Chinese dialects. The back cover has the lyrics of the two jingles.

These two jingles are so popular that even today older Singaporeans remember them. Grow tall little man/Don't fall little man/You've got a lot of growing to do... It is Singapore 60s music, produced, composed and sung by our local boys and girls.

It is not surprising that many seniors today grew up drinking their coffee and tea with this particular brand of milk. Did we have a choice?

Image/original article: Andy Lim Collection (Nestle Record: MM 11.11.70 Stereo/Mono).

Nestle Grow Tall Little Man Mandarin Hokkien Cantonese. Video: Rachel Tan.

(D) New Seekers: Buying The World A Coke

Here's another advertisement on vinyl from the 70's of which I happen to have a copy.

The New Seekers in a Coca Cola advertisement made a recording on an Extended Play vinyl record [EP]. It was the very popular, I'd Like To Teach The World To Sing reworked as, I'd Like To Buy The World A Coke.

It's still remembered to day by many baby boomers and the world at large. The jingle made it to the top 100 best selling single in the UK, end 1971, came 7th in the U.S. and was at the top of the international pop chart.

This recording is unique to the younger generation and a recent display of the vinyl to some college students resulted in some squeals of delight. 

Sometimes I wonder. How much are these people paid for appearing in such advertisements? Tons of money? 

And how much would the vinyl cost today?

Disclaimer: 

This posting does not promote any soda, fizzy drinks or the above brand. It has been written for information only.

Image: Google.

[The above image comes from a magazine called, Fanfare from Singapore.]

Wilson David Sings Dean Martin On A-Go-Go Shell Record

Philips Records and Shell Petrol produced a few EP vinyl specials to promote A-Go-Go Shell in the 60s (image) - Philips 112000DE.

Wilson David's cover of Dean Martin's, That's Amore is one of the songs featured. Wilson often sings this number during his live shows in Singapore.

The other songs included, Honey Bee by P and B Group, Spanish Flea by Pablo Rotero and the Shell Song by Ger Van Leeuwen Orchestra.

Many business companies in the 1960s advertise on both Long Plays and Extended Play vinyls to advertise their products. Check March 21st 2009 and April 1st 2009 under 'vinyl records'.

Image: From Andy Lim's Collection.

(B) Western Union Band Singapore, Levi Jeans.

This post is not an advertisement but the vinyl was. In the 60s some companies advertise their products on 45 rpm records and the jingles were whistled or sung by youths who love such novelties.

Levi Jeans was a household name in the early years as the blue denim was considered an in-thing amongst the young and fancy. Eye-brows were raised when someone donned a pair of Levi Jeans in the 60s and admiration for the macho man or skin-tight sexy woman was everywhere.

Levi's even had its song recorded, and this time by our own local band the WESTERN UNION BAND and the jingle went:

"It fits my mind/And it fits my soul/And it fits my generation/It makes livin a laugh/And loving a life/And walkin a celebration/I'm standing up/Callin to be counted/ Walkin proud in my Levi's/Levi's got me walkin proud/I'm walkin proud in my Levi's/ I've arrived/I'm alive/I'm walkin proud in my Levi's."

(Posting is similar to the one on March 24th, 2009.)

Image/original article: Andy Lim Collection.

(A) Milk Advertisement On Vinyl With Strollers

A well-known brand of milk produced a 45 EP vinyl to promote its reconstituted milk. It was distributed free by a local woman's magazine in its June, 1972 issue.

 

The Strollers' recorded in stereo the song, New Woman on Side One. On Side Two were four tracks promoting the milk product in English, Malay, Cantonese and Hokkien. The back jacket displays the lyrics and milk product. The front cover (image) is beautifully designed with three pretty Asian ladies depicting the new woman.

It is common knowledge that vinyl records were used in the 60s and 70s for advertisement purposes. And popular singers and bands were used to attract customers. Do you have this piece of vinyl?

Image: Andy Lim Collection.

HASSAN IDRIS - A TRIBUTE - BAND MEMBER OF THE STROLLERS HAS PASSED AWAY IN FEBRUARY 2021 - ONE OF THEIR ALBUMS FROM THE 70'S - NEW WOMAN.

Checkmates, Trailers, Golden Venus, Palace

It was Saturday night on the 12th of December, 1964 and obviously about 2 weeks before Christmas. Nightclubs were full and so were the spirits of youths in Singapore. The above advertisement (image) from the Straits Times Press, Singapore, shows the Golden Venus at Orchard Road and the Grand Palace theatre at East Coast Road doing brisk business.

And on Sunday, bands were in full swing with Robert Song and the Checkmates and The Trailers fronted by Vernon having the rockingest time ever.

Although admission was free, patrons paid for their drinks. Usually they bought one drink for the whole afternoon, well sometimes two. But nobody bothered because each couple was trying to show the rest on the floor that the cha-cha-cha, twist, shake and rock would rule the T-Dances that day. After all it was the Dave Clark Five & The Animals Twist & Shake Special.

(Image from: Straits Times Press, Singapore/National Library Board, Singapore.)

The above idea was initiated by Dennis Tan.