When The Twist Dance And Movies Were Banned

                  **Crescendos n Susan Lim sings Mr Twister & Frankie Video: eosyeo

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This previous post [2012] has been updated for content:

Hey, you may not know this. Not only were songs banned in Singapore in 1959 but a dance too. In the early years of Independence, saw the banning of The Twist, a dance fad from Western pop culture. As explained in an another *posting the Helen Shapiro/Billy Fury movie Play It Cool was banned because of its 'undesirable song and dance sequences'.

18 MILLION VIEWERS cannot be wrong.

Mr. Chubby Checker with 'The Twist'

YouTube Official Music Video from

Chubby Checker.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-CCgDvUM4TM&t=96s

According to Wiki, The Twist's original inspiration came from the African American plantation dance called 'wringin' and twistin,' tracing back to the 1890s. However, its original aesthetic origins, using pelvic movement and the shuffling foot movement, could be traced to West Africa. Throughout the 20th Century, the dance evolved until it emerged to a mass audience in the 1960s.

So in Singapore, three other films which featured the dance were not allowed screenings. These movies were, Hey, Let's Twist, Twist Around The Clock and The Teenage Millionaire (images 1,2). This was a cinema clean-up because there was a policy that where books or films were detrimental to morals, they would be banned. Even juke boxes and pin-ball machines (image 3) were not allowed in Singapore. So what songs did we miss from all these movies?

As an example, the first movie Hey Let's Twist had a group called Joey Dee and The Starliters perform, Shake Me Baby, Hey Let's Twist, Peppermint Twist, Round and Round, Roly Poly, Let Me Teach You How to Twist, Shout. Also another two songs: Let's Twist by Mama and Shake Me Baby by Jo Ann Campbell were on the sound track. Just wondering if any of them reached our hit parade charts?

Apparently not only were Western movies banned, even Mandarin and Japanese movies were taken off the list as part of the authorities' campaign against yellow culture which had caused the 'moral degeneration of our young'. Censorship by the Culture Ministry was significant between June 1959 and June 1960.

But don't forget dear readers, that this was a season when The Shadows/Ventures were just around the corner and the saxaphone, double-bass, piano and f-hole guitars were still in vogue. It was a season of change. And change we did, when common sense prevailed.

The ban did not last long as Chubby Checker's famous stance and dance movie posters (image 1) crowded the scene afterwards. Tables turned in February 1963 as Singapore's first recording stars **The Crescendos released Mr. Twister fronted by power voice Susan Lim. The group was such a hit that even Singapore's Minister for Culture, Mr. S. Rajaratnam accompanied them on their Malaysian tour a few months later. All's well that ends well.

Do you have similar stories to tell about Singapore's sixties music scene? Write in.

Images: Google.

*Play It Cool Movie: 

http://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2011/04/play-it-cool-movie-banned-in-our-local.html

**Crescendos: 

http://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2009/06/new-dances-like-twist-made-way-for-pop.html

Jimmy Appudurai-Chua: A Tribute From Ronald Ho [Meltones]

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CHATS, CONDOLENCES

TRIBUTE to JIMMY APPUDURAI-CHUA 

It was supposed to be a sunny day but the news early this morning that Jimmy Appudurai-Chua, my very good friend, my Meltones bandmate, my classmate from 1955 at St Patrick’s passed away in hospital in England at 8.30pm 29, August 2023 made my sun set. His 76th birthday is 31, August – just two days away.

Jimmy spent most of his adult life in the world of music playing his guitar gleefully and wonderfully. He was happiest with a guitar in his hands. From the Meltones in the 60s to the Straydogs in the 70s and many gigs, he left for England and continued playing music with many bands including the UK Meltones.

Jimmy is one of the nicest people to have walked this earth. He was always cheerful and positive, never had an unkind word and always encouraging others. He lived simply, loved his char-siew, always loyal to his friends and a kampong boy at heart.

From the sandy road of Jalan Sempadan to the green fields of St Patrick’s, Jimmy grew up playfully and happily with his close friends.  From the music stages in Singapore to the music stages in the UK, Jimmy entertained with his guitar skills and in synch with his band-mates. And for his undying love for Mary, the mother of Jesus, he now walks into her arms in heaven. 

Ronald Ho. 

30 August 2023. 10.27 am.

Image: FB Copyrights Reserved

Thanks to Ronald for keeping in touch and writing this piece within an hour, when he confirmed Jimmy had passed away. 

Jimmy Appudurai-Chua with The Meltones. 

Ronald Ho sings: The Young Ones.

Esplanade Theatre: 10 March 2017

YouTube Video: Fabian Foo.

If you take information from this article for your own use, 

at least credit the blog and me because copying is stealing.

Andy.

Connecting to other Jimmy A's posts: 

1. his life story.

2. with Meltones and

3. a student fan, Straydogs, Andy.

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2020/06/jimmy-appudurai-chua-singapore-born.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2020/08/the-meltones-as-related-by-ronald-ho.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2019/08/straydogs-freedom-played-lecture.html

Jimmy Appudurai with Straydogs: Esplanade 2015.

YouTube Video: Steve Ferzacca.

The MELTONES as related by Ronald Ho

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Original Meltones 1966: L to R: Ronald, David, Jimmy, Richard, Malcolm.

Meltones at house function 1968 and at SIA CLUB 2018.

For a band to get together again and 50 years later with the same boys is truly remarkable. This group has not changed members so when I asked Ronald if he could do a short write-up he agreed. Ronald sings as his famous brother Raymond (Crescendos) does. Thanks for taking time off  to write your 60's music adventure my friend.

Andy, 

My brother Raymond was original Crescendos. My siblings are all musically oriented, play guitars, sing but never went professional except for Raymond. My other brother Rennie back in the 70s also sang with some groups for many years but stopped after he started work with a Japanese company, Ataka. I, with Jimmy Appudurai, Richard Ang, David Lim and Malcolm Alphonso started the Meltones in 1963.

 We continued playing as a group till the 70s and performed at many gigs... Ocean Park Hotel, New Penangway, high teas, functions, and RAF Changi. We were part of the Push Push Show Tour back in 1966 or so with the Quests and performed at JB, Muar, Melaka, KL, Ipoh and Penang. But Meltones never played professionally or regularly. We each had our various careers. Except Jimmy who went on to play professionally.

 But in 2013, Meltones came back together again and started playing again at various functions. In 2015, we performed at the Esplanade Open Air theatre. In 2016, we performed at the Esplanade Recital Hall to 3 sell out shows, and again in 2017. And in 2018, we performed at the Esplanade main concert Hall. Jimmy flew in from England in all instances to perform with us.

 At our 2nd recital Hall show, I brought in the Crescendos,  as guest artistes. But just Raymond and John performed. Again, at the final main concert hall show in 2018, I brought in the Crescendos as guest artistes. 

In 2019, Meltones performed at Pek Kio Community Hall as invited by Jerry Fernández. And at National Library as part of Arts Festival. New Meltones is still alive but without Jimmy who is stuck in England.

 Our members are Richard Ang (lead guitar), David Lim (bass guitar), Kelly Tan (rhythm guitar and vocals), Hansen Beng (drums), and myself Ronald Ho (vocal singer and spokesman for the group). We play songs from the 60s and 70s and cover a huge span of music.

 Article and Images: Copyrights Reserved.

YouTube Video: Foo Jong Fook.

 Written by Ronald Ho. 

Jimmy Appudurai writes: 

This is so cool, I remember the pictures but not seen them for a while... brilliant... love playing with them, so much fun. Never ever talk about money. 

Even coming Singapore to play. They will use their payments for my airfare plus they provide me meals as well... amazing guys.  If the payments do not cover the airfare, in two cases both Ronald and Malcolm will subsidize the extra; they never want me to lose out. 

There is that loyalty thing ingrained in my classmates; they are so special. One of those bands that made no records and all totally around still today. They are all from the same class at St. Patrick's School in Katong. And they are Catholics except me. 

Thanks Andy for your wonderful blog xxxx. 

Singapore 60's Covers Sell Better Than Originals

Rita Chao n Quests, ' How To Catch A Girl' 

YouTube video by luposol66. Thank you.

 [recording of '16 Candles' is copyrighted].

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Songs I Love:

In the 1960's when the craze among our youth was to buy local records (i.e. Singapore vinyl), they were more familiar with the covers of Western pops sung by our own artistes than the original ones.  In fact, some record buyers were not even aware of the versions by our British or American counterparts.

I have listed five hit songs below that fit into this category. The original version comes first and the Singapore copy-cat beside it. Most were songs from the late 1950's and recorded in the 60's. 

The Singapore artistes were the top stars those years and, if it's true of what I've been told, each recording would have produced at least 20,000 copies. They were the dominant players in the recording industry then. Some of these records would have been reprinted if sales were good. Let's take a look at them.

1) Mr. Twister: Connie Francis (original)
    Mr Twister: The Crescendos (cover)
    No details on date and composer
   
Although Connie Francis was a multi-hit maker in the 60's with her songs like, Who's Sorry Now, Stupid Cupid and Where the Boys Are, her song Mr Twister was not as popular in Singapore.   Instead the local vocal group The Crescendos hit the air waves with the same song and made it a sell-out on the island. The late Susan Lim sang it.

2) Happy Happy Birthday Baby: The Tune Weavers (Original)
    Happy Happy Birthday Baby: Naomi and The Boys (cover)
    Margo Sylvia, Gilbert Lopez - 1957

Many fans thought that Happy Happy Birthday Baby was an original song by Naomi and The Boys. In fact it was recorded in the US by a group called The Weavers. Another Naomi hit song, I Know which is a Boys original was thought to be a western hit. Naomi's Happy Birthday became so popular that many pirated copies were on sale in the market.               

 3) Sixteen Candles: The Crests (Original).
     Sixteen Candles: Rita Chao (Cover).
     Luther Dixon Allyson R. - 1958.

Similarly the late Rita Chao's version of Sixteen Candles was more popular than The Crests.  Many local listeners had never even heard of The Crests. Rita Chao's, together with top pop guitar twangers The Quests' version was heard all over the country. 

Our cute and petite lady was Queen of Pops those years and did a Chinese version of the same song. Even good friend Sakura Teng could not outshine her.

4)  Don't Play That Song: Ben. E. King (Original)
    Don't Play That Song: Keith Locke and The Quests (Cover)
    Ahmed Ertegun, Betty Nelson - 1960

One of the most popular songs when it was around in the mid-sixties, this number was performed all the time whenever Keith Locke and his team-mates came on stage during variety shows, charity shows, theatre shows and during night club acts. 

Keith Locke was a sensation and made a name for himself. Everyone in the audience could chorus, "You lied, you lied, you lied. Yeah, yeah, yeah..."  The Ben King version was over shadowed a thousand times over.

 5) Silver Threads And Golden Needles: Skeeter Davis (Original).

     Silver Threads And Golden Needles: The Crescendos (Cover).
     Jack Rhodes, Dick Reynolds - 1956.

A classic, the song by our local group did not hit the headlines but was part of an EP with three other songs. The Crescendos EP's usually sold well and the vocal group was on an uphill curve with the vinyl records they pressed. 

It was very impressive indeed and they were the first artistes from Singapore to have recorded with an international company like Philips.  Skeeter Davis came earlier with her version but this was a hit song by any means.

Mr Twister - Crescendos: YouTube

Video by eosyeo. Thank You

A very strong support group for our local bands and singers uplifted the record sales. It was a novelty then, the only time in Singapore's history when our own boys and girls could hit the pop song parade together with international stars.

Credit must be given to the fledgling music industry in the 1960's. The incentives activated a new vehicle to promote it, local music producers like Reggie Verghese and composers like, Robert Suriya, Henry Chua and Harvey Fitzgerald. This new and exciting onslaught of local hits flooded the market. But that's another tale.

Comment anyone?

Images: A Personal Collection and Google.
You Tube Videos: Alvin Tan and eosyeo.

Copyrights reserved: Don't copy.

Disclaimer: 
The article is my own personal view. Information may vary according to sources.

Mata Mata Special Squads Roam 60's Night Clubs

Mata, Mata - The Singapore Police Force in the 1950's.

Something on my Mind with d'Starlights. Video by Mr Rainbow.

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Singapore Police Force n Nightclub Scene:

"Mata. Mata lai leow. (cops are here). Time is tight man! Let's make a run for it before we get caught by the special squad!"  The nightclubs in the 1960's were usually quiet with conflicts and rowdiness more or else contained.  

But there were instances when fights and clashes erupted and the police would appear quickly to appease the situation and handle the trouble makers.  

Guru Happy, who now lives in Vancouver is here again to discuss certain tough areas that he had been patrolling those years.  Personal names have been left out and the article has been edited:

*d'Starlights: Karate-kicks on stage before music performance.

"D'Starlights, I'm sure many of you could remember, was one of the first and top band from the Philippines to perform at the El Amigo in Singapore. We would always frequent the Lounge or Nite Club (as they were known those days) located at the New World Amusement Park.

This group were karate exponents and would include some Japanese art of self-defence techniques at the beginning of their music performance to show the gangsters their own agility.

Is this a **BLACK MARIA with reinforced steel bars?

Located at Kitchener Road (City Square Mall has now replaced New World) it was one place where well-known gangsters and hard-core fugitives would also congregate and come to know me pretty well too.  We would always land up making arrests in the club when I was then with the Police Special Squad working together with one Mr Singh (Special Squad or plain clothes policemen were known as arm-pai amongst the Chinese).



Another place we used to frequent often was at the Pink Panther off Orchard Road and the Shamrock Bar and Nite Club. "If you're looking for trouble, you came to the right place, If you're looking for trouble just look right in my face (Elvis Presley's Trouble from King Creole)."

Elvis Presley spells trouble in King Creole.

Childhood Friends:

Cathay Nite Club and Restaurant at the Cathay Cinema at Mount Sophia and Handy Road was another favourite joint and that was where my present better half and I had our first date, together with childhood friends, a well-known radio DJ and another friend who was one of Singapore's great footballers. We grew up together in primary school and if we didn't frequent the nightclubs we would spend most of our time on the soccer field in Queenstown.

Nightclubs in the 50s and 60s

Besides D'Starlights I still remember Susan Lim with The Crescendos and would still listen to her on You-Tube today to recall all those memorable times where we enjoyed our T-Dances and house parties in the 60s. Yes, so much to talk about, but so little time-lah, especially when you're far away from your kampung in Pasir Ris. Original article by Guru Happy."

Angchia (red van) arrests begin with warning messages over loudspeakers.

Takes A Crook To Catch A Crook - Singapore Gangsters

Call them what you will: triad, secret societies, thugs or samseng kia, these criminal organisations were known to identify themselves using numerals like 08 or 329. In the 60's gangsters would be detained under the Criminal Law (Temporary Provisions) Ordinance.  In the month of February 1965 alone more than 3,000 suspects were screened and about a dozen gangsters arrested. They lived in hideouts at Geylang, Yeo Chu Kang, Havelock, Chinatown and other areas.

Undercover police officers who dressed like thugs would penetrate hideouts and together with ex-gangsters recruited by the police, raid dens and red-light areas like Geylang and Sago Lane. The exploits of these reformed criminals were legendary as they helped to capture some of the worst in our society.

Mata mata means Eyes in the Malay Language. It is the colloquial term for Policemen.

Gangsters caught by the mata-mata and arm-pai. From stomp.com.sg

Images:

Vinyl from d'Starlights: It's Soul Man with A Man Without Love, Hip Hug Her, El Pussy Cat and Louie Louie on EMI/ECHK 598.

Police vans to transport prisoners inside a specially adapted cell in the vehicle; also for rapid transport of police officers to an incident.

The vehicle most gangsters fear was the ang-chia or red van, used to round up troublemakers and placed under arrest. They would be escorted under heavy guard in these red vans and charged at the police station. Such vehicles have been phased out today and replaced with smaller ones.

If you take information from this article for your own use, 

at least credit me because copying is stealing.

Andy.

Images from: Google,  stomp.com.sg, Andy Lim Collection.
Original article: Guru Happy from Vancouver, BC.

Magazine Memo: RAF Changi Connection Part IV

Jumping Jupiter! Well, here's a blast from the past and sent all the way from the UK by great friend Allan Thompson. He has sent me images of our pop scenes in Singapore 60s. The above groups and singers is a page taken off Goodwood Park Hotel magazine from a programme for ‘The Goodwood Presents...', a show held at The National Theatre on Wednesday 23rd September 1964. Direct quotes below are from the page:

.

Crescendos:

The first Singapore vocal group/band to have their songs released by an international recording group: "The Crescendos, Susan Lim, John Chee, Raymond Ho and Leslie Chia are today the best selling artistes on the Philips label. In a short space of a year these young Malaysians have achieved the distinction of having one of their hit songs 'The Boy Next Door' included in the 1964 'Big Hits' record. it is expected to be released in early October.

.

Susan the lead singer of the group is in her final year in school and plans of the quartet's future can only be drawn in 1965. Since they started their singing career a year ago, they have recorded 12 numbers and sold 35,000 in Malaysia alone. In the last ratings of Philips 20 discs on Philips international label The Crescendos recording of 'The Boy Next Door' held second place."

.

Wilson David:

"Malaysia's Beat King is undoubtedly the teenage solo singing craze, teams up with the Jumping Jupiters to cut his first disc on the Philips International label."

.

The Jumping Jupiters:

"A group of talented and energetic instrumentalists, popular on TV, radio and many a stage show now cut their first disc on Philips International label. Wilson David and The Jumping Jupiters appear by courtesy of Asia Promotions."

.

Comment:

In the above write-up about the Crescendos, Singapore was still with Malaysia until August 1965, so the group, which was formed in 1961 and Susan Lim only 15, were still "Malaysians." One of the Crescendo boys remarked in a recent interview that they were lucky and had just happened to be at the right place, at the right time. But they were talented too. Twelve Crescendos numbers sold 35,000 copies. That's still a record today or has it been broken?

.

Wilson David cut an EP with Jumping Jupiters and 2 more EPs afterwards accompanied by The Jets and The Moonglows. He had sung with the Stompers, Esquires and Quests. Wilson was popularly known as Singapore's Elvis Presley. Just wondering why no one has put on You Tube the EPs of Wilson David? Comment anyone on this article and magazine comments?

.

Images: Allan Thompson Collection.

(2) Canadian Influence: Local Vocal Groups

Remembering the late 50s and 60s, James Choa (check his posting earlier) recalled the good old days of radio and his own vocal quartet, The Gaylads who played to full houses in the nightspots in Singapore with their band, The Flamingos.

They sang songs by The Diamonds, like, Little Darlin', etc. Now there are hardly any pop quartets that have survived in Singapore. But we have cappella groups though.

In fact in the late 50s and early 60s another vocal group called The Three Bambinos were just as popular. Then came The Crescendos and The Sundowners who were able to cut records with international labels.

Incidentally, most of the Singapore vocal groups discussed came from the Katong area in the East Coast. I wonder why?

Image: Universal Music Singapore.

Original article: Andy Lim

(4) Singapore Cowboy/Cowgirls: Matthew, Mandarins/Crescendos/Naomi/Henry Suriya And The Boys/Sakura/The Dukes

Matthew and the Mandarins from Website of a private photo shot.

When our Singapore dudes and dames started singing their cowboy songs, most of the songs were imported from the Wild Wild West. They were simply covers and these included, Have I Told You Lately That I Love You (Naomi & The Boys), Silver Threads And Golden Needles (The Crescendos), Lonesome Town (Bobby Lambert & The Dukes), Love Is A Golden Ring (Henry Suriya & The Boys). Sakura Teng too recorded, I Don't Care If Tomorrow Never Comes and The Surfers with, By The Time I Get To Phoenix.

But one dude who covered many cowboy songs is Matthew Tan with his group The Mandarins. Matthew wrote two songs, Singapore Cowboy and Let's Put The Sing In Singapore. He is the only Country singer from Singapore who recorded at Nashville, Tennessee.

They used to play at the Hotel Negara, Singapore and were popular during the 80s oil boom, when many American oil riggers were stationed on the island. They were also at the Peacock Lounge, Shangrilla Hotel. Today they seem an almost forgotten local talent, except to country music fans.

Lately, they have been performing at a Singapore private club. In hand, there are two albums of popular country and western songs on the EMI Singapore label titled, Matthew and The Mandarins, I and II. Having heard them on record and having seen them perform at the hotels, there is no doubt that they are a talented country and western group.

Image: http://image56.webshots.com/

Original article: Andy Lim

1st National Day 1966 And Singapore 60s Pops

Singapore celebrated its first National Day (image) in 1966, one year after Singapore's independence from Malaysia on 9 August 1965. The venue of the parade was usually at the historical grounds of the Padang, where the declaration of Singapore's independence was held.

(Songs by our local artistes heard on Rediffusion and Radio Singapore that year included, It's All Over; I Know; Happy Birthday, Baby; Making Believe by Naomi & The Boys, Silver Threads And Golden Needles by The Crescendos, Push, Push, by Keith Locke & The Quests and Mark Yun's, Never Die.) A recording of Naomi and The Boys was played over the loudspeaker during the lst National Day Parade.

Since the first parade in 1966 and up to 1975, the venue was located in this central area. The idea was to bring the parade closer to the people. In 1976, the parade was held for the first time at the newly completed National Stadium, where the much larger area of the stadium allowed for more people to view the parade live.

The National Day Parades are organised by the Singapore Armed Forces, with the extreme involvement of a multitude of public and private organisations.

The 1968 parade was the first parade to be held in the rain. By a strange coincidence the theme for that year was, "Building A Rugged Society".

Princess Alexandra of the British Royal Family, carrying out royal duties for the Queen, was the special guest at the 1969 parade, which not only celebrated Singapore's 4th birthday, but also celebrated the 150th anniversary of the founding of Singapore.

(International popular hits included, Love Letters, by Elvis; Wind Me Up, Visions, by Cliff Richard, These Boots Are Made For Walking by Nancy Sinatra, The Sounds of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel, Svensk-A-Flicka with Johnny Lion & The Jumping Jewels, 19th Nervous Breakdown; As Tears Go By by The Rolling Stones and Michelle by The Beatles.)

If readers have contributions on Singapore 60s music and National Day, please do so on the 'comments' page.

Reference: Wikipedia

Image: National Heritage Board.

Crescendos: Singapore's First Recording Artistes

New dances like the Twist made way for pop music that had different beat variation. It also provided opportunities for local groups like The Crescendos to record. They were the first group in Singapore to acquire a recording contract with Philips, an international label. The song was Mr Twister, a Chubby Checker hit.

This first song, with Frankie on the flip (image), sold over 10, 000 copies in Malaysia and placed it in the Philips World Top Ten. Connie Francis didn't have much of a chance in Singapore with Susan Lim's rendition. Air time was important then, so the few radio stations and Rediffusion broadcast made it a top pop.

They became the talk of the town and scored with another, In The Good Old Summertime, and an original song, The Boy Next Door. Both songs sold over 10,000 copies each.

But ironically, the real twist came when the group, at their peak, decided to take a break because of personal commitment and recordings stopped by 1966. Worse, Susan Lim disappeared in a Malaysian east coast incident which left the band devoid of a talented singer.

The Crescendos started with John Chee, Leslie Chia and Raymond Ho in July 1961 and won the second prize in a talent show. When Susan Lim joined them, they were placed second in a Radio Singapore Talentime contest held on 30th December, 1962 and took part in various shows for charity.

They are part of Singapore's 6os music heritage as they opened doors for other local groups to record with international labels. Eight of their hits have been released again recently, together with other 60s recording artistes.

Image/Original Article: Andy Lim Collection.

The Crescendos group is under Universal Music Singapore.

The Crescendos - 50s Songs By Our Groups

• Apparently many songs from the 50s have been recorded by our artistes in the 60s and the influence is strong. The following are some songs that have been pressed on vinyl:
• 1. Naomi and The Boys recorded 'Have I Told You Lately That I Love You' (Philips),
• 2. The Crescendos recorded 'Everybody Loves A Lover' and 'Silver Threads And Golden Needles' (Philips),
• 3. The Surfers recorded 'Answer Me' (EMI),
• 4. The Blue Diamonds (from Holland) recorded 'Pretty Blue Eyes' and 'Ramona' (Fontana)
• 5. The Tidbits recorded 'I Believe' (RCA).
• The list goes on so please provide one to add to the numbers.