Andy 60s Music: Tribute To The Late James Choy [Choi] By Old Bloke.

James Choy

A sad message indeed from 'Old Bloke' who wrote:

Hi Mr. Young,

It's me 'Old Bloke'. Siva Choy was one half The Cyclones. At the age of 16 he teamed up with his brother James also known as 'Achuthan' to form the duo. 

Yesterday, 30th July, James Choi [yes different spelling of surname] passed away, aged 81. They were often referred to as, 'Singapore's Everly Brothers.' Siva wrote original songs from the age of 16 and recorded them.

Goodnight James. Have fun jamming with Siva, Zul, Sonny Bala... the list goes on.

31st July, 2026.

Thanks, Old Bloke for sharing with us the news of James' passing. May he Rest In Peace. God Bless His Soul.

The Cyclones: 'Oh No She Didn't Say.' 

YouTube Video by: Basil Yeo.

Click to read below:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2018/03/siva-choy-rip-tribute-from-horace-wee-2.html

.: Singapore 60's Music Siva Choy: Incredibly Gifted Intellectual. 'Why You So Like That?' By Old Bloke.

[Disclaimer: Thanks again, Old Bloke for the above tribute. Hopefully the family agrees to this posting as there had been instances when such a post had to be withdrawn from the blog. Do write on the comment page to inform.]

National Theatre Singapore Charity Concert 1965: Robin Chng

Robin Chng has kindly written this article to highlight a charity show staged at our famous theatre on 27 March 1965. He was the organising committee secretary. I am still wishing that more Singaporeans like him could donate music stories to this blog. . Thank you so much, Robin, for your generosity and contribution.

"273 EXCLUSIVE CHARITY CONCERT 1965" at the National Theatre.

The Gan Eng Seng School Old Students Association.
More than half a century ago when tragedy befell a member of our group of bosom buddies (former classmates in secondary school), we got together and decided to help raise funds for our unfortunate buddy who became paralyzed as a result of a swimming mishap. A fellow paralytic Johnny Ang whom older readers would probably have heard of also chipped in (National Library archived articles from The Straits Times) after learning of our buddy's plight. As mentioned in the articles, we got together to help raise funds for paralytic Tham Kok Seng to enable him to purchase a possum machine. It would have been a cinch today with crowd funding but alas this was in the sixties.

As pop bands performances were a draw in those days, we decided to organize a variety concert featuring local pop bands, a magic act, dancers and even someone who could coax music from a saw with a violin bow. After forming a committee and assigning the various roles amongst ourselves, we went about seeking sponsors, artistes/performers, emcee, choosing a date for the concert and booking the venue. The date and venue for the concert - 27 March 65 and The National Theatre - were duly chosen. Quite aptly, we named the concert "273 Exclusive" as it was to be held on 27/3/1965.

As it turned out, the concert opened to a sellout crowd much to the delight of the organizers and all participants who made the event possible. I have kept the concert's programme booklet all these years - the accompanying photos capture the programme booklet in its entirety. All the participants who are still around today are probably grand-fathers/mothers. They would be proud to show this record to their families their sincere contribution to Singapore's cultural and LQ heritage. Seniors reading this article are likely able to remember the distinguished guests, radio personality, the then Minister of Health and all the artistes who performed there that night. Younger readers may have also heard of them, perhaps from their parents.

On a side note, many of us from the pioneer/Merdeka generation are deeply saddened that our National Heritage Board wasn't able to gazette the National Theatre for conservation. Singaporeans from all walks of life had generously and proudly contributed their hard earned money to the "a-dollar-a-brick" fundraising campaign. Most notably, even trishaw riders and coolies contributed too. This despite their meagre and irregular earnings. Together with funds jointly donated by the government, our National Theatre was officially opened on 8 Aug 1963.

Throughout its 23-yr span, many famous pop stars and bands performances were held there. Regrettably, this iconic building had to be demolished due to structural problems and was torn down in Aug 1986. A crying shame I might add. Structural problems could easily have been corrected with the building technology available then. Our country's finances were sound too. Conserving the theatre was thus clearly doable.

Everyone who had heeded the call to give generously towards the building fund were thus dismayed. It was truly a "peoples" National Theatre, built in no small part through the support of the citizens and yet didn't deserve to be conserved. 

Were you at this concert with a star-studded cast of Singapore artistes? Do write in to tell us. 

This article has been written by Robin Chng. 

Robin or 'Joe' had since passed away in June, 2022.

The article and images: Copyrights Reserved.

Read about his brother Jimmy Chng and The Decibels:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2012/01/decibels-65-band-in-making-part-one.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2012/02/decibels-band-in-making-1965-1970-part.html

Sungei Road Flea Mart Singapore Walk Right Back

It's been one year now since Sungei Road Flea Market closed. That was July 2017. People from all over the world, especially record (vinyl) lovers, come to the area to buy Singles, EP's, LP's, CD's, antique stuff, old books, photographs and other odds and ends to take home as souvenirs. Prized stuff to many but rubbish to others, this place is no more (3rd July 2018).

I want you to tell me, Why you walked out on me, I'm so lonesome every day...

**********
Last Year's News:

Sungei Road or Thieves Market will soon be gone, literally taken off the streets and its area transformed for urban rejuvenation. People from all over the world have visited this place since the 1930's to buy nostalgia. One is VINYL. There were many such makeshift stalls in this central area in Singapore selling records, but today you need to hunt the two or three makeshifts that might have them.

By the middle of this year, Robinson Petang will be no more. Like so many of the 60's international and local pop musicians who are gone, Sungei Road will pass away in mid-2017. Extensions are unlikely so it's R.I.P. to Singapore's only Flea Market (15 February 2017).

Walk Right Back With The Everlys - 20 Golden Hits

The article below was written in 2013.

SONGS I LOVE:

In the early 60's, they transformed the bluegrass sound of their Kentucky (USA) boyhood into a richly harmonised form of rock n roll and this close harmony vocal influenced many singers from the West.  Similarly, in the East, Indonesian/Dutch duos like The Blue Diamonds, Singapore's Cyclones and Malaysia's Mike and Herb followed their unique style.

The above vinyl record is one of those rare finds I walked away with for only $2.00.  On the internet, it's about $20.00 or so and that's without shipping cost.  Not a collectable but with twenty songs in the pocket and all genuine recordings by the Everly Brothers.  What more could I ask for? 


Sungei Road Yesterday. Called Robinson Petang.

It's a 1975 mint conditioned Warner Brothers recording distributed by WEA Records Ltd.  I love the artwork by Mick Brownfield on the cover and overall album sleeve design by Graves Aslett Associates. 

Some tracks are re-recorded versions of their Cadence hits, the result of a nostalgic recording session held in Nashville, Tennessee in 1962.  If you're an Everly Brothers fan there's even a Chart Position for US/UK/Year for the 20 songs.  

The Blues Diamonds inspirationally Everlys.

I bought this particular record two years ago when #Sungei Road was still wide enough to accommodate the sellers and make-shift stalls in the area but now with the building of the MRT, the place has shrunk to nearly half its size.  Or even less than that? 

The Brothers inspired a generation of musicians from the Beatles to Simon and Garfunkel.  Dressed in snazzy outfits and sporting pompadours, they offered instant appeal to teenagers who easily identified with their songs about dating parents and high school. 

Everly Brothers - 'Walk Right Back'. Thank you.


In 1960, Phil and Don Everly sold eight million copies of their worldwide hit Cathy's Clown.  Between 1957 and 1965 they notched-up a collective total of over 35 million singles and albums.  Many of their biggest hits were penned by Boudleaux Bryant and wife Felice. 

For this particular album, the tracks were cut in Nashville under Chet Atkins who had worked with Elvis Presley.  They include most of their hits with others like Love Hurts, Love Is Strange, How Can I Meet Her, Temptation, Don't Blame Me, So Sad, No One Can Make My Sunshine Smile, The Ferris Wheel, The Price of Love and Muskrat.  On July 14th 1973, they announced their last concert appearance together each preferring to follow a solo career.

Phil Everly, half of Grammy-winning duo The Everly Brothers, passed away in January 2014, aged 74.

I want you to know that/ Since you walked out on me/ Nothing seems to be the same way... 

#In case you're a tourist who's never been to Singapore, Sungei Road used to be called Thieves' Market or Robinson Petang (evening Robinson's Department Store). Not any more but lots of second-hand goods and if you're lucky you can find some vinyl records.

Images: Google.

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.

Empire Strikes Back: Record Collector Magazine Reviews SG 60s Music

'Record Collector' Magazine UK 

September 2009 Edition.

Record Collector magazine from the U.K. reviewed the Singapore 60s Definitive Collection in its September 2009 edition. It is entitled, The Empire Strikes Back: Singapore 60s lovingly compiles the ferment of music released in the years after Cliff & The Shadows played in the region in 1961. There were all manner of instrumental groups, male and female singers, and the cream of the crop is richly spread over these five CDs.

The first three discs have complete EPs by artists like, Naomi & The Boys, The Crescendos, The Thunderbirds and Shirley Nair & The Silver Strings. It is a great idea, and provides a defined flavour of their sound. Replete with stinging guitar, The Cyclones’ She’s Mine All Mine and The Dew are excellent, while The Crescendoes murder Long Tall Sally. Disc Four features solo singers, with Heather’s two tracks proving stellar stand-outs.

She's Mine, All Mine: Cyclones. 

YouTube Video by: Emiliano Espinoza Espinosa.

Musically, these 100 songs capture all manner of genres from rock n roll, Stones covers, pop ditties and even an early waft of psychedelia. Sung in English, this is the 60s pop experience in a parallel universe and, with excellent liner notes, sumptuous DVD style packaging and fantastic original artwork, it’s one you should explore. 

Universal Music Singapore 531 950-9 (5-CD) 

Image/Article is copyright: Ian Shirley from Record Collector Magazine.

(The above article has been slightly edited by this blogger. The interest to post this article is personal and there is no intention to advertise the product under discussion. Posting will be taken off if there is any objection by Record Collector. Please inform under comments below. Thank you.)

The Cyclones Sizzling Hot Rockers James & Siva

******************************************************************************************************************************************************The Cyclones made a great impact on the 60s music scene when they were accompanied by The Checkmates and became public property after releasing two EPs from Philips Records, one in 1965 and the other in 1967.

James Choy and Siva Choy were brothers to behold and released four originals with the instrumental group that was noted for solid and tight accompaniment.

"Oh No, She Didn't Say" and **"The Dew" (biggest hit), were composed by the brothers while, "I'll" and "She's Mine All Mine", were penned by The Checkmates' bass guitarist lanky Laurence Lee.

According to the record sleeve write-up, "The wild and tempestuous character of their singing is quite typical of the Cyclone boys who have expressed satisfaction of at least having attempted to please those who love really solid, beat music." The 45EP (image) was recorded by Kinetex Studios and released in 1965.

Footnote: (1st April 2010)

It's not a 60s song but I thought this piece defines Siva Choy, the humorous, open hearted gentleman who has helped to put Singlish on the international map. A Singaporean classic comedy song back in 1991, it's called, *“Why You So Like Dat?” by Siva Choy and The Kopi Kat Klan.

(chorus)

Why you so like dat ah?

Why you so like dat?

Why you so like dat ah?

Why you so like dat?
I let you copy all my sum

Because you always blur

But when I try to copy back

You always call the Sir!
(chorus)
I always give you chocolate

I give you my Kit Kat

But now you got the Kit Kat

You never give me back!
(chorus)
You tell me that you don’t like girl

I also dunno why

But when you see a pretty girl

Your voice got damn high!
(chorus)
You always tok in dialect

And then I ask you why

You scold in Hokkien very loud!

(Drum sounds like KNNBCCB beat)
(chorus)

Image from Audie Ng Collection.

Original article: Andy Lim

ClareNg Blog: http://clareng.com/2007/12/03/why-you-so-like-that/

You Tube *: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ra7xt9eLLIk

You Tube **: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SiQSsFZ9yu4