SINGAPORE 60's: ANDY's POP MUSIC INFLUENCE IS A PERSONAL MUSIC, MEMORY TRAIL. BLOGGER DOES NOT OWN THE RIGHTS TO VIDEOS, AUDIO TRACKS AND IMAGES. THEY ARE UPLOADED FOR FUN, EDUCATIONAL, ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES AND HAVE BEEN CREDITED. BLOG IS NOT SPONSORED NOR ADVERTORIAL IN ANY WAY WHATSOEVER. INFORM BLOGGER OF COPYRIGHT ISSUES AND POST WILL BE DELETED IMMEDIATELY. DO NOT COPY THE POSTS; GET PERMISSION N CREDIT ME IF YOU DO. ANDY LIM LA (NOVEMBER, 2008) -
(新加坡六十年代安迪的流行音乐影响力), SUDI MAMPIR !
Here's a video on Lou Baldino's 'San Antonio Rose'. My kinda music I could listen to all day...
When I sent this song around among my WhatsApp connections, they replied with all the support and agreed with my selection of whatmusic was like those years when we were younger.
Here are some reactions and replies from viewers:
Eddy Eng:
This is music!
Richard Rajoo:
Yes, I really love San Antonio Rose too, because I started learning to play the guitar with an elderly neighbor of Bukit Merah. He plays with the Clan Association in Chinatown. So I sing at all their events, mainly Hank Williams and others at the music sessions. It was a real experience for me to sing to mostly vernacular speaking audiences.
Rickie Chng:
Simply nice and relaxing.
Tan Soo Khoon:
Very enjoyable. Thank you for sharing.
Vincent Tan:
Thanks for sharing.
👍👍👍👏👏👏
Merlin Lim:
Reminds me of the late, great Chet Atkins. Beautiful way of playing; all the fingers and thumb are alive. Played chords instead of single notes; makes the sound whole, complete and rich. Would have loved to learn that style of picking and playing. Had the intention to learn but lacked the motivation. Thanks Andy.
Johnny Yeo:
Nice! Nowadays I also like erhu since I have been attending weekly classes for the past two years. I love the old spaghetti Italian cowboy movies and their soundtracks.
Horace Wee:
Good to know your endorphins are working well.
Not dolphins 😅
Ronald Ho:
Thanks Andy. I listened with my bass headphones. They are excellent musicians. Yes, my kind of music too. I grew up on country music. Thanks.
Cedric Collars [Perth/Aust.]
I remember that song played by Chet Atkins and sung by Willie Nelson. Ah yes, we did enjoy them but nowadays they don’t play that style of music artistry. It has been put in the annals of music history. Sadly, it is we people who lament on their passing.
Richard Tham:
Andy, I love country music. It makes one wanna get up and dance! Thanks for sharing.
Chet Atkins, Willie Nelson.
When Music Hits You, You Feel No Pain.
Jimmy Chng:
Yup, it's all pleasure to our ears! Good morning, Andy.
Wilfred Lim:
Yes, music lingers on momentarily... then it's whisk off like a puff of smoke... Such is our life span... we're here today... gone tomorrow! Unless our lifetime is recorded in stone or digitally... we sail into oblivion. Cheers.
Merlin Lim:
Music gives you the highs, lows and flats. Without the cravings and withdrawals...
Anonymous:
I remember calling them cowboy songs, like Have I Told You Lately That I Love You, and China Doll. Later on, we know them as Country and Western songs.Again, lyrics today would be understood differently, "I'm tired of crying, and all your lying. That's why I'm buying a China doll. Her eyes are bluer; her faults are fewer..." Not today's China dolls!Ha! Ha!
Andy explains, "It's a song learnt as a student at St. Andrew's or St. Margaret's.
The Song has Latin manuscript and used as a formal graduation hymn; a jolly, light-hearted composition originating in 1289, that makes fun of university life. Like the phrase Carpe Diem, it's just another way of saying, Seize the day!"
Here's a note from Jimmy Chng:
Hi Andy,
You asked if I could contribute an article for your blog like what my late sister Lin had done so annually for a number of years. I had initially told you that I wasn't able to. As I subsequently pondered on your request, something inside of me "triggered" and motivated me to try and come up with one. I think it has to do with the love and respect I have for my sister as well as the gratitude we both have towards your wonderful blog.
Lin was the eldest amongst her four siblings, with me being the youngest at 5 years her junior. She went to a mission school and through her, I learned to sing Christian hymns and Christmas carols at a very young (pre-school) age. I think Latin was a subject in her school's curriculum then as well, and unsurprisingly I also learned to sing Gaudeamus Igitur.
Since young, Lin had always wanted to be a school teacher. As kids, we used to play "school" and us younger siblings and our neighbours' children of similar age range were her "students" and she the "teacher." Her ambition to be a school teacher was realized when she joined the teaching profession upon completing her secondary school studies. She remained in the teaching profession until her retirement.
She loved reading, especially novels by Agatha Christie [above titles are for illustrations only] and both my other sister and I would listen intently when she told us the stories soon after she had finished reading. Lin also loved listening to pop music/songs on the radio. On occasions she and I would do sing-alongs together to Everly Brothers hits like, Devoted to You, Lightning Express, Ebony Eyes, etc.
It's been slightly more than a year since Lin's passing. She would have, around this time of the year begun to draft another article for your blog had she not succumbed to her illness.
The piece she contributed to your blog on 23 December 2019 titled, **"Christmas message: God used your blog to bring about this happening," was in appreciation and gratitude to you and your blog.
Strange Andy that it was just yesterday that I was reminded of this annual festival which falls on 22 Dec - three days before Christmas. When young, I used to help my mother make them -right from rolling the dough to forming the 'yuan'. Didn't particularly like eating them - found them too sweet. In later years, we could buy the ready made dough from the market.
I prefer the 'ah boh leng' -a larger version of the tang yuan sold in some food centres. The fillings come in a range of red beans, peanuts, sesame... Sorry, I've not had them for some years and thus have forgotten the other fillings and the price of this dessert.
This is a cultural festival and will soon be lost if the young ones are not made aware - yes, lost to such western influence as 'Halloween'.
Written by the late CYLin on 22.12.2016.
With thanks to Jimmy Chng.
What Ms Lin said is true. We should focus also on the local festivities that will soon be lost if we don't celebrate them annually.
Comments are encouraged.
Mai Tang Yuan: Jing Yin Fang - Topic
YouTube Video from: Universal Music Group
The Legendary Chinese Hits Volume 19:
Fang Jing Yin - Mai Tang Yuan
℗ 1957 EMI (HK) Ltd.
Do you know the difference?
Tang Yuen
Ah Boh Leng
Andy's Comment:
Actually what attracted me as a child was this cute custom, that is: you eat the number of Tang Yuan according to your age, and at 8 years old I was allowed 8 balls. But here's the nice thing about my mum. "After that," she says, "you can eat as many, as long as you don't get sick..."
Happy Winter Solstice to all this 2023 year of the Rabbit who will soon disappear because the dragon is coming around the corner.
Thanks for your kind encouragement, spurs me on!!!"
April: 2023
Mr. Kuo Tung Pang [Republic SG Navy]:
"Dear Mr. Andy, Thanks for sharing
such lovely enchanted memories."
April: 2023
Manny Said [Pop Yeah Yeah Band: 'Rhythm Boys']:
"Thank you champ. Brings back good memories.
Thank you Andy. Keep up the great work.
My admiration for you always."
May: 2023
Fabian Foo Jong Fook [Videographer]:
"So nice and humble of you to recognise our local talent. My great respect for your effort in promoting local music."
October: 2023
[70's Guitarist from Japan]
May: 2023
Richard Khan [Drummer 'October Cherries']:
"Thank you so much and keep on doing what you're doing.
I love it pal."
July: 2023
Larry Lai [60's Rediffusion DJ]:
Andy, Thanks for keeping the 60's music alive!"
October: 2023
Jimmy Chng [Musician]:
"Yours is about the only blog that I've come across that is neither advertorial nor sponsored. It makes reading the many interesting articles more pleasurable - no irritating adverts bombarding the screen of your mobile/computer/tablet. Kudos to you for keeping it this way."
July: 2023
Wilfred Lim [Architect, Musician]:
"What you are doing for others through your present MUSIC BLOG will be remembered for perpetuity, that is when you are long gone... people outside your own family will remember you as the creator of this music blog. Well done my friend! This blog is your niche. No one can take it away. God Bless you my brother! Am proud of you!"
"I can't say anything that hasn't been said about your blog but can only add that you my friend have started something that has a very high benchmark and support from the musos and those who have dreams of being one. Well done mate "
For those who are not too familiar with Hong Kong pop, below is
a chat with blogger, 8 Singaporeans and a Japanese who lives in Spain.
UP TO 300 VIEWS, 10 CHATS, COMMENTS
Andy Young:
Hello my friends, I would like to focus interest this month on HONG KONG POPS and CANTO-POPS and would love to learn from music friends and readers. Please contribute your stories if you can about your own experiences watching or performing with them in Singapore, in Hong Kong or in other countries. Photographs too are most welcome. Thank you.
Colin Colin:
I can only mention the 1st music band from Hong Kong that sort of introduced me to their music scene were The Wynners featuring Alan Tam, followed by Sam Hui.
Then all these HK songs and their bands were available on cassettes. And the Old Bugis Street that time frequently air-played these HK hits. I remember a cassette stall playing Shanghai Bund, the theme song by Francis Yip.
Fond memories...
A youthful Frances Yip, Canto-pop diva.
Andy Young:
Colin Colin yes, that's right. Wynners were really winners. And Alan Tam with Sam Hui. That's what we need to keep the memories flowing. Thanks Colin. You've contributed much. Bugis Street too. Cheers. Shanghai Bund belongs to Frances Yip. Wow!
Fred Ching:
Thanks for this interesting topic Brother Andy. Sam Hui sang beautifully and flawlessly at most of his concerts that I have attended in Singapore. Was listening to this album in my car stereo when this classic came on..
Regarded as a legend in Cantopop and movies scene from the 1960’s to 1990’s, Sam popularised Cantopop songs by striking a chord with the everyday man. His songs and lyrics echo the trials, tribulations and triumphs of the ordinary working man and has made him much - loved performer across the region. Thanks for the good memories, Sam.👍❤️🥰..
Andy Young:
Fred Ching thanks for continuing the thread of the HK Pop and Canto-Pop story. I am not familiar with Sam Hui but your writeup is informative and helps. I hope to read more about him.
I have also been listening to your video, Fred but don't understand Cantonese. The video dramatization is meaningful. Thanks.
許冠傑 Sam Hui - 日本娃娃
YouTube Video by: Kenji
Stephen Han:
I went to see Francis Yip when she performed in Singapore on a few occasions. Others include Grace Chang, Chan Poh Choo, Sit Kat Yin, Sam Hui。
Andy Young:
Stephen Han it's interesting that you are just as familiar with Canto-pop as you are with the Western pop stars. Thanks for the support.
AN A COINCIDENCE INDEED: COCO LEE HAS PASSED AWAY JUST AS WE ARE DISCUSSING CANTO-POP. Do feel free to write about this lovely lady who graced the 90s and beyond in both the East and the West. May she REST IN PEACE. Condolences to her family.
Chow Wen Hing:
A coincidence indeed Andy, and a sad day for music lovers worldwide, especially the circumstance of her passing. Depression is definitely a condition to be taken seriously as it is non-discriminatory. It can inflict the rich or the poor, the famous or the ordinary. RIP Coco Lee 😢
Andy Young:
Chow Wen Hing thanks. It's true. Easy to get depressed nowadays with the world situation and how media is conducted daily on the Web. We all do need to be careful.
The late Coco Lee who had just
passed away a few days ago.
Hiroshi Deguchi [writes from Spain]:
It was when I happened to go see "Mr Boo The Private Eyes" that I became interested in Sam and The Lotus. I liked the guitar interlude so much that I tried to find out the chords and how to play the interlude. I'm afraid it was not in the 60s but in the late 70s.
Then started listening to other singers and bands. It was not easy to do so in Japan those days. I got the tapes and CDs when I visited SG. I remember singing Sam's Japanese Girls at Europa Singapore, a live house in Marine Parade long time ago. I want to sing his Drifter Song but my dream hasn't come true; the language is difficult.
Sam Hui 许冠杰: 浪子心声/Drifter’s Song
(Sing along with English translation)
YouTube Video: Keat Leong.
Andy Young:
Hiroshi Deguchi hello! Your story intrigues me, and I'm sure other readers too. Thanks for taking me nearer to Canto/HK pop. I shall check out Sam Hui's Japanese Girls and Drifter Song. That's the problem with some pop song listeners in Singapore, ie: not understanding the Chinese dialects nor Mandarin songs. Appreciate your sharing Hiroshi. 🙏👍 Thanks. A whole new world for me...
Audie Ng [Silver Strings leader/bassist]:
The Wynners were called Loosers till their Manager Mr Pato Leong changed it and they became popular. The Silver Strings [Singapore] were invited to appear on HKTVB by our Mr Robert Chua and they appeared on the same show, Enjoy Yourself Tonite.
Sam Hui appeared on the same show too. The Cantopop music was influenced by the Filipino musicians and I brought in the first Cantopop band called, HongKong Radio, to perform at Club 97 owned by the Europa Chain group.
Andy Young:
Thanks Audie, with your 50 years plus experience with Singapore and S.E. Asian showbiz, you're the man to explain the scenario in a more crystalized view, from the inside out.
Sam Hui: Me and the Elephant.
YouTube Video: ioujenny.
Jimmy Chng [Percussionist/The Decibels]:
Interesting chats on Canto-pop. Sam sings well both in Cantonese and English. Although I have a poor grasp of the Cantonese dialect, I enjoy listening to many of his Cantonese songs.
The movies he starred in together with his brothers Michael and Rick e.g. Aces GoPlaces, The Private Eyes, etc. were popular too. I like his rendition of, Me and the Elephant as well.
Andy Young:
Again thanks for the information provided Jimmy. You are knowledgeable indeed and will check out the movies the brothers made. I am familiar with, Elephant. It is still popular today.
Irene Yap:
I'm afraid I can't contribute much to Canto music. It was in the late 70s, I think, a period where Canto songs were in. Besides Sam Hui's popularity time, I think also at a time when Cantonese dramas were shown in our TV channels. Their theme songs became popular. I remember I had to learn them to cater to the requests, during my hotel or nightclubs stint.
Andy Young:
Thanks Irene. I think it’s very informative, what you’ve just written. I didn’t realise all that you’ve just told me. Now I remember that there was a period where there was so many Cantonese dramas on TV. And you had to sing them too?
💗💗💗💗💗💗💗💗
Thanks for the generous contribution of HK music stories from AUDIE NG, COLIN COLIN, FRED CHING, HIROSHI DEGUCHI, JIMMY CHNG, IRENE YAP. These stories, for a non-Cantonese speaker, are exceptionally interesting. And thanks also to CHOW WEN HING, STEPHEN HAN, for their comments.
Samuel Hui: Interlude [Time is like a Dream]
YouTube Video by: leopold coutrier.
💗💗💗💗💗💗💗
Images: Google. All connecting links will be put up soon.
Looks like there's still some interest in the article as new comments keep trickling in? Thought I'd add some comments regarding the Copicat Echo Unit.
Vacuum Tubes Or Valves:
1. The electronics in use then was based on vacuum tube technology. This was followed by transistor (solid state) technology. There are several vacuum tubes (also known as "valves") used in the electronic circuit and one of which is the 6BR8A as depicted in the picture below.
2. Due to wear and tear, these tapes would sometimes burst whilst in operation. As replacement tapes were quite costly I had also resorted to make spare ones [like what Cedric Cork, the Vietnam War drummer, did], that is, cutting appropriate lengths from open reeled 1/4" magnetic tapes and splicing them.
3) As for the Schaller, it's true that the magnetic coated drum does get hot as mentioned by Michael Lee. Not only that. The magnetic coating on the drum would get worn out after sometime and a replacement drum is costly. What my dad did was to cut short pieces of open reeled magnetic tape and dissolved them in a solvent (acetone) and brush painted it over the worn part/s of the drum. Another cost saving measure.
Separately, a reader who's close to my heart commented that the article was an interesting read but kind of ended abruptly. I had indeed shortened the article by omitting a small part about DECIBELS' performing at hungry ghost festivals - i.e. Getai. Appended below is the part I omitted.
An example of a getai performance with the
guitar group accompanying a-go-go girls and singer.
Getai [歌台] is a Chinese term which literally means, song tower, stage or street concert. It is one of many activities to entertain the Chinese gods, with a related 'officer' from Hell and people who donated funds for the annual Hungry Ghost Festival celebration. It falls during the seventh month of the Chinese lunar year; around August.
From the recesses of my fading memory cells, I could recollect that our very first Getai performance was at Strathmore Avenue. The stage was on the open space between a row of SIT (Singapore Improvement Trust) flats facing the QSTS (Queenstown Secondary Technical School) school field.
On another occasion, we played somewhere in Kampong Bahru. And on the third occasion I played (as stand-in drummer for the Wong family who were all professional musicians) somewhere off Bencoolen Street. I felt truly honoured to be invited to play alongside them.
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