As We Grow Older: By Judy Chong-Lee

https://dontgiveupworld.com/motivational-essay-life-and-death/

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Many thanks to Judy, whose deep sense of thought, sincerity and love surface in this poem... I am touched by her sensitivity.

As We Grow Older

[Judy Chong-Lee]

As we grow older and nearer the end of our journey on earth

We must consider the possibility of an existence after death

What waits for us on the other side, do we have another birth

Just as we wake up from sleep will we be revived with new breath.

If there is not a place to go where we must give an account totally

Of our thoughts and deeds, everything committed in our life

Why do humans have conscience and a code for morality

To refrain from evil, injustice, violence and all kinds of strife.

Man tries to find a way to live justifying his every end

It's easy to self deceive and cross that blur thin line

The poor and weak we cannot see or we just pretend

Greed and corruption make every good man turn blind.

Who can be mighty enough to take charge of this entire universe

Other than the one who created it from alpha to omega and eternity

Why deny that God exists, that He designed and made us

And His son died on the cross to redeem our divine destiny.

https://www.istockphoto.com/search/2/image?phrase=human+age

After all that is said and done get ready and prepare

Forget our pride and humble ourselves to the power above

No one will escape judgement if a holy God is to be fair

Lay ourselves at the mercy of Father God who is Love.

All it takes is our acceptance of a free salvation

We can't do enough good to be sinless and not condemned

At the cross of Calvary sin's atonement had completion

The only sacrifice required by God was Jesus the Lamb.

We only need to believe in Jesus alone, and NOT  Jesus plus..

Heaven awaits all who acknowledge Him, only He can save

It's our faith in Christ, by God's grace, need no other fuss

We are heading for heaven not fearing death and the grave.

As forgiven people, born again into the family of God

Our sinful past obliterated the devil cannot take us to hell

Sin no longer our master, freed by our Saviour and Lord

We have faith hope and love, and such good news to tell.

God bless us! 

I think of it everyday. Comment anyone?

Poet/Author Mrs. Judy Chong-Lee 

with hubby Jimmy PresLee.

'Life', Elvis Presley.

Words & Music by Milete. 

YouTube Video beautifully visualised by: 

LeCommedieDellArte.

Elvis Presley Fashioned 60s Jumpsuits From Jimmy Lee: Elvis Tribute Artiste Singapore

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I have never seen anyone in Singapore wearing an Elvis Presley performance costume with such revealing splendour, no, none, not one! So when Singapore's current Elvis Tribute Artiste, Jimmy Lee sent these photographs I thought they were the most beautiful jumpsuits ever made. Whether it's in red, white or blue, just check them out. Yes, black too..

The tailor and fashion designer made them so well. Some jumpsuits that I have seen did not seem suitable for the Elvis Tribute Artistes who wore them. But most of Jimmy's costumes look fabulous and gives him that authentic Elvis look.

When I asked for details, he mentioned that the suits cost from S$1,500 to S$2,500 and would take about three months to tailor and be mailed to Singapore, since they came only from the Philippines, Thailand or the U.S. 

Now that's a lot of money for a suit but not by today's standards since the prices have increased much. Jimmy said the jumpsuits were made around 2013. That's nearly 10 years ago. 

It will cost a fortune to make one today. He mentioned that the tailors may not be able to make them because the studs and stones for decoration come from North America. The reaction to its pricing could probably be, "My hands are shaky and my knees are weak; I can't seem to stand on my own two feet."

I told Jimmy during the chat that his love for Elvis is mind blowing. 

Jimmy explained that Elvis has a name for each attire. These names would include: Phoenix, American Eagle, Conquistador, Aloha, Blue Swirl, Burning Love, Fireworks, Blue Rainbow and Concho. Very imaginative sounding names that seem to reverberate with Nature. 

There are more jumpsuits in Jimmy's wardrobe. These are only a few.

Watch out for Parts 2 and 3.

Jimmy PresLee sings with Doug Church:

The Wonder of You.

YouTube Video from: Hanche Presley.

Thanks so much Jimmy for the information you provided. 

We invite comments from readers, please.

Connect below for full interview with Jimmy PresLee:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2014/11/jimmy-preslee-singapores-elvis-tribute.html

Images: Jimmy Lee [Copyrights Reserved].

Article: Chat box with Andy.

Meet Jimmy's wife Judy: Mother, Poet, MC

and a supporter of Women's Liberation.

Check Judy's poem here:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2021/11/getting-old-poem-by-judy-chong-lee.html

***************************************

If you are keen to know how a Singapore girl had her jumpsuit

exhibited at a New York Fashion Art Exhibition,

Check this one below:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2019/12/a-singapore-maximalism-creation-sent-to.html

'Getting Old' - A Poem By Judy Chong-Lee & Songs About Life's Journey

Poet: Mrs. Judy Chong-Lee with husband 

Jimmy PresLee [Elvis Tribute Artiste].

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When I suggested that she let me publish her lively verses, Mrs. Chong-Lee responded positively. So to all our young once and young ones, please read the very down to earth but soul-stirring lines...

Thank you Judy.

Sharing with my close ones this poem I penned in May 2020 during the lock down. For the inspiration of fellow seniors 🙂.

Getting Old

Age they say is just a number

But the higher I go I seem dumber.

I've never been as old as I am now

To the march of time I must bow.

Simple chores no longer automatic

Auto-pilot programs gone erratic.

Things often get lost or go missing

Tasks to do need constant reminding.

Add on to these my new miseries

The sad pain of physical disabilities.

From birth to death we face life stages

Same for everyone through the ages.

With all our experience and wisdom

Age constraints restrict our freedom.

Since the past is already long gone

Please don't let it keep us forlorn.

The present is really a great gift

To live with joy as we daily drift.

The future is undecided for all

Just be very careful not to fall.

We're here on a wondrous journey

Aspiring to reach our divine destiny.

If there's still a dream or ambition

Go for it... too old for any inhibition.

For many they say life begins at 40

At 70 we could be young (once) as 30.

So cast away the cares every onus

To live these golden years is a bonus.

I want to live well laugh and love much

So my dear friends please stay in touch.

Composed by: 

Judy Chong - Lee [Mrs. Jimmy PresLee]

May, 2020.

*Click comments below, please, one by Chow Wen Hing especially...

Yours too are welcome.

Jimmy PresLee is Elvis Presley Singapore Tribute Artiste. Click the connection below to read about him. Check out his costumes too:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2014/11/jimmy-preslee-singapores-elvis-tribute.html

Here's a short list of songs with similar themes that could interest you:

1   Life - Elvis Presley [Mrs. Judy Chong's choice on YouTube]

2   Fly Like An Eagle - Steve Miller Band

3   Against the Wind - Bob Seger/Silver Bullet Band

4   Still Crazy After All These Years - Paul Simon

5   Those Were They Days - Mary Hopkin

6   It Was A Very Good Year - Frank Sinatra

7   Yesterday When I Was Young - Roy Clark

8   My Way - Paul Anka

9   Young At Heart - Frank Sinatra

10  Forever Young - Rod Stewart

Elvis Presley's 'Life' as selected by Judy Chong.

YouTube video from 'bigbadandrew'

11  Just Young - Paul Anka

12  The Young Ones - Cliff Richard

13  The Times Of Your Life - Paul Anka

14  Enjoy Yourself - Doris Day

15  In Our Old Age - Kenny Rogers

16  That Silver Haired Daddy of Mine - Gene Autry

17  Silver Threads Among The Gold - Will Oakland

18  We'll Meet Again - Johnny Cash

19  September Song - Willie Nelson

20  Rocking Chair - Hoagy Carmichael

Paul Anka: Just Young. 

YouTube video by: CatsPjamas1.

Jimmy PresLee: Singapore's Elvis Tribute Artiste: (新加坡猫王)

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Kat King On The Prowl Within Our Midst:

We met within the confines of a Burger King restaurant. Looking as cool as the Cat himself, Jimmy PresLee resplendently dressed in a black Elvis shirt, waited for 2 hours because he completed an earlier appointment way before time.

"Good afternoon, Mr Lim." We shook hands as he introduced himself politely and addressing me using the same salutation throughout. Jimmy reminds me of Elvis who used to call people he met either, Sir or M'am.

An ETA:

I told him I had always been a fan of The Pelvis but had never met an ETA, especially a Singapore one. As far as I can remember singers who performed on stage singing Elvis numbers were known as Elvis Presley impersonators or simply, Singapore's Elvis or Malaysia's Elvis. 

And there were many of them these past 50 years, from the original Johnny Aroozoo and Wilson David in Singapore, to Rocky Teoh and H.T. Long in Malaysia.

"You have the stature, you have the looks and definitely the charisma of The King. I have watched your video on FB and I think you have impressed me as an Elvis tribute artiste. I hope to see and hear you perform live soon."           

Nighthawks and Purple Hearts:

"Why did you decide to be an Elvis tribute artiste?" I asked. According to Jimmy (67), he had never been on stage singing any number, let alone Elvis ones. He had only been following Singapore pop bands through the years and listening to songs from the west.

But it was 4 years ago in 2009 that he and his wife Judy (61) decided to join the Singapore Elvis And Country Group (SEACG) for weekly karaoke singing at Thomson CC. They struck a high note and eventually joined  the Nighthawks singing weekly with a live band at Tanglin CC. 

One year later feeling more confident about his singing, Jimmy assembled his own live band called Purple Hearts and performed his first gig at Bishan North CC.  He wore his first Elvis customised jumpsuit and Jimmy PresLee, Elvis tribute artiste (ETA) was born. 

Jumpsuits and Elvis Presley Alliance of Asia:

"These jumpsuits cost a bomb," he volunteered, "as they are customised and made to order and cost as much as S$3,000 each." If you checkout his FB, you would probably realise that he has many suits. 

Because of his various performances at CCs, private club functions and charity concerts he was posted on You Tube, and when they became known, Jimmy's Facebook friend base soon enlarged.  

As a result Elvis fans from all over the world wanted to add him on, including ETAS from many countries. Many of them became his personal friends.   

Within a few years he was invited to attend an Elvis Presley Alliance of Asia event in Hong Kong where he got to sing alongside 12 ETAS from Asia.  This was followed by an invitation to Manila to perform with 8 ETAS. 

Seeing how good these ETAS are, Jimmy thought it would be a treat for Elvis fans in Singapore to be able to watch a mega concert paying tribute to Elvis Presley,  the king of rock 'n roll.   

Family and Memorabilia:

So with his very supportive wife (who is cousin to Malaysia's Elvis, Rocky Teoh's wife Jacqueline) and 3 daughters, he became the show agent and organised this inaugural event out of passion and purpose to bring back exciting memories for the baby boomers and the pioneer generation. 

All they want is for the people who love Elvis and his music to come and watch the show. They promise it will be great entertainment.  

                   Jimmy with his wife and three pretty daughters.

I thanked Jimmy for taking time with me as we said our good-byes. He confided that because of his frequent trips he has been collecting Elvis Presley memorabilia from all over and now wants to give them away because he has too many."

"Sounds good. I might pick up on that offer." I told him. "Thanks again. I'll see you at the concert..."

Elvis Presley Tribute Artists at, Elvis Is In The Building Concert, on 21 August at  D' Marquee Downtown East Singapore.

These ETA shows are big overseas and such concerts happened all the time throughout the calendar year.  The gigs hot up when it was around Elvis' birthday in January or near his death anniversary in August. Whatever it is, to his fans, Elvis has never left the building.

When I wrote to Jimmy later in the day I mentioned I was glad to have met him and appreciated how he had given me a personal introduction to the special world of Elvis.

Images/Article: Jimmy PresLee Private Collection. 

The largest gathering of Elvis impersonators is 895, achieved by Harrah’s Cherokee Casino Resort (USA) in Cherokee, North Carolina, USA, on 12 July 2014.

Andy Singapore 60s: Pop Impersonators Or Tribute Artistes (A)

Ahmad Daud: Singapore's Dean Martin in the 60s.

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SINGAPORE IDOLS IN THE 60s:

As far as the mind can remember, below are the names of Singapore pop-singer impersonators in the 60's. Blogger does not believe in apeing famous bands or vocalists but this was an acceptable trend and there was a following when these artistes performed. 

Fans screamed and clapped when they see their idols on stage impersonating Elvis, Cliff or any singer currently popular then.

It was also a way for singers to be talent spotted by nightclub owners, recording companies, entertainment producers and event organisers. In the 60s such professionals were few and far between but they had connections and could easily land recording contracts and gigs for our Singapore boys and girls.

Harry Cheok [second left] was Singpore's Johnny Lion, 

having won the contest officially with his group, Willy's Jokers. 

The others were contestants.

TITLE HOLDERS' LIST:

The list below may be the first ever produced of title holder impersonators as many of them participated in these competitions organised by cinema groups like Shaw Brothers or Cathay, etc. Others may have had their 'titles' unofficially given to them because they sound like the artistes.

Quite a number too, have passed away. So here goes.

Patricia Pestana
Singapore's
Connie Francis

Singapore's:

Nat King Cole - Rahim Hamid 
Louis Armstrong - Rahim Rahman* 
Johnnie Ray - Robert Song* 
Dean Martin - Ahmad Daud (image)
Elvis Presley - Johnny Aroozoo

Pat Boone - Walter Koh

Slim Whitman - Rocky Wong
Cliff Richard - Kenneth Gomes
Johnny Lion - Harry Cheok
Tom Jones - Halil Chik

Connie Francis - Patricia Pestana 

Millie Small - Veronica Young

Doris Day - Nancy Renjaan

Lobo - Nick Stravens
Paul Anka - Andrew Lim

Beatles - Cyclones

Shadows - McCoys
Jumping Jewels - Willy's Jokers
Blue Diamonds - Gaylads*

*Flamingos Combo with Dr. Charles Koh.

Certain titles may be dubious and not official. Write in to correct if you please.

Anyone else that you remember who holds a pop singer title?

Do contribute.

The McCoys: Singapore's Shadows.

TODAY:

Another best known Beatles impersonators in Singapore were Mike and Herb but they are known as the Beatles of Malaysia. Mike had since passed away. The other was the late Rocky Teoh, Malaysia's Elvis, known well even in Singapore since he touched base with Singapore's pop 60s musicians when they performed all over the peninsula. 

Impersonators are known as  'tribute artistes' today. H.T. Long stands tall as the Malaysian Elvis in the new century. In Singapore, we have an Elvis tribute artiste with the best array of jumpsuits. He is Jimmy PresLee, handsome, tall and impressive indeed [image below].

There is also Michael Goh, a recording artiste who sounds like Dean Martin. Known publicly as Michael Gold he is current and still sings and performs. You can check him out on his Facebook page [image below]. 

As mentioned, the list is not exhaustive so if you remember anyone who is a pop singer title holder in the 60s please contribute. Believe it or not, they are still impersonating stars today in the U.S.

Jimmy PresLee, an Elvis Tribute Artiste [ETA]

is still active in 2022. Cheers.

Check him out:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2022/06/elvis-presley-fashioned-jumpsuits-from.html

Michael Goh, a Dino Tribute Artiste.

Image: www.abangjebat.multiply.com/

Rejuvenated from 21.10.2009.

This post is original and has been copyrighted.

Malaysia's Answer To Elvis - ROCKY TEOH Part III of III

 

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"Rocky Teoh Beng Hock (1949-1990), better known as Malaysia's 1st and best Elvis Presley Impersonator and sound alike was born in Taiping, Perak on the 2nd of April 1946. As a boy, he loved singing more than anything. He was greatly inspired by his hero, the American Super Rock n Roll King Elvis Presley.

Young Rocky won many school Talentime contests and also, later on, won many "Elvis Champion" titles throughout Malaysia. At age 18 he was already singing and doing "live" shows in and around Taiping and Ipoh. 

A year later, a local Recording Company signed him up. He recorded his first 45rpm 2 tracks Single when he was 19 years old. Both songs were his personal Elvis favorites, "Crying In The Chapel" b/w "There's Always Me". It sold quite well. In the above video, Teoh sings, "A Pocketful of Rainbows."

In 1965, he released his 1st EP (Extended Play) 4 tracks Record. The title tune, JACQUELINE a self-penned composition which he dedicated to his childhood girlfriend who later became his wife. Of-course her name was Jacqueline. She was a very pretty girl, also from Taiping.

The EP record went to No.1 in the local Radio Charts. "Jacqueline" was the biggest golden hit of his career. In 1965 someone even started a Rocky Teoh Fan Club at Jalan Huge Low, Ipoh.

Today when you mention Rocky Teoh, older folks still remember him fondly and also remember those catchy hit songs of his "Jacqueline", "Selina", "Goodbye" and "Thinking Of You."

He made a total of 9EPs and 2 LPs (Long Playing) vinyl reord albums. Rocky and his excellent band The Fabulous Falcom toured around Malaysia and Singapore from 1965 to 1967 performing in Cathay Organisation Theatres playing to packed audiences everywhere. They also toured Thailand in September 1966.

Rocky Teoh's quality power packed stage performances were a real treat to watch in the good old days. In the 60s nobody else but only Rose Chan, another Malaysian Legend can top Rocky Teoh, but that's another story."

Posted by: HT Long on 9 October 2006. HT Long is today's answer to a Malaysian Elvis Presley as he makes a name for himself in the local pop circuit. And he's just as good or even better. 

When I met him at the end of 2014 in a church in Geylang in Singapore I realized he is also a good speaker, works and evangelizes in churches in this part of the world. Check HT Long under Labels below.

Thinking of You YouTube Video by elvisalexwong.

Rocky Wong Parts 1 and 2. Connect to read:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2009/03/blog-post_15.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2009/03/rocky-teoh-malaysias-elvis-presley.html

Like the Mercedes Benz beside him, ROCKY TEOH is a brand name to contend with. Although made in Malaysia and long gone, Rocky is still a challenge to many current and would be Elvis Presley impersonators. In fact I find him fascinating to listen to despite the screams and shouts in some of his recordings by his back-up group but many of the tracks are well-worth listening to.

With the charitable act of which only a Malaysian friend could provide, I managed to get a copy each of Rocky Teoh's albums, 'Cool Wind' (image) and 'Kiss Me Once' both a Tung Poh Records pressing.

Thank you very much SNOOKHAWK who not only gave me his stack of 45 vinyls but his heart and soul when, over laksa and tim-sum, he told me stories of Malaysian pop singers.

Listening to these recordings makes me realise that Rocky's fans will surely remember him like they do of The King himself.

About Rocky Teoh:

"ROCKY TEOH BENG HOCK better known as Malaysia's 1st and best Elvis Presley Impersonator and sound alike, born in Taiping, Perak on April 2, 1946, his father was a successful pork salesman. Hock was the eldest of six boys and of Hokkien descent.

Rocky was something of a teruna (Malay slang for an "adolescent male all up in it") in his late-teens. It was common knowledge that he lived above Tai Chien Coffee Shop where he could be heard rehearsing with a band.

Check out Steve Farram's write-up and music posts at http://www.garagehangover.com/ and Rocky's daughter, Ann Teoh's website at: http://www.rockyteoh.com/

Facebook: Rocky Teoh.

YouTube: key in: rocky teoh malaysia