Andy 60s Music Blog: Singing Contest @ Singapore Conference Hall: By Author, Artist: Richard Tham.

Pamphlets promoting the event 

and the teenager decided to participate.

Author RICHARD THAM wrote this story and 

sketched the picture of Johnny Mathis above.

UP TO 600 VIEWS, 18 COMMENTS

I asked my unassuming and quiet friend Richard if he could write a story for this blog. His response was positive and immediate but said he'd rather draw than write. I asked if he could do both; so here he is, with his very unique story. Why is it unique? Figure it out dear reader and write to us. 

Thank you, Richard. You're really special... 

It's Not For Me To Say:

"During his Pre-U days, a teenager, walking down Shenton Way, saw an advertisement for a singing contest. His friends encouraged him to enter the competition.

The year was 1966. The most talked about music event, the Eurovision Song Contest 1966, originally known as the Grand Prix Eurovision de la Chanson had ended in March in Luxemburg. It was believed that a local Sikh entrepreneur hit upon the idea to hold a singing contest in Singapore. He named it the Euro-Asian Singing Contest.

The teenager sailed through the preliminary rounds. He was very excited as he entered the Singapore Conference Hall to participate in the semi-final.

Singapore Conference Hall: 1960's

Backstage he met fellow contestants and they exchanged greetings. He started chatting with Mr. Lim, a schoolteacher. Mr. Lim said he would be singing 'On the Street where You live'. Looking at the young man, Mr. Lim said it would be more presentable to have a jacket on. However, Mr. Lim's jacket was far too large for the schoolboy. Mr. Lim managed to have a Malay contestant who is of similar build to the boy to lend his jacket. After his performance, the Malay man lent the boy his jacket.

When his turn came, the boy walked confidently on stage. He scanned the packed hall. His gaze drifted to a group of four men in the front row. They were pointing at him and laughing away. The boy froze! 

Literature taken from Archives of 

The National Library Board Singapore.

The Master of Ceremony (MC) introduced the teenager to the audience. He then asked him for the title of his song.

There was a long silence. Still dazed, the boy was unable to reply. The seasoned MC took a quick look at his queue card and joked.

"That's a good one! Ladies and gentlemen, our contestant here is bringing you one of Johnny Mathis great hit! The title of the song? 'It's Not For Me To Say!' Take it away, young man!"

The teenager courageously delivered his song. After the applause died, the young man left the stage, returned the jacket to his fellow contestant and headed straight home..."

Did you participate in one?

All comments welcome...

Author: Richard Tham [Copyrights Reserved]

Huge and colorful posters were not common in the 60's. 

In today's Singapore this poster could've been out on 

the streets and on the internet of course. 

[Pix above is just an illustration.]

Author, Artist and dog lover too.

Richard Tham.

The original singer and song of, 

'It's not for me to say,' Johnny Mathis.

YouTube Video by: hcapgolfer.

What is Talentime?

Click below:

.: Singapore 60s Music Talentime For The Masses

Images: Google; WA/AI.

Pop Music Quotes From 60s Living Legends

Hank Marvin, Paul Anka. 

Pat Boone, Johnny Mathis, Eric Burdon.

UP TO 1,700 VIEWS, 30+ COMMENTS , COMMENTS

Long And Short Comments From Legends About Pop Music In General

[1] Johnny Mathis

“I think the music perpetuated now on radio and that kids hear, structure-wise, is not geared for pretty sounds. It’s geared for pyrotechnics. They get a big kick out of it, but they’re just kids. It takes a while for other influences to get to a younger crowd.”

[2] Hank Marvin [The Shadows]

“When I’m playing a tune, I like to try to imagine I’m singing it and use phrasing that works for me. To feel I’m communicating something through the melody against playing it straight, or changing it so much that you lose some charm of the original...  when I play a great tune I always like to establish it first. If someone’s written a great tune it’s good to show you appreciate and respect the value of that tune.” 

Pat Boone - 'I'll Be Home'. 

YouTube video by felixbautista.

[3] Pat Boone

''Ironically, for a few million people in the Far East, I did become an English teacher through my music.'' 

[4] Paul Anka

“I believe in criticism.” 

[5] Eric Burdon [Animals]

''It's the need for change that drives us to join forces with our brothers and sisters all around the world - but change is slow.'' 

Hank Marvin with 'Summertime Blues' 

YouTube video Frans Ditmar

If you have some quotes from singers and musicians to add, please write in.

[Images were taken at random from Google and come from different stages of their lives. They are in their late 70s to late 80s.]

Prelude To Valentine's Day - The Sweetheart Tree

 

Johnny Mathis - The Sweetheart Tree - You Tube Video from NancyFloresSantos

SONGS I LOVE:

For all lovers out there.

One of the most beautiful rendition and sung by the man with a voice so unique you would want to play it forever.  It's the 23rd original studio album released by singer Johnny Mathis and his seventh for Mercury Records.

The song was featured in the movie, The Great Race starring Tony Curtis and Natalie Wood (below).  Whether it was sung by Natalie Wood herself is uncertain.  I must thank Larry Lai for remembering this song.

The Sweetheart Tree (1965)
They say there's a tree in the forest,
A tree that will give you a sign;


Natalie Wood

Come along with me to the Sweetheart Tree,
Come and carve your name next to mine.
They say if you kiss the right sweetheart,
The one you've been waiting for,
Big blossoms of white will burst into sight
And your love will be true evermore

(They say if you kiss the right sweetheart,)
(The one you've been waiting for,)
Big blossoms of white will burst into sight
And your love will be true evermore

Arranger: John Brimhall,
Composer: Henry Mancini,
Lyricist: Johnny Mercer,
Movie: The Great Race.
Publisher: Alfred Publishing Company.

Image: Google.
Video 2 by: cashare fromYou Tube.