(3) Mark Yun 60's Radio TV Singapore Star

In 1965 Mark Yun Chong Hai released an EP on Philips (image) "Never Die", the title song of which was penned by himself. His music was so popular that the song, as well as another track, "There'll Never Be", both original numbers, topped the Hit Parade Charts simultaneously over Radio Singapore and Rediffusion for weeks. Incidentally these two songs had their entire arrangement and orchestration done in Holland.

A follow-up was another recording, "I've Got A Feeling Tonight". For about a decade the crooner was a regular feature everywhere. "Even the postman whistles the tunes I recorded," Mark recollected with humour. He had even been compared to Pat Boone, "a clean, cut crooner who stole the hearts of many."

Mark had worked with producers like Domingo Raquiza, Tony Yeow, Yusuf Ahmad and Charles Lazaroo. There had been write-ups of Mark on Radio & TV Times in 1982 and other music magazines and newspapers. His last public performance was at the Esplanade Concert Hall in 2003.

Over the years Mark has developed a keener sense of music and focused on phrasing and interpretation of songs. He still performs professionally on occasions and his repertoire is mainly standards and jazz. Mark is a devoted family man with wife Adeline and sons Gene and Shane.

Interview with Andy Lim. All rights reserved.

Another Manhunt completed.

(2) Western Pop Undesirable Yellow Culture 70s

Mark Yun (image: yesterday n today) had his singing debut in the Radio Talentime in 1962. At the audition, the producer was so impressed with Mark's vocals, he asked him to sing the complete song, There's A Goldmine in the Sky. 
In fact, having heard Mark sing during his hey-day, Mark sounded just like Pat Boone, with his God gifted bass-baritone vocals.

He finished runner-up in the finals. The crooner's deep and mellow voice coupled with his relaxed style made him one of the most sought after performers in the 60's and 70's.

During the days when the slogan was, Merger he was selected for a Command Performance before the King and Queen of Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. He was also featured in the first local music production over TV Singapore called Dendang Ria in 1963.

A recording contract (story in the next post) followed in 1965. He was singing all over in Singapore for about a decade. Mark was on radio, TV and stage.

"Misfortune struck in 1970 after the government branded Western pop music as undesirable Yellow Culture and RTS was directed to suspend all local productions of English music. 

"Producers of radio, TV then quit for greener pastures," said Mark. This move was devastating because it affected both the non-professionals like Mark and it was worse for those who made a living from music. Performances on the stage, radio and TV were terminated.

Andy Lim's interview with Mark Yun. All rights reserved.

More about Mark Yun in future postings.

(1) Singapore 60s Idol Mark Yun & Moonglows

He's back and this posting is one part of a series because MARK YUN was a big star from 1962 onward after winning a radio talentime contest produced by the late Steven Lee (radio programmes producer and announcer).

The above record was his second one with his own composition, I've Got A Feeling Tonight. He was accompanied by The Moonglows.

Mark Yun, accompanied by The Moonglows, with Sunny Bala behind Mark, in 1968 (b/w image) and The Thunderbirds with Harvey Fitzgerald at The Sheraton in 1974.

Asked why he did not turn professional, Mark's answer was simple, "Those days, the market for music in Singapore was limited and it would not have been practical to take it up professionally. Maybe if it was in Europe or America where several kinds of music can exist side by side, I might have been able to make a living out of it."

Notice the Fender amplifiers and guitars in the b/w image which were the order of the day.

(Above extract: Andy Lim's interview with Mark Yun. All rights reserved.)

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From Straits Times Press (Freddie Kang's Facebook)

FLASH NEWS!

Mark has passed away on 19th June, 2014. My promises to meet him for kopi and lunch never came about. I should have done so when he suggested it. I read about his passing only today 23rd June, 2014 from Freddie Kang's Facebook.

Rest In Peace Mark. You're a quiet guy but a great singer. Thanks for the photographs and copy of your record you lent me for this blog when we last met in 2009.

Mark was one of the first few singers who recorded with Philips during the early years of Singapore's popular music era. He was a school teacher and dedicated his time to both his career and his singing. 

Condolences to Mrs Yun and the family.