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 !
Showing posts with label National/Victoria Theatre. Show all posts
Showing posts with label National/Victoria Theatre. Show all posts
Driving through the desert from Los Angeles to Las Vegas
in Summer 2023, Mr. Chew had a break and visited
Peggy Sue's Diner in California.
Entrance to Peggy Sue's...
Where he met Elvis.
A little dangerous but made for a lovely pose indeed!
Still at the Diners' with Peggy Sue.
Not only Elvis, HH Chew visited Frank Sinatra's
home too. Now that's paying homage!
The number of shows he attended was incredible.
Let him tell you the story...
He holds the record, I think, unless
another reader writes in with more...😄
Thanks again HH for your Hollywood travel tales
and your numerous concert attendance!
Hello again, Andy.
Yes, I have attended a fair number of concerts. To name some viz. Cliff Richard, Tom Jones, Olivia Newton-John, Engelbert Humperdinck, Michael Jackson, Bee Gees, Pat Boone, Skeeter Davis, Johnny Tillotson, Brian Hyland, Blue Diamonds, Johnny Lion,
Kenny Roger, Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel, Beach Boys, Madonna, Celine Dion, Tony Orlando, Julie Rogers, Herman’s Hermit, Freddie and the Dreamers, Julie Rogers, Paul Anka, Leo Sayer, Brotherhood of Man, Andy William, Ray Charles, The Supremes, The Osmonds, Eric Clapton, Sheena Easton, Manfred Mann, Frances Yip, Jacky Cheung etc.
I may have missed some names. There are some artistes whom I have attended more than once eg Tom Jones, Olivia Newton John, Engelbert Humperdinck, Skeeter Davis, Pat Boone and Cliff Richard probably about 5 times.
Engelbert Humperdinck: In Singapore:
Release Me YouTube Video by: Inge Ramlan.
Some of the artistes those days were performing exclusively at Shangri-La’s Tiara Lounge, if you may recall. The Supremes, Ray Charles, Andy William performed in one of their function rooms. Some performed at The Neptune and Mandarin’s Kasbah and Belvedere.
Most of the shows were seen in Singapore during the 1970's. The charges increased during the 1980's and, with a dinner thrown in, it was *$200 per head at most restaurants.
*Today it's more than $300 for only a back seat in the galleries.
Copyrighted Images and Story by HH Chew.
Don't forget to read his 1st story when he met Skeeter Davis. Click below:
Andy with sunglasses. [Image: Copyrights Reserved]
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A journal article reads that nostalgia is not a psychiatric disorder and occurs in all cultures and amongst all age group. Research suggests that it can promote psychological health with overall positive feelings including higher self esteem and the increased feeling of being loved. It counteracts the effects of loneliness and increases perceptions of social support.
Nostalgia provides a link between our past and present selves i.e. it may provide us with a positive view which could help to give a greater sense of continuity and meaning to our lives. It may acquire greater significance in old age as elderly adults are vulnerable to social isolation. "Nostalgia is now emerging as a fundermental human strength and we play a starring role in our nostalgic scenes."
The first image shows a house party, at a bungalow at Mountbatten Road, which I organised. It shows the dancing that took place at the large patio. For dance music, records spin from a radiogram and tapes on large spools were played that evening. Later on in the evening, the lights were dimmed.
Just across Mountbatten Road and beyond a row of bungalows was the open sea at Tanjong Katong, where many young couples enjoy a private moment. The second image shows the Victoria Theatre with its clock tower where many dances and music events are held. It still stands today, renovated, stately and ready to stand for another 100 years and more.
Judy, Judy, Judy by Johnny Tillotson
was one of the favourites of the bungalow owner.
YouTube Video from: SVansay.
From:
http://PsychCentral.ComRick Nauert (PhD), Senior News Editor, Association for Psychological Science15.12.2008.
Image 1:
Home Party-1963 Andy Lim Collection.
Image 2:
Victoria Theatre - 1962 from National Heritage Board Website.
Victoria Theatre (posted on 4th August, 2010)" Reliving the Glory Days
The Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall in the heart of Singapore’s Civic District is one of the most historically versatile buildings in all of Singapore. In the course of its nearly 150-year history, apart from being a focal point for arts and cultural entertainment, this handsome Victorian-era colonial landmark with its distinctive Palladian clock tower, Italianate windows and rusticated columns was once a town hall, hospital and a war crimes trials court.
The history of this building is a fascinating one. In fact, you’ll be surprised to know that it wasn’t even originally intended to be a theatre. Designed by prominent architect John Bennett, it actually began life as the young colony’s Town Hall in 1862. The fact that it had two large halls on each of its two floors allowed it to stage concerts. And soon, while it thronged to the footsteps of municipal employees in the day, amateur groups were busy putting on plays and concerts at night.
When Queen Victoria passed away in 1901, the colonial government decided to erect a memorial to her long reign, deciding that a public hall alongside the existing Town Hall building would be a fitting tribute. And sensibly, they decided, in the name of continuity, to keep the same architectural style as the earlier municipal building.
The new building was christened Victoria Memorial Hall upon completion in 1905, and almost immediately, the Town Hall underwent renovations to turn it into a theatre, with the space between the buildings earmarked for a splendid clock tower. The makeover project (to turn the complex into three different parts) was completed in 1909 when Victoria Theatre officially opened.
In the period before World War II, the Victoria Theatre and Memorial Hall staged many concerts, musicals and plays, including a performance by Noel Coward in 1930. It was lucky to have survived intact during the Japanese air raids, and during the Japanese Occupation its strategic location in the city saw it being used as a hospital.
During peaceful times, it was also the scene of political milestones, chief among them the launch of the ruling People’s Action Party in 1954. And then in 1962, the original bronze statue of Singapore’s founder Stamford Raffles, which had been standing at the nearby Padang for years, was moved to the front of the building. When the Singapore Symphony Orchestra moved in 1979, the complex was renamed Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall.
To preserve the grandeur and allure of the old dame, it had closed later in 2009 for an extensive two-and-half year renovation, before reopening in 2013. So on your visit to Singapore, don’t miss your final chance to capture a slice of its old glory."
[This article has been edited to suit the time and format of this posting's publication. No other information has been changed.]
(I acknowledge the article was taken from the above website. This posting will be taken off if it contravenes copyright laws. Please write via the latest posting on this blog for removal. Thank you.)
What's fun for this year's National Day Parade is that it will be held at the Padang but a different spectacle altogether from the 60s, where Singapore was dark and dreary when we first held it there.
Today the former Supreme Court building (opposite the Padang) stands taller because it houses the National Art Gallery, where I go with my grandchildren to participate in the Gallery's many activities. Facing this massive building, Parliament House is on the left and St Andrew's Cathedral on the right.
It costs a bomb to park at the House but it's worth the while. Spending time with the grandchildren in air-conditioned comfort amidst paintings hung on cool walls. Hey, where can you get this atmosphere in South East Asia?
Inside the National Art Gallery with rooms for children to dabble in the arts, literally.
On the right of the Gallery stands St Andrew's Cathedral. This building symbolizes the good faith of the people who built it. Many times we have been there to give thanks.
"Hearts in plenty we shall meet."*
The Padang is surrounded by historical buildings and most have been renovated and refurbished. A recent trip to the Victoria Theatre (behind Parliament), to watch a lady violinist, with compliments from Nora Tann, held us in awe when we saw the New Vic. And so the blessings come...
The new Vic. has provided a stage for Singapore and international artistes to perform. The huge musical organ within is one of its kind in SEAsia. Just be grateful for what is SG today. Give credit, where credit is due.
I'm glad that a member of my kin will be experiencing her first NDP because she's in P5.
Yay!!!
For Jay2.
Thank you for reading guys. A Happy National Day to all Singaporeans near and far. *St Andrew's School Song.
There is no intention to promote anything on this post but only good vibes i.e. about the forthcoming National Day celebration at the Padang and its beautiful surrounding and buildings of which I am proud. Images from Google, a Personal Collection and Video from:
I'd like to thank Horace Wee and Stephen Han for their constant contribution to this blog. Without them and other contributors, this blog would go off track. Goodbye Nancy Wilson: My sister-in-law introduced me again to Nancy Wilson in the 1980s. Her stacks of Wilson's vinyl albums kept me agog for a long time. Later when she moved out, she gave them away, unwilling to lug heavy-duty paraphernalia. I was in shock, seeing Wilson's best selections gone to the karung-guni man (rag and bone guy). Ms. Wilson has passed away at 81 years on 13 December 2018 and we all send our condolences to her family. She likes to be known as a song stylist although she has other labels pinned on her like a torch singer (a very classic term indeed), the baby, Honey-Coated Voice or a jazz singer. But she is a stylist because, with 70 albums recorded in 50 years, that's a lot of special music by Nancy Wilson.
If I can connect myself to one song, just one, it will be: A Lot of Livin' To Do (Bye, Bye, Birdie: 1960) because it's when I first heard her in a record shop a long time ago in the mid-sixties, way before I remember her again afterward. Not her own original but a lovely song so vibrant and vigorous. Horace Wee, famed hot rod guitarist from the '60s and afterward has this to say about her when he relayed the message of her passing: "I saw her in the early years when she broke into the scene. Still, remember she was young and gorgeous in a white frock/dress highlighting her ebony tones. It was a jazz gig (long before her entry into pop) and showed off how good her jazz 'chops' were. I don't remember where it was but only a small jazz club.
The consensus at the time was that she had the potential to follow in the steps of jazz great female vocalists like Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughn. She remained elegant in her late years, unlike a lot of African-American women who bloat up as they get older."
Stephen Han, a pop 60's local music enthusiast, who also writes for this blog has witnessed many performances all over Singapore. He writes: "I was head over heels when I was treated to the Nancy Wilson Concert at the National Theatre in the '60s. She was a young and budding singer then, specializing in jazz and pops. Ms. Wilson sang beautifully and I enjoyed every moment of her performance."
RIP Nancy Wilson, you still got a lot of living up there with the other music greats. So a temporary goodbye then. Images: Google. YouTube Videos. Blog poster showing Nancy Wilson appeared at the National Theatre Singapore 1960's which was torn down because of structural defects. Stephen Han attended her show.
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 SchoolOld 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 National Theatre Singapore 60s had many international stars on stage. UP TO 1,000 VIEWS, 70 CHATS & COMMENTS
Mr Stephen Han (right) was a pop sixties enthusiast way back when. He is still one today and a regular concert goer for many of the pop 60's shows so currently in demand amongst the seniors.
When I asked Stephen if he could write an article again for this blog he agreed. He writes well, has such a good memory, that remembering names and occasions have always been easy. This piece is the second by Mr Han. he has written one about meeting Rita Moreno at the Cathay Cinema.*
Again thanks, Stephen.
Singers, Bands, Local And Abroad:
The National Theatre had been demolished many years ago but the memories of the many concerts and shows still linger in my mind.
The first concert I attended in the early 60s was performed by Brenda Lee a.k.a. Miss Dynamite. Her voice was so sweet on numbers like 'Walk Away' and 'Johnny One Time' and so powerful on 'Dum Dum'. Petite and pretty Miss Lee was a great attraction with the crowd.
Brenda Lee: 'Dum Dum'.
You Tube Video from: jukejointjohnny48.
Thank you. Great sound.
I can also vividly recall that other American recording stars like Eartha Kitt, Nancy Wilson and my idols, Pat Boone and Johnny Mathis had also performed at this theatre. Popular big bands like Xavier Cugat, Edmundo Ros, Perez Prado and the German band James Last drew large crowds.
During the British Invasion when the hits of the Beatles and other bands were popular, lots of groups from the United Kingdom came over to showcase their talent. I had the pleasure of watching The Bee Gees featuring the late Robin Gibbs as lead singer. Others who came included The Hollies, Dave Clark 5, Herman's Hermits, Freddie and The Dreamers.
There was a Taekwondo (TKD) variety show that featured the physical might of Rhee Khee Har. His wife was a local singer, very popular those years, called June Mok. Do you still remember that name?
It was an unforgettable sight watching Mr Rhee, a powerful man, displaying his kata (form) and quick-as-lightning TKD kicks. Bricks and planks were smashed to smithereens when he used his weapons, his hands. This Korean martial art was popular during the 60's. Even the Filipino group D'Starlites displayed their ability before each music performance. Many of our Singapore concerts like these ones discussed were organised by pioneer show promoter, Johnnie Young. (Johnnie was a good friend of Stephen Han as the picture below shows; extreme right: Johnnie Young, with sweater: Stephen Han.)
One of Johnnie's notable shows was the Sanyo Spectacular in 1969. It featured the well-known dancing duo, Sunny and Betty Low. They were a brother and sister team and wowed the audiences in the 60's with their rock n roll and famous Cha Cha Cha and Mambo steps and costumes. Crowd favourites included Sakura and Rita Chao who sang with the backing of The Stylers, a band so famous that they were the accompanying guitar guys for many top singers and recording artistes for both the Chinese and English crowds.
As I write this article the sound of 60's music can be heard ringing in my ears.
John Calvert @ The National Theatre: "I still recall my younger days at the National Theatre in the John Calvert Magical-Rama Show - Top Gunter." "I saw John Calvert Magic Show at the Sky Theatre. He was assisted by the pretty Pixie Monteiro. "He was good in hypnosis. During his show, he would invite about ten people and sat them on chairs and hypnotized them and made them perform funny acts to make his audiences laugh. I remembered he drove a car blindfolded through the streets of Singapore - Stephen Han."
Disclaimer: Dates and venues may not be accurate as many postings on this blog have been written from memory. Written by Stephen Han. Images: Stephen Han (Copyrighted). YouTube video: Heath Wilson (2013).
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