Andy 60s Music: April, A Lovely Flower Maiden, Abandons Him, But There's May Waiting, And June...

As April leaves us and May approaches, we observe that June is waiting to mark the middle of twenty twenty-six. That's half-way through the year and 3 flowers are blooming...

Three Dog Night: 'Pieces Of April.'

YouTube Video by:12 mulligan.

Watch the variety of flowers on this video.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeJ6EpYwvzA

The following comments are extracts taken from previous blog sites: 

From the late Dave Loggins, composer: Uploaded on Jan 2, 2009.

"I would like to thank everyone for their kind thoughts on "Pieces." I wrote it at a very special time of my life. Special, because I met the "love of my life" and had recently lost her. By chance, we were together for three consecutive Aprils and then she left me for good. Today, I don't know where she is or how her life turned out. 

May is symbolic of the present, April was and still remains a sweet yesterday. I have never really gotten over "April" and the "pieces" still remain. Those sweet Aprils... It's my favorite song, too." 

Tomas Rodriguez, blog reader, says:

It is a really beautiful song, but it is very sad. I also think that the memory that he has of the woman is really an illusion. What he is really attached to is the feeling of sadness and longing that is evoked by his memory of the relationship. At the end of the day she did abandon him [and ladies he did abandon you] so why honor her/him for that? Love God, love life and love yourself first...

Suituapui, blogger was in Singapore, 1973, says:

Ooooo...one of my all-time favourite songs. 3 Dog Night's ‘Pieces of April’ - 1973. I was in Singapore that year, Stamford College, Waterloo Street. Those were the days. I saw Heather and the Thunderbirds - Lost Horizon, Shangri La...and also another place, Malaysia Hotel...can't remember the name now. I saw a very young Anita Sarawak too - Top of the Hilton. Oooo...what memories. [Suituapui means 'Beautiful Fat Guy'].

Maggie May: Rod Stewart. With Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. YouTube Video by: Rod Stewart.   

Poppa Madison, blog reader, says:

Pity so many young women of today don't merit this kind of romantic approach. I feel sorry for the young guys of recent generations who want to give their hearts to a lovely fair maiden, but more often than not come face to face with a gaggle of boozed up, foul mouthed, violent, out of their mind female juvenile delinquents when they go out try and find one they can give their all to. 

50 years ago, I can vouch that we actually had real ladies and gentlemen with good manners and a sense of socially interactive behaviour that many of today's young lot could not even begin to be able to get close to understanding let alone emulate.

Wot a shame!   😱

[But don't forget guys, if April has left you, there's always May and June waiting...]

Rainy Day In June: Kinks. YouTube Video by: 1966 Stereo In.

Flowers donated by Mrs. R. Lim. 

Thank you, Mademoiselle.

Andy 60s Music Lyrics: Lonely Hearts, Lonely Days, Lonely Boy, Solitary Man, Eleanor Rigby, Are You Lonesome?

Discussing Loneliness:

The lyrics that go with many of these songs about loneliness could make the happiest person very depressed. So, let's look at the topic, within limited borders, and some of the pop songs that go with it. I'm no psychiatrist but writing only through the experiences of pop song lyrics.

Loneliness And Lost Love:

This one is, I think, the most common experience of loneliness any person could go through. So, when Singaporeans Fitzgerald and Pascal composed their huge local hit, 'My Lonely Heart' and expressed, ‘Please return my heart so I may cry... Every night I pray... to meet you someday,' lovers connect with the song immediately. But in this particular instance the conclusion says it all, ‘I know it's true, I won't be seeing you.' 

The lovers know that all's lost with no light in the distance. Like Georgia Gibbs, with her 50’s hit, was right when she sobbed, 'Guess it never pays to make your lover blue, Seven lonely days I cried and cried for you.' Lost love indeed.

Loneliness With Hope:

Here the theme takes a turn. 

There could be some hope couldn't there, after a lost love. 

'Maybe tomorrow a new romance, No more sorrow but that's the chance you gotta take,' brought about these lines that most people in break-ups often expressed and where most songs about loneliness derived. Roy Orbison made it huge with, 'Only The Lonely,' and with some clues of a new beginning. So, they might not be, 'gone forever, so far apart.'

Paul Anka is totally devastated as he cries, 'I'm just a lonely boy, Lonely and blue... I'd like to hear somebody say, I'll give you my love, Each night and day.' So it's not a breakup here. He has no partner  to love because what he wants, 'is someone to love.' So there’s hope but with some desperation?

No war here; just an illustrative image to show a soldier boy with a suitable wartime background?

Loneliness As A Soldier:

Two wars [one?] are going on today and many people, including soldiers, have lost their lives. Many of them, who are away from home, experience loneliness on the battlefield.

In a 60s hit, Bobby Vinton lamented, 'I'm so lonely for my own, I'm Mister Lonely, Wish I had somebody to call my own... to call on the phone... Now I'm a soldier, a lonely soldier. I got no letter in the mail. I wish I could go back home.' 

His experience as a soldier boy in the 60s rang true as the Vietnam War loomed in the distance. And our wars? Could we afford some more? Because war goes beyond loneliness...

Loneliness When Old:

'Ah look at all the lonely people, Picks up the rice in the church where the wedding has been, Lives in a dream... Then there's Father McKenzie, writing the words of a sermon that no one would hear.' How observant were Lennon and McCartney when they sang, 'Eleanor Rigby.’ 

'All the lonely people, where do they all come from?'

Most seniors who read this post know what loneliness mean. Health problems; spousal death; non-visiting children; friendlessness, etc. would lead to a nasty list. And like a friend mentioned, "Even Mother Earth rejects you!"

"Are you lonesome tonight?" No, not only tonight... it's, "Are you lonesome always?"

Hey, but what about Michael Jackson's, 'You Are Not Alone.'

General comments are welcome. 

A 1926 song, Elvis recorded it in 1960 after his

army release. 2,000,000 copies sold by 1992.

Recorded in 1962, Vinton wrote it in the late 50s 

during his army days as the Vietnam War escalates.

Bobby Vinton: Mr. Lonely. YouTube Video by: Diana N

Written in 1958 and released in 1959 with Don Costa,

after 'Diana' hit. It was featured in his movie, 'Girls Town'.

'Eleanor Rigby' [lyrics]: The Beatles. YouTube Video from BTA MUSIC.

The Beatles - Eleanor Rigby (Lyrics)

“There goes my baby, There goes my heart, They are gone forever, So far apart, But only the lonely, Know why I cry.”

“Don't know that I will, But until I can find me, The girl who'll stay, And won't play games behind me, I'll be what I am, A solitary man, solitary man”

“Seven lonely days make one lonely week, Seven lonely nights make one lonely me, Ever since the time you told me we were true, Seven lonely days I cry and cry for you.” 

'My Lonely Heart', a local recording; this vinyl piece was a sell-out in the 60's. One of the classics in Singapore's music history.

#An add on: The lyrics hinges on the fact that distancing oneself from the ordinary may lead to a lonely existence. There is also another interpretation, as explained by Cedric Collars, provided under the Comment Page. Do read it. 

Frank Sinatra sings “I will drink the wine." YouTube video by: Amir.

Frank Sinatra I Will Drink the Wine 1971 HD

[This original article, as most others are, is copyrighted.]

Happy National Day 2025 Singapore's 60th Birthday! Pop Stars In Singapore!

Elvis Presley: Andy Singapore 60s Music Blog

Celebrates Singapore's 60th Birthday 2025.

But he only performed in the U.S.

'Happy 60th Singapore.' says Lady Gaga.

Sammin Ang with wife Esther, the most pop duo 

in the Singapore music circle today. In red and

white, celebrating SG 60th National Day.

Yes, and Blackpink too. They were in Singapore, right? 

Happy Birthday Little Red Dot!

With Taylor Swift. And we didn't know?

Did she say hello to the Merlion?

The Island Voices, Singapore 2025.

Red and White, baby!

Coldplay in Singapore too?

Yes, they were.

Dato' Sri Siti Nurhalizah from Malaysia,

has performed in Singapore.

"Happy 60th Birthday Singapore!!!"

Paul Anka.

Paul Anka in Singapore 

'Crazy Love' Live at the Star Theatre.

YouTube Video by: G. 

And our own biggest pop star who lives here:

 Prime Minister Lawrence Wong,

singer, guitarist and overall musician!

Images from 

Google.

WA/META AI.

Andy's Music Quiz: Singapore And International Pops

 

https://wallpaperaccess.com/pretty-native-american

Quiz

It's easy guys, give it a try. Place a letter in each blank:

Example:  L A R R Y  = Rediffusion's favourite 60s DJ.

1 ___ ___ ___ ___ = SG Music Blogger.

2 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ = The King.

3 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ = Insects with beat.

4 ___ ___ ___ = He's Chong, not Japanese.

5 ___ ___ ___ ___ = Miss Molly's behaviour.

The Neo Kings: Paul Anka's 'Diana'.

6 ___ ___ ___ ___ = SG singer Shirley's surname.

7 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ = Apache was a hit!

8 ___ ___ ___ ___  = They were with Naomi.

9 ___ ___ ___ ___ = Murray's famous bird.

10 ___ ___ ___ ___ ___ = Andy's favourite girl.

[This quiz was done by a reader who wishes to remain anonymous. Thanks very much.]

Answers will not be published for some time. 

Naomi and The Boys: As Tears Go By.

YouTube video from: CoverHeaven.

Images: Google.

Singapore 60s Music Posters: Titles & Singers Quiz

UP TO 1,200 VIEWS - TRY THE QUIZ.

Quiz

Name the song and singer on each poster.

There are 10 songs.

'Lonesome Cowboy' Art piece is by:

 Betty Harper [www.bettyharper.com]

Images from: E.S. [Singapore]

Please send to a friend. Thanks.

Images: Google

YouTube Video from: Heimatfilme

'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].

UP TO 8,000 VIEWS, 40+ CHATS, COMMENTS

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.

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.]

60s Music Aging Pop Singers & Their Book Biographies

Someone wrote to me. Andy let's have more pictures and fewer words. That was quite a request. More pictures mean I have to steal from all over the Internet because words are all I have to steal your heart away.

Paul Simon and Art Garfunkel Madison Square Garden 2009: The Sound Of Silence.

So for once in my life, here's a posting without too many words, showing the pop stars of the 60s as they are today, or even older. Below the five superstar pictures are books about them. 

To be honest, I have read only three books, the rather dated one about the Ultimate Cliff by Peter Lewry and Nigel Goodall (1996), the Rolling Stones by Steve Appleford (2010) and the Tom Jones biography by Sean Smith (2015).

Book Biographies

The one about Tom Jones by Sean Smith (2015) is a quick and fast dash about Mr Jones, his beginnings, his songs and social life and his ever faithful wife Linda (she's a wonderful lady indeed) who even refused to meet neighbour Robbie Williams, although they lived in a gated and cocooned community. 

So to my good friend who prefers pictures, here's to you, sir.

NB:
I am currently into a recently written, Paul Simon The Life (2018), truly a mastermind and intellectual who composed lyrics (Sound of Silence, Bridge Over... The Boxer) that are so unique and truthful of his own life. He'll be 78 this October. Robert Hilburn, a pure writer, depicts him honestly and without fictitious asides.

"Somewhere in your early thirties, you start noticing that the garment of your youth is becoming frayed. What do you do then?  It's a crucial time. Some people make it through Dylan, McCartney, the Stones. But a lot of others don't Ch 13, p 212)." 

Disclaimer: 
This post does not promote nor criticize any book. Photographs have been taken directly from the internet using Google Search.