Faith, Hope, Love: Good Friday In Easter Week

SONGS I LOVE:

Religious Pop Song

Many religious songs today have a pop beat and it was no different in the 1950s. As a teenager I learnt The Bible Tells Me So very quickly since it was on the air a lot with its cheerful jazz rhythm.  It  still remains in me today and the lyrics clear in my mind. I am uncertain if it was written by Dale Evans (wife of cowboy star Roy Rogers) but she, Nick Noble and Don Cornell made it a big hit. 

Although songs from the 50s like Irene Goodnight, A Dear John Letter and Tom Dooley have different themes they each have a simple and easily remembered refrain.  So it is with The Bible Tells Me So, accompanied by a big band and a repeated verse that is not easily forgotten.

Lyrics

Have faith, hope, and charity.
That's the way to live successfully.
How do I know?
The Bible tells me so.

Do good to your enemies,
And the blessed Lord you'll surely please.
How do I know?
The Bible tells me so.

Don't worry 'bout tomorrow.
Just be real good today.
The Lord is right beside you.
He'll guide you all the way.

*Nick Noble passed away on 24th March, 2012 aged 85.

 Alfred Ho from Penang, Malaysia (Video by: AlfredHo111)

"Veteran singer Nick Noble had a massive hit with this song when I was just growing up in the 50's," says Alfred Ho. This Malaysian is the consummate entertainer with over three decades of performing experience at numerous stage shows, shopping complexes, private functions and nightspots across the country. Although visually handicapped Alfred is certainly one of the best entertainers from way up North.

                                              

2 Elvis Presley's Bible

Elvis' Bible

A Bible that was once Elvis Presley's sold for US$94,000 in September, 2012. The Book, given to the King on his first Christmas in Graceland in 1957, was expected to fetch around US$40,000 but went for more than double its value. It was used by Presley throughout his life and contains his handwritten notes, thoughts and annotations (image above).

Lost and Found

I found this large, old Holy Bible near Siglap some months ago (actual image above). It was sitting on a PUB electric circuit box at a side road and I have kept it since.  It is a King James version with the words Super Giant Print and Holman Bible Publishers (Copyright 1996) on its side.

If you have lost a Bible that is 10 inches long and 7 inches wide with very big prints do write to me and I shall return it to you.

A Blessed Good Friday and Happy Easter everyone!

Image 1, 2: Google.

Image 3: Andy Lim Collection.

Penang Yodeller Bryan Jeremiah: Bakat TV 1971

Born in 1949, Bryan Aloysius Jeremiah won Radio Malaysia's Talentime in 1967 at aged 18 as he  astounded Malaysian audiences with his country and western Slim Whitman inspired yodelling.  Since then he had participated in numerous talent shows singing and accompanying himself on the guitar.

In 1971 he became one of the finalists in Bakat TV, Malaysia and sang, Love Knot In My Lariat a popular Whitman hit. This talent contest attracted the best from the local pop music scene which included the late guitarist Paul Ponnudorai, singer Sudirman Arshad, the Silhouettes, Strange Brew, and Shagul Hamid amongst many others.

Youthful yodeller Bryan Jeremiah.

Jeremiah had studied at St Xavier’s Institution in Penang, Malaysia and was known not only as a singer on stage but also as a sports enthusiast on the field. As he progressed in the entertainment industry his love for the media led him to be a broadcaster for Radio Malaysia as he honed his singing and yodelling talent.

 

According to his daughter *Dawn Jeremiah, "My dad is one of the hardest working people I know, acquiring his life lessons by overcoming various challenges growing up in Penang in the 1960s.  He is a talented individual with closets of trophies from everything ranging from football to badminton to ping-pong to bowling to hockey."

The very popular Bakat TV Series in Malaysia.

 In an article about Father's Day in 2010 she added that, "The one award that wasn’t derived from sports was for Radio Talentime 1971, in which he secured top placing. He then proceeded to compete as a finalist in the RTM’s Bakat TV 1971 with the song Love Knot in My Lariat."  Jeremiah came in ninth.

Apparently his talent was a gift because he stood up from his baby cot when he was two years old to hum and mumble the words to Buttons and Bows, a 1947 Bob Hope song which was playing on the radio.  Bryan Jeremiah went on to be recognised as one of the most popular artistes and shared the limelight with a host of other Malaysian entertainers.  As a hard-working professional he was a dedicated logistics specialist but he had since passed away in October, 2012 at 63 years young.

Bryan Jeremiah in later years.

There are a few more articles about Penang and other Malaysian music makers on this blog. You can check out Dr. Lee Yan San, Alfred Ho, Paul Ponnudorai, Rocky Teoh, The Fabulous Falcons, HT Long, Kamahl, The Valiants etc. as each has a story to tell. Just click the connection Malaysian Idols under Labels below.

*Penangite Dawn Jeremiah has a passion for television and journalism and is a senior marketing executive at a high definition lifestyle channel. A part-time actress, this 1st runner up in the Miss Malaysia World 2007 pageant can be seen in the coming-of-age television series K.I.T.A., every Monday at 10pm on Astro Ria.

Thanks to Larry Lai for the connection.
Images from You Tube Video by Dawn Jeremiah.

Information from:

http://www.mmail.com.my/story/bakat-tv-yodelling-maestro-jeremiah-dies-33499

http://thestar.com.my/metro/story.asp?file=/2010/6/12/central/6436502&sec=central

Jimmy Boyle: Anak Pulau Pinang Music Composer

               Melody Of Love: Jimmy Boyle: Video from manicamsara

UP TO 2,600 VIEWS

(I used to listen to Jimmy Boyle and his music on our local radio station during the earlier years of my life because Radio Malaya was one with Singapore's radio station. Two edited articles taken from the internet form the basis of this posting. Connections to the original sites are provided below.)

He was a big name in the Malaysian entertainment industry. A jazz musician and composer of many well-known tunes, his most recognisable effort called Putera Puteri is still performed by local artistes today.

The composer was the late James W. Boyle, a Penangite of Eurasian descent. Jimmy Boyle, as he was more popularly known, was born in Penang in 1922 and educated at the St Xaviers Institution. Later, after graduating from Raffles College in Singapore, he returned to his alma mater as a teacher where he taught English among other subjects.

"As a composer, his music was not unknown outside Malaya or Malaysia. He was accepted as a Malaysian Composer and Arranger for the Classical Saxaphone Quartet of N.W. University USA and Kansas City University Brass Ensemble.

The BBC and the Voice Of American had both broadcast his music. Jazz critics (like Jerry Michigan) knew of him. International jazz musicians like Charles Lloyd and influential jazz trombonist Jack Teagarden rated him highly."

Boyle composed, arranged, played and recorded his music for radio and television. The English Service of Radio Malaysia used to have short, regular programmes featuring the Jimmy Boyle Trio. He had a composition, Kemegahan Negara Ku, which was played at midnight on the birth of Malaysia in 1963. The first Malayan flag was raised to one of Boyle’s tunes.

Among his other notable compositions were: Putera Puteri, Ingat Ingat, Jauh Jauh, Rayuan Mesra, or Melody Of Love, Api Dan Air, Bunga Negara, Ke-Hulu Ke-Hilir, Pantun Melayu, Gemaran Bulan, Bertugas, and Sungai Pahang.

"Jimmy Boyle had hoped to perpetuate the soul and spirit of his country and its people. He has made a huge contribution to the music scene of Malaysia. Nothing seems more fitting than to give a tribute to one of Penang's musical gems." He passed away in May 1971.

Colloquiums: 

http://www.penangstory.net.my/mino-content-paperrozells.html

Information: 

Anything Goes, 

Sunday, 5 April 2009. 

The (almost) forgotten Jimmy Boyle. 

By:Quah,Seng-Sun 

BukitMertajam, Penang, Malaysia.

http://ssquah.blogspot.com.au/2009/04/almost-forgotten-jimmy-boyle.html

http://www.facebook.com/ssquah

Information: Little Penang Street Market. 

Every Sunday Of The Month. 

Press & Reviews Press Conference

Monday, 3 July 2006. 

A tribute to Jimmy Boyle. 

http://www.rozells.com.my/

Medical Doctor Lee YS, Pop Singer From Penang

UP TO 1,000 VIEWS

DR LEE Y. S. HAILS FROM PENANG, MALAYSIA:

Dr Lee Yan San commented about his friend Russ Hamilton - 60s UK pop singer who made it big with, We Will Make Love - when he visited this blog and saw the postings. I replied to thank him and we kept in touch via email. When I requested for Yan San's home recordings, he was kind enough to send me two CDs: (1) Russ Hamilton songs and (2), his own (above image) entitled, For Baby. Below are extracts of his note, sent on March 22nd, 2010. Dr. Lee explains why and how he made the compilation:

A Serious President?

"I also include the 'commercially' made CD for you since your interest in songs seems to be rather similar to mine. I made the CD (after my term as President of our Malaysian Medical Association) to give to friends since those who do not know me well thought me to be a very serious person (which I need to be when carrying out my duties), so I thought I would give them a taste of my lighter and fun side.

Roland Workstation Mixer:

My daughter is very musical and helps me with the backing vocals and the strings which I have to record over 3-4 tracks with my Roland workstation mixer to make it sound like an orchestral backing. My lead guitarist and good friend, Frank Rozells, who is presently working in New Delhi came to visit me recently and we had a jam session in my house. I enclose our latest effort for you.

Violin and Guitar Sounds:

As usual my daughter puts in her violin music to enrich the sound. I also enclose a duet I did with my friend, so that you can hear him perform too. He is very good and also an excellent guitarist. He is doing very well in India but used to play in hotels in Penang, Malaysia."

The Vocalists and Instrumentalists:

The instrumental group that helped Dr. Lee (vocals/harmonica) with his home jam sessions are: Francis Anthony Rozells (lead guitar/harmony), Dr. Lee Hai Leong (bass guitar), Suedy Suwendy (harmony), Lee Hai Lin (violin/vocals), Clifford Cheam (rhythm guitar), John Lim (steel guitar), Michael Kay (keyboard), Lee Hai Choo (keyboard), Wayne, Noel and Rachel (music mixers).

CD Statistics and Songs Recorded:

The CD was recorded between 1985 - 1997 and re-compiled in May 1999. Songs are: Lonely Christmas, Leavin's Not The Only Way To Go, Sadie, The Cleaning Lady, I'll Never Find Another You, Nowhere Man, It's Alright, Filks On The Road, I Did What I Did For Maria, Rhythm Of The Rain, Exclusively Yours, Paloma Blanca, Mr Tambourine Man, Lodi, No Secrets, Standing At The End Of The Line, Mission Bell, Lay Back In The Arms Of Someone, For Baby And I'm Sorry.

Trivia:

Any Singapore medical doctors who are 60's pop singers too?

I know one Member of Parliament who has an active guitar group. Do you know who this person is?

You can read more about Lee Yan San if you click the connections below:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2013/11/penang-doc-lee-congratulates-country.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2011/10/dr-lees-version-of-silversteins-giving.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2010/03/from-dr-lee-malaysia-about-russ.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2010/03/note-about-russ-hamilton-in-passing.html

Interesting reading above. Check them out.

(9) From Dr. Lee, Penang With Russ Hamilton - The Malaysian, UK, Sing60s Music Connection

A note about Russ Hamilton from Dr. Lee Yan San, Medical Practitioner, Penang, Malaysia.

Dr. Lee said...
"Thanks for your nice tribute to Russ Hamilton. Russ is an exceptionally great and friendly gentleman. I am so glad to have met him (image: Russ Hamilton, sister, Dr Lee, family) and done a long interview with him for our Malaysian radio station few years back. We became close friends.

I was so sad when his twin sister contacted me to let me know that Russ had passed away.

He once told me that We Will Make Love was his most successful song and of the songs he wrote, he loved Little One most... a lullaby he wrote for his niece in Canada. He said he wrote and sang Reprieve of Tom Dooley after meeting his friend Lonni Donegan at the studio when he was recording the hit Tom Dooley.

He had also given me his unreleased songs which are now a real treasure to me. I have collected all his released songs and made into a CD to keep. I contributed to his biography at Wikipedia some time ago."

March 3, 2010 4:14 PM

Thank you, Dr. Lee for writing. I must say that Russ Hamilton and his songs will always be with us as we remember 60s music. He's one of the greatest singers really. It would be wonderful to have a copy of his CD with the unreleased songs as a souvenir.

Regards,

Andy Lim

(You can access Dr. Lee's blog by clicking on his name above.)

Malaysian Alfred Ho: It's His Vocals Not His Visual

ALFRED HO is the consummate entertainer with over three decades of performing experience at numerous stageshows, private functions and nightspots across the country. Although blind he has endeared himself to audiences for his interpretations of evergreen numbers from legendary crooners Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard, Tom Jones, Engelbert Humperdinck, and various country and western performers.

Alfred's mellow but powerful voice is irresistible to those who long for the days when songs had words you could actually hear and appreciate - a time when melodies were not obscured and drowned by crashing guitars, pounding beatboxes and techno rhythms.

This Perak-born (from Penang) performer continues to surprise audiences wherever he goes with everything from soothing ballads to rock and roll and even throws in some Spanish, Malay, Cantonese, Japanese and Hokkien numbers to prove his diversity.

Listening to the talented Alfred is a walk down memory lane, reviving gems from past that you may not have even heard on the radio of late. Alfred has such a wide repertoire that he has been known to play for four straight hours, with still some songs to spare.

Struck blind after a bout of measles at the age of three, Alfred showed a love for music from an early age. At Penang's St Nicholas School for the Blind, he taught himself to play the guitar and formed a four-piece schoolboy band called The Sharks. He later honed his craft doing the pub circuit as a solo guitarist and developed an uncanny sense of being able to 'read' his audience from the stage.

His first brush with fame came as a semi-finalist in RTM's Bakat TV, the popular talent show of the 70s. Alfred also did a few shows called Take Five with a commercial broadcasting station in that period and even cut two EP vinyl records of his own compositions.

Two songs, Train To Tennessee and Wendy's Love Song (above vinyl) were particularly popular and he recorded several cassettes back then that were played on local airwaves.

In 1984, having garnered a following and dubbed Malaysia's Jose Feliciano, Alfred finally quit his steady job as a telephone operator and went into music full time. A decade of performances later, during which no record label was willing to sign him on, Alfred self-produced an album of 22 covers of his favourite hits called "Special Gems".

Today, his loyal fanbase, from ambassadors to royalty, from vinyl connoisseurs to lovers of classic dancing, still speak of Alfred with fondness and continue to enjoy his special brand of music.

(From Website: National Council For The Blind, Malaysia/Majlis Kebangsaan Bagi Orang Buta Malaysia).

Images: From You Tube and Andy Lim Collection.

Check his videos: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Q9gkJ41mhY