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 Singapore 60s Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Singapore 60s Music. Show all posts
It's me 'Old Bloke'. Siva Choy was one half The Cyclones. At the age of 16 he teamed up with his brother James also known as 'Achuthan' to form the duo.
Yesterday, 30th July, James Choi [yes different spelling of surname] passed away, aged 81. They were often referred to as, 'Singapore's Everly Brothers.' Siva wrote original songs from the age of 16 and recorded them.
Goodnight James. Have fun jamming with Siva, Zul, Sonny Bala... the list goes on.
31st July, 2026.
Thanks, Old Bloke for sharing with us the news of James' passing. May he Rest In Peace. God Bless His Soul.
[Disclaimer: Thanks again, Old Bloke for the above tribute. Hopefully the family agrees to this posting as there had been instances when such a post had to be withdrawn from the blog. Do write on the comment page to inform.]
'By the Light of the Silvery Moon': Doris Day, To my honey, I'll croon love's tune, Honey moon, keeps a-shinin' in June...
Now it's Beautiful Sunday with October Cherries.
Beautiful Sunday: October Cherries. YouTube Video by: kt jong
Well, just playing with days, weeks, months and years! Remember them so you won't get dementia...
The days of the weeks feature in many song titles too. Limiting them from the 50s to 70s compositions, there are already a few hundred songs.
Beginning from *The World Hits 'Beautiful Sunday' Album (1972 - image) by the October Cherries, a Singapore group, there are titles like, Blue Monday by Bob Seger, Sunday, Monday Or Always by Frank Sinatra.
Ruby Tuesday is by The Rolling Stones, Melanie, Twiggy, Bobby Goldsboro. Wednesday Evening Blues by John Lee Hooker, Thursday by Jim Croce, Black Friday by Steely Dan, AnotherSaturday Night by Cat Stevens, Sam Cooke, The Bay City Rollers, The Eagles and Earth Wind and Fire.
Sunday Best is by Bobbie Gentry, Sunday Morning Coming Down by Kris Kristofferson, Johnny Cash, That Sunday, That Summer by Nat King Cole, A Monday Date by Louis Armstrong, Rainy Days and Mondays by The Carpenters. The list goes on...
*Beautiful Sunday, available by October Cherries on World Hits 1973 Single ES6-A, A Baal Production on Elastic Record. Composer/original recording is by Daniel Boone.
Here comes Ruby Tuesday...
"Ruby Tuesday": Melanie; YouTube Video by: Melanie Safka [official page]
Any other song you know that relates to calendar connections?
Just keep on commenting...
'Wednesday Evening Blues': John Lee Hooker. The guitar man on a lonely evening.
'Thursday' by Jim Croce: 'Cause I was looking for a lifetime lover, And you were looking for a friend. [reversed?]
'Black Friday': Steely Dan: When Black Friday comes, I'll collect everything I'm owed, And before my friends find out, I'll be on the road...
'Another Saturday Night,' Cat Stevens: I got in town a month ago, I seen a lot of girls since then, If I could meet 'em I could get 'em...
TO ALL MY READERS, FRIENDS AND CONTRIBUTING WRITERS. THANK YOU FOR YOUR CONTINUOUS SUPPORT ALL THESE YEARS. ANDY.
Ahmad Jais - 'Selamat Hari Raya' [Official Music Video] YouTube Video from: Hari Raya.
Cartoon is a brilliant greeting from former journalist IRENE HOE. Thanks Irene. [Above pix is by famous Malay cartoonist, Datuk Mohammed Nor Khalid or LAT, from Malaysia.]
CLICK BELOW TO CHECK OTHER 'RAYA' STORIES, MUSIC n LAT:
I have the above Long Play [LP] 1957 recording and was surprised that when I presented a song from the selection to friends, not many were aware or even knew the song.
My accompanying comment was, "One of my fave songs was when Elvis did his 50s song, Any Place Is Paradise; still one of his most memorable hits, personally. Not many folks know this one. With the guitar solo in between and that 'cling, cling cling jazz.' "
Quite a number were nice and honest enough to mention, "You're right, I'm one of those who don't know [haven't heard] this song. Now I know. thanks!" Another commented that he was in the group as he had just heard it because I mentioned it. It was a typical Elvis, R&B blues song. A third friend loved the solo in between. And a fourth good friend said, "Andy, I was still a baby!"
Thanks to all my friends above. Yes, I am old.
The image shows the back cover of the Elvis Presley No. 2 record in the last posting. Elvis the Pelvis, as he is usually known, gyrates and hip-swivels his way through this LP with: Rip It Up, When My Blue Moon Turns To Gold Again, **Long Tall Sally, Paralysed, Ready Teddy and How Do You Think I Feel.
'Any Place Is Paradise', Elvis Presley. YouTube Video by: Rychie Tube.
His other songs though, reveal his more subdued and pensive mood when he delivers, Love Me, First In Line, So Glad You're Mine, Any Place Is Paradise, How's The World Treating You and Old Shep.
Another favourite of mine is the hot, sweaty, Paralyzed. Check it out below.
While checking this first impression record, *HMV/CLP 1105 which is made in Great Britain, I find that it is a collector's item. The price will not be mentioned. Produced in 1957 it is in mint condition. Because Presley pressings run into millions, only certain records are collectibles.
*Elvis Presley No 2 Also known as Rock n Roll No 2 HMV CLP 1105 1957. Matrix G2 WP 7207 2N/7208 1N, Label Side 1.
**Long Tally Sally, Recorded by Crescendos/Philips/Universal Music, Singapore.
Image/Original article: Andy Lim Collection.
This posting is an extension from one dated: 8.9.2009.
'Paralysed' Elvis Presley. YouTube Video by: Simone Presley Brasil.
Disclaimer:
This blog does not advertise nor try to sell vinyl records.
The late MALCOLM HYDER who passed away on 10 JANUARY 2026 in Singapore; reported by good friend DANNY KOH.
“Malcolm Hyder, the driving force behind our band, FLYING FEATHERS, has passed away. During our formative years, we would gather at his Joo Chiat Road home to rehearse and hone our skills. Malcolm's dynamic personality and inventive ideas not only shaped our music but also inspired our band's name.
The members in the band were Roger Prior, Harvey Klass, Patrick Nathan and Myself. All of us were in our 20’s. Played at the RAF Officers Club in Changi.
As I reflect on these memories, I'm reminded of his remarkable life, which included his tenure as a teacher at Siglap. He will be deeply missed.
Rest In Peace, Malcolm. Condolences to his Family.”
Written by Professional Musician/Pianist DANNY KOH. Thanks Danny. Copyrights Reserved. Click below to read about Danny.
[NB: MALCOLM HYDER (left) with AUBREY MILES and THOMAS PAUL were also well known as members of a vocal group called the BAMBINOS. They were adept with favourite jazz pieces where the group would use scat and do-wop to brighten their songs.] IMAGE courtesy of JUDE GERARD PAUL.
Here's a group that was pretty hot in Singapore 60s. Consisting of Caucasians who were with the British Services on our island, a group of five guys formed a band called The Dee Tee's, spotted by Philips Records and produced a vinyl under the label.
Consisting of Walter [Brad] Bradbury on vocals, Peter Crane on lead guitar, Texas [Tevan] Scott on rhythm, Peter Crowley on bass and Antony Greenwood on percussion. This band made it good at The Golden Venus, dishing out weekly Rhythm and Blues numbers.
Out of the usual four songs on the Extended Play [EP] vinyl, they had one original called, 'Just Because', [different from Elvis’] and sung by Brad. The one on YouTube, below, 'Got Love - If You Want It'; repeats the title and it sounds typical R&B with lead guitarist Peter Crane. Another hit, 'She Belongs To Me', a Bob Dylan original, with Side Two's, 'Big Boss Man', an Elvis hit.
The Dee Tee's, 'Got Love If You Want It'.
Garage from Singapore, original 45 EP: 1966
YouTube Video by: Rocking Soho
Their manager G.N. Anastasi penned a back-cover write-up. He said, "It was originally a quiet afternoon. Then the peace was irrevocably shattered. The Dee-Tee's had moved in the studio, and what turned out to be a memorable occasion was under way.
After many hours a great deal of sweating [for the benefit of the ladies, after copious perspiration] this masterpiece came to its fantastic conclusion.
It was sheer madness from the start, but if fellow souls exist in this world of ours, I vow that they will join us in raving about this group of joy bringers."
Below: The Golden Venus hotspot in the 1960's where folks explore the bottles galore and also listen to the pop groups playing there. [Pix from: coconuts.co]
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 writer himself, or a friend, at Albert Street Night Market
during the 60's in Singapore, checking out vinyl records to buy.
UP TO 700 VIEWS
Fabian Foo Jong Fook reminisces:
When The Record Shop Comes To You:
I was born in Albert Street, currently the Albert Food and Hawker Centre. During the day Albert Street was just an ordinary road but in the evening from 6pm to 10pm, it became a very busy Pasar Malam or Night Market.
There were many makeshift stalls selling everything we needed [last image below]. What was more an attraction to me were the record stalls, blasting music from the vinyl of our many Singapore bands like The Stylers, Travellers, Melodians and Chinese singers who sang in Mandarin, like Rita Chao or Sakura Teng.
Vendors would come early to set up their stalls [last image below] and as the sun set, people who live around the area would come by after their dinner for their evening stroll and check out the shopping mall that visits the residents. 😄
The songs the vendors played were mostly Chinese pops. We kept hearing the same songs every night when those LPs [Long Play Records] and EPs [Extended Plays] were hot on the market.
Chinese records like these sold well among Singaporeans in the 60s who find them entertaining and the record covers were attractively designed to show off the musicians and singers.
Hawkers' food [image below] was at every corner, but I was too poor to eat night snacks. Only on special occasions were we able to buy these titbits with some extra pocket money that we had. The extra funds that I used to save were spent, not on food, but to buy records at Kwang Sia Records at North Bridge Road. But that's another story.
"Those were the days my friend; I thought it'll never end..."
Any experience on night markets in your own country?
Comments are welcome.
16.11.19.
Food stalls @ Albert Street Night Market in 1966.
Photo from 'flickr' by David Ayres.
Vendors come early to set up their record stalls; the
early bird too gets his share of vinyl selection in broad daylight.
One could buy almost anything at a night market.
Do we still have them around in Singapore today?
Author and good friend:
Fabian Foo Jong Fook.
Read another 60's music story about vinyl records:
Concetta Rosa Maria was in the top 30 list of most popular singers in the 50s. Her songs are too many to mention so check her out. She became the first woman to top the Billboard Hot 100.
My favourites include, 'Who's Sorry Now', 'Stupid Cupid', 'My Happiness', 'Mama', 'Frankie', 'My Heart Has A Mind Of Its Own,' and 'Everybody's Somebody's Fool'.
Connie Francis' influenced much in Singapore's pop music scene with many of her millions of hit singles.
In fact she was so popular in the 50s and 60s that the title of Singapore's Connie Francis belongs to two ladies. Patricia Pestanais the official title holder and Veronica Young could be the other one. And they do sing like Connie Francis.
The Crescendos 'Mr Twister' [sung by Susan Lim] sold more copies than Connie Francis' original and was number 10 in Philips International Top Ten. 'Stupid Cupid' has been made into a guitar instrumental by a pop guitar group called, The Stylers. Elvis recorded 'My Happiness' a long time ago.
Other songs?
This post was originally from:
Tuesday, 10th February, 2009.
Goodbye Ms Francis. We love you...
Connie Francis: Where The Boys Are.
YouTube Video by: Crinale819.
Connie Francis: Stupid Cupid.
YouTube Video By:
Smurfstools Music Time Machine.
Images: Google.
One special lady singer whose songs, as many as she recorded,
became hits. Ah! That's something to remember her by.
Suatu hari nanti, kenangan kita akan mengingatkan kita bahwa kita telah menjalani hidup sepenuhnya. Kilas Balik Minggu 04 Mei, hari yang menyenangkan bersama Andy Young.
Meeting Raymond who owns a shop selling
musical instruments at Sim Lim Square.
With a Filipino customer who is also a musician.
Three old friends which includes Richard, a 60s
music vinyl record expert, at Bugis Central.
Raymond in the background at his shop.
With Richard at his souvenir and vinyl record shop in Bugis Street.
Richard sells lots of Singapore vinyl records and international ones too.
Hey, Randy,
Thanks for coming over to Singapore for a visit. We visited friends too... Randy had to run to my car on a busy road junction because I stopped in the middle of heavy traffic... 🙂. And the Hokkien Mee and Chai Tow Kway we had for lunch were delicious. We knew each other about a 100 years ago...
Here is the handsome young man with one of the best guitar groups in Asia 60s: THE STYLERS. "Geylang si-paku Geylang..."
Randy Lee [extreme left], handsome, young and dandy...
