Pop Music From Singapore 80's: 'Bloom Fund' Charity Drive For Retired Local Artistes: By Fabian Foo

From left, with TRCL CEO Colin Goh, Andy,

Fabian Foo [Author] and Richard Tham.

The 'Rice Company Limited' organised a Charity Drive

in support of retired local artistes.

'Don't Write Us Off Concert'

Blu Jaz, Eu Tong Sen Street.

The Central Clark Quay

Singapore

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Hi Andy,

It was great that we managed to catch up yesterday with each other after such a long time. The meetup was fruitful as we got to attend a charity gig at Blu Jaz Club on 31st July 2025, where we enjoyed an evening of nostalgic music from our local talents.

It was so meaningful for many of our local entertainers putting their musical talents for a worthy cause, The Bloom Fund.

Let us hope that more charity drives for the music society will continue in the near future.

Fabian Foo

Author/Videographer.

Andy, Fabian [Author/Videographer], Colin [CEO], Richard.

With Richard Tham and John Klass.

Musician Clarence Tan, 

Singer Jimmy Yap, Andy, Fabian Foo

Stephen Francis, the man who organised the show and was

MC too, with good friend and recording artiste Irene Yap.

Clement Chow with his spectacular jacket and tie.

"There you are Clement, you're on my blog."

With good friend John Klass: DJ, singer, musician

and all-round entertainer, formerly from Gold 90.5 FM,

MediaCorp. 

Cedric Cork [Vietnam War active musician]

With DJ Larry Lai [Vintage RadioSG]

Singer Maia [from Irene Yap's FB page]

Sound Engineer Tony Teo, no sound, no show!

Actually, the most important man for the two nights.

Bellingham [from Irene Yap's FB page].

Jive Talkin' [from Stephen Francis' FB page]

Stephen Francis: Organiser and Musician.

YouTube Video by: Foo Jong Fook.

John Klass singing 'Footloose'

at Blu Jaz Club 31st July 2025 

YouTube Video by Foo Jong Fook.

Jive Talking: Fantastic Singapore Group at 

Blu Jaz Clark Quay 31st July, 2025.

YouTube Video by Foo Jong Fook. 

Speedway: 'Highway Star' 

Blu Jaz Clark Quay 31st July, 2025.

YouTube Video by Foo Jong Fook. 

Message From Colin Goh [CEO]:

My sincere thanks to you Uncle Foo Jong Fook for contributing to this blog and sharing your reflections on the inaugural edition of The Don’t Write Us Off Concert in support of The Bloom Fund.

By way of background, The Bloom Fund harnesses the power of the arts to support vulnerable seniors and foster meaningful intergenerational connections. Rooted in the belief that aging should be accompanied by dignity, creativity, and community, the fund engages seniors—particularly those experiencing isolation or cognitive challenges—through participatory arts programmes, creative workshops, and public showcases. By bringing together youth and older adults in shared artistic experiences, Bloom bridges generational divides and nurtures social cohesion.

More than just a fund, Bloom serves as a gentle yet powerful reminder that seniors, too, deserve the opportunity to grow, express, and flourish—especially in the later chapters of life.

A heartfelt thank you as well to Andy Young for so generously gracing the occasion. Let’s make time to reconnect soon—I’d love to hear more of your stories and insights on the music scene of yesteryear.

Author/Videographer.

Fabian Foo Jong Fook with Mrs. Foo

Thanking the folks below for their part in this Charity Drive'

It was truly the local Pop Singapore Concert for this 2025 year!

Stephen Pianist/Singer

Anthony Kwah on Keyboards

Jimmy Lee on Drums

Din Safari on Bass

Sebastian Ho on guitar

Regi Leo on guitar

Emcees for 2 nights- Chris Henson & Rob Collins

31st July: - Bellingham Band

31st- Jive Talkin' Band

31st- John Klass

31- Speedway (5 member band)

31st- Rozie Rahim

31st - Robert Fernando

31st- Clement Chow

31st- Shawn De Mello

1st August - Stephen Francis

1st - Maia Lee

1st - Jenny Vie

1st - Alia D’melda

1st - Jylian Khoo

1st - Dominic Wong

1st- Skye Sirena

1st- Jason Chung

1st- Rob Collins

DJs:

Dj Vijay

Dj Martin

Sound engineer- Tony Teo.

More videos and photos coming in. Check this blog everyday!

 

Not everyone can be featured though! 😸

Weather Forecast: The Heat Is On: Glenn Frey: Singapore Sizzles

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Songs I Love

July reminds me of the song, The Heat Is On, and of the weather that's about to slam bang Singapore into a sultry mode. So get ready guys, it's another hot, hot, hot month, a warning from the forecast on the website.

The song also reminds me of Eddie Murphy in the forefront, slam banging his way into the hearts of the crooked in one of the US cities. He's the famous African American, Beverly Hills Cop. Hollywood?

https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/life/music/2016/01/18/photos-the-life-of-glenn-frey/78976820/

The late music genius Glenn Frey, one my favourite singers, leader of The Eagles, recorded it in 1984 and it became a hit at #2. But the melody and lyrics etched in my mind for years and when the weather turned red in Singapore, the fan in my mind started to whirl non-stop, grinding the vinyl [image below] that I used to own. 

*"The heat is on, on the street, Inside your head, on every beat, And the beat's so loud, deep inside, The pressure's high, just to stay alive, 'Cause the heat is on..."

For me, this song's always a hit and in heat!

Glenn Frey - The Heat Is On 'Beverly Hills Cop' Soundtrack

YouTubeVideo: GlennFreyVEVO.Watch it! 

Nearly 14 Million viewers can't be wrong.

Apparently, the word 'heat' is very meaningful in the English language, let alone in American English. Slang-wise it could mean, the police, a gun or a host of other synonyms related to being in trouble with the cops. Heat could also bring to mind relationships. The original meaning brings us home again. Yes, it's equatorial Singapore. 

But don't call the cops! 

Get an electric fan or turn on the air-conditioner!

[In Singapore and Asia the word heat now means any food item that's chilli hot. There's a programme on CNA (Channel News Asia) called, 'In Search of Heat', where the topic discusses different types of Asian food that uses lots of chilli and spices for its dishes.]

This blog welcomes comments.

The man who's always in heat; Eddie Murphy 

on the vinyl cover of Frey's hit song.

Songwriters: 

*Harold Faltermeyer / Keith Forsey. The Heat Is On lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC.

Images: 

Google. Any copyrights problem, do advise and images/videos will be deleted immediately.

Inflation Blues: BB King Sings About World Inflation: Currently Too: 2022

 

https://www.wallpaperflare.com/music-jazz-guitarist-blues-b-b-king-b-b-king-arts-culture-and-entertainment-wallpaper-svpja

BB King

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Inflation Blues: BB King 

[Live At Nick's - 1983 HD].

YouTube Video by: mindtraveller1989.

Songs I Love

Inflation in Singapore and the world today, 2022.

Yes, inflation is an old story. It's like a toy balloon, held loosely in hand.  A strong wind blows strong and the balloon flies away, usually higher and higher. Today it's worse! The balloons combine  and even carry houses into the blue yonder. 

I guess that's the reason why many of us have the blues. So let's hear what BB King has to say about inflation. This composition, is from the US and released in 1983.

It's worth a listen. Got the blues man! Price of chicken too will go North.

"You know I'm not one of those highbrows,

And things are going up and up and up and up,

And my cheque remains the same..."

https://wallpaperaccess.com/balloon

Inflation Blues

[In parts only]

You got me frustrated

And I don't know what to do

I'm trying to make a living

I can't save a cent

It takes all of my money

Just to eat and pay my rent

I got the blues

Got those inflation blues

Now you take that paper dollar

It's only that in name

The way that buck has shrunk

It's a lowdown dirty shame

That's why I got the blues

Got those inflation blues

'Cause I have

please cut the price of sugar

I wanna make my coffee sweet

I wanna smear some butter on my bread

And I just got to have my meat

And things are going up and up and up and up

And my cheque remains the same

That's why I got the blues

Got those inflation blues."

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Alexander / Southern

Inflation Blues lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC. 

Check him out below:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2019/09/b-b-king-is-94-years-young-thrill-is.html

Images: Google.

Video: YouTube.

Singapore Original Music Compositions - Wen Hing

A recording for a classroom project with my diploma instructor and course mates.

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Let’s Make Music – Singapore Style

By Chow Wen Hing

I recently commented on Andy’s blog about the band leader of a local band – the Dukes; Daniel Abidin, as follows:

“Sounds like an amazing guy, wonder what he thinks about the music and original Singapore songs of recent year? Would be interesting to hear his thoughts 🙂. I was watching a documentary about local musicians and a name cropped up a few times - Jimmy Wee. He took a chance on local acts when he was told again and again that there’s no profit in it!

I think the cost of such endeavors have gone way down, as technology has closed the gap on the process. What is needed is a “moral-boosting” Jimmy Wee, no deep pockets needed but a deep appreciation of the Singapore music scene is crucial. Of course, good contacts and entrepreneurial spirit is a big plus!

Many musicians are turning to home studios - affordable and accessible gear, technology and know-how (YouTube) has sprouted tons of “artiste”. So we would need a modern day Jimmy Wee to sieve out those who have potential and put resources behind them to support them as far as they can go.”

This prompted Andy to suggest that I share further thoughts on the local music situation – seeing how I am now a self-proclaimed “song-writer”. Thanks for the vote of confidence Andy! I am really just a novice – a late starter, and not a historian like you who is well-informed about the music scene over the last 40 years or so. But in the spirit of our shared love for music, I will put down some of my personal thoughts. A caveat here – these are just my own observations based on anecdotal evidence, so don’t take my word for it. 

With that, let me make a call to everyone who is reading this to:

Let’s Make Music – Singapore Style!

Juice - Whatever It Takes - Wen Hing - An original composition. YouTube by Music MAN.

I think one of the main reasons why Singapore music – that is local compositions in English, did not really take off is probably due to a lack of a cultural identify. We Singaporeans do not know who we are, euphemistically speaking. Our social diversification and multiculturalism have been so successful that, we; as the Beatles said, “are here, there and everywhere” – in a word: nowhere. We can’t really identify ourselves with Western cultures. It just doesn’t sit right with our Asian sensibilities; but neither do we clique well with the Eastern cultures; we fall short of the richness that these cultures can offer and represent.

As such, musically we are torn, struggling artistically to find our voice, our sound, our unique genre that we can be proud of. The closest to a culture is the “beng” culture - the slightly rebellious, mostly callous and care-less attitude that supposedly at its core lie the soul of the sons and daughters of Singapore. But this is giving in to a self-perpetuated myth that a “Beng-titude” is in all Singaporeans. It neglects to embrace the more wholesome, the serious, the studious, the avant grade and the “converted” amongst us.

So although deprived of a deep history, we Singaporeans nonetheless feel that we have a special identity that has been forged over our short 50-year history, that we are a melting pot of culture, practices, behaviour and abilities. But despite this, and perhaps as it is the progenitor of the “beng” culture; we sprouted something that clearly make us stand out amongst our Asian brothers and sisters. For at the very moment we speak, we are identified straightaway as being a Singaporean! It is in our style, our accent, our mannerism and our composure. Singlish has given us an identify which make us highly recognizable. 

Singapore bands from the 60s and beyond have their own original composition.

Singapore has no natural resources, and the only way it came to be where it is today is through the sheer determination and hard work of the previous generations. Here, I salute Andy and all his compatriots for playing an important role in entertaining and delighting these founding and pioneer batches of Singaporeans. They had used what they knew, and with what was at their immediate disposal. So well-known tunes from the East and the West flooded the market, and bands like The Silver Strings, The Quest, The Dukes; and in the 80’s and the 90’s bands like Tokyo Square, The Padre, Dick Lee, Zircon Lounge, Flybaits, etc – just to name those I know of, became the proxy for the real deal. Today, these bands still have their diehard fans, and there were concerts and open-mic sessions before the pandemic. Now many of them get together to jam and reminisce on the good old days.

Cats Like Us - A Wen Hing Composition 

which has gained some leverage on YouTube.

So I believe that with willing contributors, the blessing of Singlish, and a readiness to develop and embrace our own culture – these are all necessary elements to give us another chance to a start. Our Singaporean accent and mannerism gave us a lingua franca of sorts which sets us apart from our fellow ASEANs but yet anchor us as Asians and Singaporeans. We can build on that! Let’s think about getting the same kind of recognition and identity in our songs and music. Let’s think about a genre or a musical tradition that is so Singaporean that it will be identified immediately with Singapore at the very first opening notes. Let’s think about a standard or a performance style that is so clearly Singapore that audiences can immediately appreciate the Singapore flavour and characteristics, and thereby judging its success accordingly. Indeed, let’s think about a musical and cultural heritage that the rest of the world would want to emulate!

It is my personal big-beautiful-audacious goal, but it is getting rather lonely just two years into this endeavour. But I am pressing on, with encouragement and the occasional jousting from friends like Andy, and reading about past successes and glories in our musical heritage. Matched with how music making has progressed in the 21st Century, I am discovering opportunities and uncovering new sounds. Come my friends, join this journey wherever you are and whatever you are doing.

Let’s make music – Singapore style!

Wen Hing - Singer/Composer/Author

An original song done by Shirley Nair and the Silver Strings in the 1960s. Sung by Rene. Video from YouTube by Rene.

Siva Choy's Original Singlish hit, 'Why You So Like That -https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2012/07/why-you-so-like-that-uh.html

Without The Gift of Song In Aberdeen, Scotland.

Serene, University of Aberdeen

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A Story About Heritage

I will never forget the lesson I learnt in the early 1980's when I attended a British Council course at the University of Aberdeen, Scotland. There were four representatives from Singapore, myself and three ladies.  We had been selected to attend an English Language, English Literature and Linguistics programme.

Since a good number applied at the Singapore office, candidates had to go through an interview but we had been lucky and managed to get a place.  For the attractive summer holiday, post-graduate course we were provided text books, meals, lodging and visits around Aberdeen's neighbourhood. Daily lectures and workshops by **distinguished professors were usually held up to lunch time. There were none during the weekends.

Singapore representatives. Thistle among the flowers?

After our arrival and having settled in at the university we were ushered into a large room the second evening, where our course students met for a cultural get-together.  Most of us were quietly ready for a night of food and fun but surprised by what happened next because as Singaporeans we had not been prepared for the 'task' at hand.

Cultural Night at Aberdeen University

After a full and fancy meal, Scottish style but without *haggis, we found ourselves shaking hands with the young and old from many places around the world.  They had come from Asia, Europe and Commonwealth countries. That night, each country representative was supposed to entertain the gathering with either a song, a dance, a reading or a sketch.

Yes, my dear readers. Everyone was prepared. But Singapore? No, because we had no song to sing. Don't forget it was the beginning of the 1980's and the national songs that had been composed were only available from 1984. We had come a little early. If only we had arrived in Aberdeen two years later, then we could be so proud singing, Stand Up For Singapore. Or if we had come in 1986, Count On Me Singapore would have been available.

Panic. The four of us huddled together trying to think of one we could sing as a foursome. I told them there was one. It was called, Singapura, a pop song. But it wasn't a patriotic song.  And I remember it was by Sandra Reemer an Indonesian/Dutch singer. How could we be singing a song that wasn't composed by our countryman?  Although we knew the melody, we didn't know the lyrics. Then there was our National Anthem.  But we couldn't be singing the anthem for amusement.

What about Sing Your Way Home? Was that a Singapore song?  I knew that one. As we racked our heads, I remember songs we taught our children back home. These were, Chan Mali Chan and Di-Tanjong Katong and Rasa Sayang.  I knew them in Malay but they weren't really our songs.  We shared them with our neighbours when we were part of Malaya.

A Dance from Greece

Meanwhile, during the show, some of the students danced so well as they demonstrated their intricate steps and swayed to the rhythm of their own hand clapping.  I remember a rather stout gentleman who was so lithe and vibrant when he did a Greek dance and pranced the floor with his arms outstretched for a good ten minutes.

Others sang their national songs as duets and trios, some with guitars while a few brought their own musical instruments to accompany their singing. The people there were such a talented lot! Poetry recitals in European and Asian languages, short skits that threw us into laughter and even a parade of Shakespearean soliloquies.

Sketch or recital? 

We applauded, looked at each other and gave the three titles to the lady in charge and made preparations to sing it. But here's the strangest part. Up till today, I cannot remember if we ever went up on stage.  I searched for the photographs of this performance but now I am not sure if we sang that evening.  

I found one picture though (image above) and this photo jolted my memory because I realised I did a sketch with this bearded gentleman from an Arab country. He was friendly, quick witted, full of humour and I will never forget what he told me,  "Take pictures, Lim. Immortalise yourself so when you look at them 50 years later you will realise how young you were when you came to Aberdeen." 

In newspaper wrapping

It was such a relief when the night was over. We enjoyed the performances by other nationals, the food and camaraderie.  We became friends and the ice was broken. Ice? We realised, as we left the room, how cold it was as the doors opened.  But the beautiful Scottish air refreshed us. A little foggy perhaps. "Hark when the night is falling, / Hear, hear the pipes are calling..."

With University mates @ Aberdeen University. 

I am with dark glasses. 

On my right and left are students from Hong Kong. 

The two on my far right are from Singapore.

After a good night's rest, we ended up the next morning bright and early outside the university grounds, grouped together and heading for famous Bennachie Hill.  It was the weekend and I had my first genuine fish and chips wrapped up in a newspaper (no not in a five-pound note) at the Fish Market.

On the way to town, I saw this lone figure in front of a castle.  He was the finest bagpiper I've seen, dressed up in the most elaborate Scottish costume and blowing his pipes in the gusty wind.  It was a beautiful sight. "Wild is the wind to meet you, Staunch are the friends that greet you... "

The Lone Bagpiper. Unimaginable.

So you see folks, if you have been complaining about our patriotic songs being played day in, day out and night in, night out on TV, radio and everywhere else before National Day, remember out plight that evening when we had none to sing.  We need these songs as they are representative of Singapore to remind us of our own sunny isle and national heritage.

Of course, we were too proud to tell our Scottish hosts and the other delegates from the other countries that we didn't have folk songs. Singapore was only about seventeen years old then. But today?  Today, we've got plenty and you can "count on me to give my best and more..."  Today we've got the gift of song.

So sing your National Songs this 2017 and belt them out.

Cowdray Hall, Girdle Ness Lighthouse, Bridge of Don, Fish Market.
A 1980's Postcard.

*Haggis is a savoury pudding containing sheep's pluck (heart, liver and lungs); minced with onions, oats, meat, suet, spices, and salt, mixed with stock, traditionally encased in the animal's stomach.

**It has been some time since I left Aberdeen but I still remember the music, moments, places and people, especially lecturer Ms Avis who drove me to London from the university in 12 hours flat when she offered me a ride back in her tiny Ford Fiesta. We only stopped for lunch at noon and had tea in the car. She was about 60 years young when I met her in the early 80's. It's hard to forget a kind lady like Ms Avis. God Bless Her Soul.

1980's Hit Songs in the UK

1    Dexys Midnight Runners: Come On Eileen
2.   Survivor: Eye Of The Tiger
3    Irene Cara: Fame
4    Tight Fit: The Lion Sleeps Tonight
5    Culture Club: Do You Really Want To Hurt Me
10  Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder: Ebony And Ivory

http://www.uk-charts.top-source.info/top-100-1982.shtml

University of Aberdeen, Scotland; British Council Summer Course; U.K., British Council Scholarships; Cultural Night, Scotland; Fish and Chips in Newspapers; Haggis from Scotland, U.K.; Bridge of Don, Scotland; Fish Market, Aberdeen, Scotland; Girdle Ness Lighthouse; Singapore Patriotic Songs; Singapore Heritage, Sung50

Peter Shaffer:

I learnt too, which was actually one of the objectives of going to Aberdeen, about another great playwright. Peter Shaffer was at his peak in the 1980's and reading a play like Equus was certainly an eye-opener for me. 

Teaching Literature at school had been tough and a challenge, so I came with an open mind and learnt the ways of this university professor who tried to put across this piece of art (it wasn't an easy one) to his students in the simplest way possible.

Images: A Personal Collection and Google.

Local Pop Songs For Singapore's 50th Anniversary

              The brand new Singapore National Stadium @ Kallang

Singapore's most iconic songs will be featured in a mega-concert next year (2015) at the new National Stadium to celebrate the country's 50th Anniversary. According to a newspaper report, Sing50 will feature local artistes singing 50 songs in various genre and the four official languages.

Below is a personal list of local pops in English that have been composed by our own musicians. The idea is to reminisce with the older generation songs they grew up with and to introduce to the younger generation melodies that resonate so much with the history of this island.

     Sausolito - Western Union Band (1970s) - MrRainbow

Perhaps some of them may not be appropriate for such a celebration but these were top songs that had charted the hit parade in Singapore 60s, 70s and 80s. There are 9 songs altogether but this posting is just a suggestion to start the ball rolling. The list is not in any particular order. 


Image from: Zazzle Invitations

The 60s
Shanty - The Quests
Selina - The Dukes
It's All Over - Naomi and the Boys
You're The Boy - Shirley Nair and The Silver Strings
My Lonely Heart - The Thunderbirds
Do It Right - The Trailers

(2 instrumentals, 2 lady singers, 2 male singers).
     
The 70s
Sausolito - Western Union Band
Singapore Cowboy - Matthew and The Mandarins
            
The 80s 
Within You Will Remain - Tokyo Square 

 Within You'll Remain - Tokyo Square (1980s) - scorpiossnakes

I am not familiar with songs beyond the 80s.  You can start your own list and if your favourite song has been left out, include it.

Read what others say. Click comments below.

You Tube videos.

Image Google and Zazzle Invications

These specially selected songs represent the milestones in the music scene in Singapore and they represent the journey of the average Singaporean. - See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/music/story/sing50-mega-concert-next-year-will-feature-singapores-50-most-iconic-songs-201#sthash.G0Y5E1A6.dpuf

SSingaSingapore's most iconic songs will come to the fore in a mega-concert at the National Stadium on Aug 7 next year. - See more at: http://www.straitstimes.com/lifestyle/music/story/sing50-mega-concert-next-year-will-feature-singapores-50-most-iconic-songs-201#sthash.G0Y5E1A6.S