Singer Songwriter Robert Suriya: To Be A Woman/Walk Back To Me.

1.  Robert Suriya 2013.

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I wrote to Robert Suriya on his Facebook asking if he could do a blog posting on his single To Be A Woman and Walk Back To Me and to provide some information on this particular vinyl.

Being the nice person that he is he replied that he's been trying to have someone send him these songs as he has forgotten how they sound like. Once he listens to them again he will be able to recollect how they came about and then asked if I have a copy of the record so he could listen to the songs.

I have a copy, heard it a few times but didn't send him the songs although I could do it via the internet.  But his reply came as Robert remembers the recording.  The following paragraph is his answer verbatim.

"Dear Andy, when I used to read in the news about young girls - running away from home - hanging around the streets till late - This was happening in the USA and its still happening now - This is when I got inspired to write To Be A Woman, about a wasted future. As for Walk Back To Me, I co-wrote with Peter Thomas - and I played the Sitar on this song. Peter played the Harmonica on To Be A Woman."

Thank you Robert.  It's a short piece but sufficient.  If you have more information about the record let it rip. It's been a while since I wrote about local 60s groups and I am doing it again because readers have been asking that I quit the memory trail for a bit as it's getting stale.

I don't have much to write about nowadays since Singapore 60s music articles are everywhere on the internet. Seek and ye shall find but whatever records I have in my vinyl collection I shall try to dish out slowly. But sorry, no music. Just sleeve-cover articles and some pictures.

The recording below is not found on any of Naomi and The Boys' CD selection.  Or am I wrong?


2.  Philips single record with illustrated front cover.

Some Sleeves Speak: (Back Cover):

"Considerable excitement and comment was generated when You've Gone was released some time ago.  the interest was understandable. For the first time ever, a critical public was listening to The Boys, making their debut single as artistes in their own right, and the overwhelming success that accompanied that single has firmly established The Boys as a pop phenomenon to be reckoned with.


The Boys with their characteristic combination of intricate harmony, falsetto, intelligent lyrics, and pulsing rhythm have introduced a refreshingly welcome element into the local pop scene.  Always ready to incorporate new ideas and sounds into their experience, The Boys have produced this remarkable follow-up, using for the first time with noticeable effect, the harmonica and sitar.

Evidently a great deal of thought have gone into the composition of the lyrics and song-writers Robert Suriya and Peter Thomas (who incidentally also vocalise on their respective compositions have succeeded in blending their music and lyrical content into pleasing wholes.

This musical experiment is a result of a more than just musical talents, and reflects on the versatility and dedication of its creators. There won't be another record to beat this one for quite some time... except their next record perhaps?  From: Philips Record 338709 PF."

Lead guitar, vocal, sitar = Robert Suriya; Rhythm guitar, vocal, harmonica = Peter Thomas; Bass guitar, organ, piano = Moses Tay; Drums, tambourine, percussion effects = Alphonso Soosay.

If you have stories to spare about our local 60s music scene do write in. 

Image 1: from Robert Suriya's Facebook and 2 from: Andy Lim Collection.

Moses Tay Bassist Naomi & The Boys Passed On

One of our 60s band boys Moses Tay (image with The Austrian Beatles) has passed on. Mr. Tay was the electric guitar bassist with Naomi And The Boys, one of the most popular instrumental groups in Singapore. The last time blogger met him was when Mr. Tay attended the July 23rd, 24th Concert at the Orchid Country Club in 2009.

This blog and all its readers send Mr. Tay's family their condolence.

(Click below: Henry/Naomi & The Boys to read about this band.)

Casablanca Marianne Faithfull As Tears Goes By

How is the 1942 hit movie Casablanca, starring Humphrey Bogart, connected to rock group, The Rolling Stones? What's more popular than this rock group? And how does Marianne Faithfull fit into the picture?

The link that binds is the hit song, As Tears Go By. According to Wikipedia, the myth surrounding the song's genesis has it that Rolling Stones manager Andrew Oldham requested Mick Jagger and Keith Richards to get together and write a song, even suggesting what type of song he wanted.

The result was initially named As Time Goes By, the title of the song Dooley Wilson sings in the film Casablanca. But strangely, it wasn't popularised by the Stones but by Marianne Faithfull and the song reached number 9 in the British charts in 1964 and launched her career as a pop star at 17 years young (watch introduction by Paul Anka and interview with Brian Epstein, YouTube sidebar). The Stones recorded their version in 1965, the most subdued Stones blogger has seen in his life (YouTube sidebar).

Blogger loves the song. Marianne Faithfull's version is pleasant to the ears and as our local singers say, delivery on stage is not demanding. This song has been covered by others including Singapore's Naomi And The Boys.

Any comment about this beautiful classic?

Song Information: Wikipedia.

Original article: Andy Lim Collection.

Image: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-487138/After-beating-breast-cancer-Marianne-Faithfull-reveals-hepatitis-C.html

Naomi & Boys - Singapore 60s Christmas Card

ANDY'S CHIT-CHAT WITH SINGAPORE 60S ARTISTES:

Another coincidence. I managed to get a copy of Naomi & The Boys' Christmas EP only a few days ago. According to the group's 1995 write-up by Eric Yeo, Managing Director of Polygram Singapore/Malaysia, "Many people might not know they were the first local group (in Singapore) to record a Christmas EP."

Henry Suriya (image) acknowledged this piece of information and further explained that brother Robert's original, My First Chrismas Without Daddy was written as a tribute to their father who passed away at a young age of 44.

The poignant rendition by Henry's sister Naomi moved members of the recording staff so much during this particular pressing that they cried openly.

Silver Bells rang the cash registers and Mary's Boy Child together with An Old Chrismas Card made this EP another hit for NATB. It was definitely with dad's blessing.

Henry Suriya hasn't retired from singing and we hope to get together soon for another stage performance. He grows orchids in the front porch of his apartment and has quite a collection.

When I last visited him Henry showed me his records and posters that he has collected during his many years with The Boys.  Our lunch was at the Serangoon Garden Food Centre. Simple living for two simple people.

Original article: Andy Lim n Henry Suriya Collection.

(2) Naomi Boys Quests Beat Rolling Stones '66

****************************************In April 1966 while Singapore was busy with its first ever Grand Prix at Thomson Road, Keith Locke and the Quests (Columbia/EMI) reached the 5th spot on Singapore's Top Tunes with Push, Push, one above My Love by Petula Clark on Pye Records, 19th Nervous Breakdown by The Rolling Stones on Decca and Svensk-A-Flicka by Johnny Lion on Philips.

But on Malaya's Top Pops Locke & Quests were at number 2 and the number 1 spot in Malaya was Naomi singing I Know with her Boys on Philips. At number 3 was As Tears Go By by the Rolling Stones. Apparently I Know had sold copies far beyond the dreams of 60s music record producers.

First Singapore Grand Prix and first at the top of Asia's hit parade. Happening in 1966! And it had been happening all the time. Comment anyone?

Image/original article: Andy Lim Collection.

1st National Day 1966 And Singapore 60s Pops

Singapore celebrated its first National Day (image) in 1966, one year after Singapore's independence from Malaysia on 9 August 1965. The venue of the parade was usually at the historical grounds of the Padang, where the declaration of Singapore's independence was held.

(Songs by our local artistes heard on Rediffusion and Radio Singapore that year included, It's All Over; I Know; Happy Birthday, Baby; Making Believe by Naomi & The Boys, Silver Threads And Golden Needles by The Crescendos, Push, Push, by Keith Locke & The Quests and Mark Yun's, Never Die.) A recording of Naomi and The Boys was played over the loudspeaker during the lst National Day Parade.

Since the first parade in 1966 and up to 1975, the venue was located in this central area. The idea was to bring the parade closer to the people. In 1976, the parade was held for the first time at the newly completed National Stadium, where the much larger area of the stadium allowed for more people to view the parade live.

The National Day Parades are organised by the Singapore Armed Forces, with the extreme involvement of a multitude of public and private organisations.

The 1968 parade was the first parade to be held in the rain. By a strange coincidence the theme for that year was, "Building A Rugged Society".

Princess Alexandra of the British Royal Family, carrying out royal duties for the Queen, was the special guest at the 1969 parade, which not only celebrated Singapore's 4th birthday, but also celebrated the 150th anniversary of the founding of Singapore.

(International popular hits included, Love Letters, by Elvis; Wind Me Up, Visions, by Cliff Richard, These Boots Are Made For Walking by Nancy Sinatra, The Sounds of Silence by Simon & Garfunkel, Svensk-A-Flicka with Johnny Lion & The Jumping Jewels, 19th Nervous Breakdown; As Tears Go By by The Rolling Stones and Michelle by The Beatles.)

If readers have contributions on Singapore 60s music and National Day, please do so on the 'comments' page.

Reference: Wikipedia

Image: National Heritage Board.

(4) The Trailers With Henry - Copyright Laws

"Even to this day, the protection of artistes' work continues to be an arduous task. I wonder how many local artistes know what is copyright. Why is copyright important? How long does copyright exist to cover the artistes' works? My personal view is: Anyone who takes another's musical works without the permission or compensation has infringed copyright laws.

Although I contributed so little, I am honoured and proud to be part of Singapore's pop history. The places visited; the many friends I've made will be things, "I'll remember and treasure all my life." Henry Suriya.

This article is the final part in the series.

Image/Article: The Trailers and friends. Henry Suriya Collection. All Rights Reserved.

(3) 60s Music Decline - Money Piracy Culture

"The boom in the local recording industry created an avenue for "pirates' to thrive. Recordings of popular artistes were found evrywhere on many different labels. There were times pirated copies could be found in shops even before the originals hit the market. Unbelievable, frustrating and sad, yet nothing could be done.



Henry Suriya

At that time, both Malaysia and Singapore were not protected by copyright laws. Privacy was rampant in some Asian countries. A huge portion of the artistes' earnings were take away by these crooks.

The 'down syndrome' started to take place, beginning with fewer stage shows and followed by the disappearance of shops that sold musical instruments. Jobs were lost. Tea-dances were banned as pop music was regarded as 'yellow culture'. The music scene slowly but surely slipped into slumberland."

Many of our local artistes were echoing the 1964 hit song by the Animals - We Gotta Get Out Of This Place. Some of them did just that and (while some got out of the industry), others moved out of Singapore."

Henry is brother to Naomi and Robert (singer/composer) of the Naomi & The Boys fame. FYI: This family has 12 of their songs on the 100 Greatest Singapore 60s Definitive Collection that was recently released.

Image/Article: 3rd part of a series by Henry Suriya.
All Rights Reserved.

(2) Singapore 60s Musicians For Charity Shows

"An entertainer's life in the 60s did not evolve around the music alone, many were also involved in community service - a fact not many people are aware of. Top performers very often were called upon to help in fund-raising events for various charities in Malaysia and Singapore. They did this willingly and seldom were paid.

Recording technology was inferior then. Good recording and sound engineers were few. As a result many groups produced their own music through trial and error. Yet, some of the best local recordings were done in the 60s. This also inspired some to become good record producers."

(2nd part in a series of 4 articles by Henry Suriya.)

Article/Image from: Henry Suriya Collection - All Rights Reserved.

90.5FM DJ Brian Richmond with Henry Suriya

Brian Richmond and Henry Suriya (image) are well known personalities in our local 60s music scene. Richmond hosts the 90.5 fm Gold Classic radio broadcast, Nites With Brian and Vintage Sundays on MediaCorp Station. He will one of the hosts for Eurasiana, a musical tribute, on 26/27 June, 2009 at the Esplanade Concert Hall.

Henry Suriya (check older posting), is a well-known crooner and has recorded many songs during the 60s with his brother Robert and The Boys. Two of his songs are included in The Definite Collection. Brian Richmond has a part in the promotion of this box set.

Image: Henry Suriya Collection.
(1st posting on MCs, comperes, radio personalities from 60s).

Naomi & The Boys - 50 Songs For 60s Music

Henry, Robert and Naomi are part of the famed Suriya family that had engulfed Singapore 60s music. While Henry recorded his music solo, Robert and Naomi recorded as a group called, "Naomi and The Boys".

But they don't really need an introduction because the songs, "It's All Over" (image), and "I Know" both originals, were right at the top of the Singapore and Malaysian Hit Parade Charts then. Besides, Naomi's, "Happy Birthday Baby," was more popular than other cover versions.

Robert Suriya, singer, songwriter and lead guitar with The Boys had Peter Thomas on rhythm, Moses Tay on bass and Alphonso Soosay on percussion. This final re-grouping of passionate musicians went on to produce and record about 50 songs altogether.

While on the hunt for Singapore 60s vinyls, I managed to buy a few of their records, but all of them are bootleg copies. The copyright laws were not in place in Singapore during the 60s and had affected people in the music industry significantly.

More about Henry, Robert, Naomi and The Boys in future postings.

Robert Suriya Compositions: "I'll Always Love You", "That's All I Have To Say".

After his first successful recording, Henry Suriya recorded the second EP in 1967 and featured four songs including two originals by Robert Suriya.

Henry Suriya: From Boxing Ring To Golden Ring

Before Henry Suriya (image) became the pop crooner during Singapore 60s, not many fans knew he was a boxer. According to the newspapers then, he was an "amateur boxing champion who gave up trading punches for singing.

Henry Suriya had won many prizes in singing competitions but was also an expert at swinging competitions as he was feather-weight champ in the Singapore Youth Boxing Championships in 1957.

His father, who was also a boxer, urged Henry to give up the game and as an inducement presented Henry with a guitar on his 18th birthday. Henry never looked back, learnt to play the guitar and started singing sentimental songs.

During an interview with Henry, an old schoolmate, he wanted to emphasise that he only sings in his own original style. We all know that Henry. We have been listening to your songs for a long time now.

More about Henry Suriya in future postings.

(Interview by: Andy Lim. All Rights Reserved.)

Image: lst recording in 1966, accompanied by his brother Robert Suriya and The Boys.

                                                       Video by: Billy Ong

Singpore Music Scene Disappeared in 70's

JOY asks: "I wasn't part of the scene but what I'd like to know is... why did it suddenly disappeared?"

(1) It probably disappeared because of the Singapore Government's clampdown on drugs in the early 70s, which was at that time associated with rock music and western depravity. It was called, "Yellow Culture."

(2) According to some 60s Singapore artistes that Andy has interviewed, it also disappeared because of the extreme record-piracy then. Much money was lost because pirated records were being sold on the open market.

(3) Henry Suriya, a 60s crooner and elder brother to Naomi and Robert (The Boys), remembers that when his fans pushed him his EP records to be signed, he noticed that they were mostly pirated copies. 

He smiled and signed them all but it was an unpleasant experience to see only bootleg versions of his own records. Imagine the amount of revenue/royalties the local artistes would have lost. Ironically, the pirates who made copies of these records benefited.

(4) Unpleasant conflicts in some of the 60s nightspots led to physical abuse and fights. There were also unruly elements at the nightclubs and dance venues. As these incidents increased, these places were closed down.

Images: Google.