Andy 60's Music First Time Favourites Since The 50's

COWBOY SONGS

they were once called. Now it's

COUNTRY AND WESTERN

'San Antonio Rose' - Lou Baldino 

(Featuring House of Hamill and Ken Nelson) 

YouTube Video by: House of Hamill.

Here's a video on Lou Baldino's 'San Antonio Rose'. My kinda music I could listen to all day...

When I sent this song around among my WhatsApp connections, they replied with all the support and agreed with my selection of what music was like those years when we were younger. 

Here are some reactions and replies from viewers:

Eddy Eng:

This is music!

Richard Rajoo:

Yes, I really love San Antonio Rose too, because I started learning to play the guitar with an elderly neighbor of Bukit Merah. He plays with the Clan Association in Chinatown. So I sing at all their events, mainly Hank Williams and others at the music sessions. It was a real experience for me to sing to mostly vernacular speaking audiences.

Rickie Chng:

Simply nice and relaxing.

Tan Soo Khoon:

Very enjoyable. Thank you for sharing.

Vincent Tan:

Thanks for sharing.

👍👍👍👏👏👏

Merlin Lim:

Reminds me of the late, great Chet Atkins. Beautiful way of playing; all the fingers and thumb are alive. Played chords instead of single notes; makes the sound whole, complete and rich. Would have loved to learn that style of picking and playing. Had the intention to learn but lacked the motivation. Thanks Andy.

Johnny Yeo:

Nice! Nowadays I also like erhu since I have been attending weekly classes for the past two years. I love the old spaghetti Italian cowboy movies and their soundtracks.

Horace Wee:

Good to know your endorphins are working well.

Not dolphins 😅

Ronald Ho:

Thanks Andy. I listened with my bass headphones. They are excellent musicians. Yes, my kind of music too. I grew up on country music. Thanks.

Cedric Collars [Perth/Aust.]

I remember that song played by Chet Atkins and sung by Willie Nelson. Ah yes, we did enjoy them but nowadays they don’t play that style of music artistry. It has been put in the annals of music history. Sadly, it is we people who lament on their passing.

Richard Tham:

Andy, I love country music. It makes one wanna get up and dance! Thanks for sharing.

Chet Atkins, Willie Nelson.

When Music Hits You, You Feel No Pain.

Jimmy Chng:

Yup, it's all pleasure to our ears! Good morning, Andy.

Wilfred Lim:

Yes, music lingers on momentarily... then it's whisk off like a puff of smoke...  Such is our life span... we're here today... gone tomorrow! Unless our lifetime is recorded in stone or digitally... we sail into oblivion. Cheers.

Merlin Lim:

Music gives you the highs, lows and flats. Without the cravings and withdrawals...

Anonymous: 

I remember calling them cowboy songs, like Have I Told You Lately That I Love You, and China Doll. Later on, we know them as Country and Western songs. Again, lyrics today would be understood differently, "I'm tired of crying, and all your lying. That's why I'm buying a China doll. Her eyes are bluer; her faults are fewer..." Not today's China dolls! Ha! Ha!

More comments are welcome!

Slim Whitman: 'China Doll' [1952].

(Country Music Greats) HQ

YouTube: FromTheBasement.

Images: Google.

Music, Moonlight, Mooncakes, Mambo and Madness, Rhumba, Samba, Pachanga, Calypso n Cha Cha - Singapore 50s

UP TO 700 VIEWS 

    12 COMMENTS   

TOP TUNES INFLUENCE: 1956-1957

Singapore, in the 50s, had more than its fair share of instrumental music before The Shadows and Ventures came to town in the early 60s. In fact, the music was more varied and instead of the monotonous three electric guitars and a drum routine that permeated the world in the 60s, the influence of both Latin and strings came distinctly from a few big band combos and orchestras.

First, the Latin flavour came from orchestras like Perez Prado's. Following the Top Tunes 1956 list and having lived in that decade, the tune that surpassed all others in popularity in this genre was, Cherry Pink And Apple Blossom White. It was played everywhere and for many years, as the whole country was immersed in this particular Latin song with its powerful trumpet solo, exciting rhythm and mambo madness.

Pérez Prado Y Su Orquesta - 'Mambo No. 5'

YouTube video by: uhbytube

Besides Cherry Pink, Perez Prado during his hey-days also provided Mambo No 5 and Patricia (image). Then Cha-cha-cha came to light as many Latin songs with the conga, mambo, samba and rhumba beat were changed to the cha-cha beat. And "one, two, cha-cha-cha," came to life! 

Singapore dance cabarets at the Happy World and Great World, where you can pay for a lady dance partner [taxi dancers], was filled with Seniors who enjoyed the vibrant movements and steps.

"Like exercising and playing soccer!" someone screamed! 

"Yes, but fully clothed!" someone added, chuckling!

MOONLIGHT, MOONCAKES, MAMBO, MADNESS

It's 6th October today and Singaporeans celebrate the mooncake festival.  Below are some connections if you are interested.

Click below:

.: Search results for mooncake

Perez Prado Orchestra in the 50s and 60s.

Mid-Autumn madness with mooncakes and mambo.

Enjoy my dear readers! 6th October, 2025.

Original article: Andy Lim Collection.

Images: Google Collection.

Posting Updated from: 10.9.09.

Patricia: James Last and Orchestra.

YouTube Video by: Last Forever

Richard Rajoo Recalls Famous Yao Li [姚莉] Songs His Mother Loved...

When mum stir-fries and sings her heart out.

UP TO 700 VIEWS, 11 COMMENTS

Good friend Richard Rajoo felt there was nothing he could contribute for the blog when I wanted to interview him. A humble person indeed but when we chatted about Chinese songs, and he's very informative about them, he had a short story to relate. Hopefully he will tell us more the next time. Thanks so much Richard.

"Good morning, 

These melodies are etched in my mind... I hear my mum singing in her hi-pitched voice, as she prepares our family's meal in the kitchen, I can still recall her in her samfu [Chinese blouse n pants outfit], stir-frying the vegetables in the kitchen at our Tiong Bahru pre-war flat that we lived in.

🙏🏻 R.I.P. Mum.

And I enjoyed the sight and her voice singing along...👍🏼80 years ago, 🤦!
Yao Li's song... till this day, every once in a while, the sentimental melodies still play back in my mind..."

Author: Richard Rajoo.

Today Richard Rajoo goes along Charity Roads and at Senior Corners to perform now and again, during his free time. A kindhearted man indeed. He sings and usually accompanies himself on the guitar. Richard knows many songs and is lyrical wise, emphasizing the importance of words and placings.

Comments are welcome.

30.9. 2025.

Yao Li [姚莉] 18 of her hits from the 40s  

YouTube Video by: cuckoo bird.

Yao Li姚莉 18 of her hits from the 40s

Thanks to video enthusiast 'cuckoo bird' for the above.

Do you know the songs on the video?

Tell us.

The reason Richard decided to tell his tale. 

Connect below:

.: Searching For My Favourite Chinese Oldies: Yao Li - 那個不多情 姚莉

Andy's 60's Music Favourite 'Knock Knock' Songs And Jokes?

UP TO 1,400 VIEWS, 18 COMMENTS

When KNOCK, KNOCK songs were popular.

They were characterized by a call-and-response format, and usually with a humorous storytelling twist. Furthermore, they were interactive and catchy usually featuring a dialogue or one-liners reflecting the 60's lightheartedness. Social change and upheaval, these pops provided a fun and carefree world for listeners.

Beats Juliet screaming quietly: "Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou."

And she's on the balcony. Was Romeo at the door downstairs knocking? 

By the way, the two Chinese ladies knocking on the door are Juliet Lim and Juliet Tan. They both come from 1A Meta Road, Singapore.

😄

'I'm Gonna Knock On Your Door' [1959]

Also by Eddie Hodges, the last lines of the lyrics are sung 

so quickly they need good timing and fluency of the language 

to vocalize them. Just listen to Little Pattie go...

“I’m gonna knock and ring and tap and knock and ring and tap 

and knock and ring and tap until you do!”

Little Pattie: 'I'm Gonna Knock On Your Door'

YouTube Video by: VintageVideoClips.

 

'Knock Three Times' [1970]

There was no 'Dawn' when the song was recorded, so

Orlando asked Telma Hopkins and Joyce Vincent Wilson, 

whom he had hired to work as background vocalists or,

in music jargon, backup singers. They became 

'Dawn' and K3T became a big hit.

“Knock three times on the ceiling if you want me,

Twice on the pipe if the answer is no.”

Tony Orlando & Dawn - 'Knock Three Times' (1970 HD 720p) 

YouTube Video by: NVNCBL @VINCENTDICRESCE.

Knock, knock!

Who's there?

Why?

Why who?

Y.M.C.A.

Knock, knock!

Who’s there?

Rain!

Rain who?

You rain nothing but a hound dog!

Knock, knock!

Who’s there?

Everybody!

Everybody who?

Everybody was Kung Fu fighting!

'Knock On Wood' [1966]

Insulting indeed, when the teacher tells the child to 

knock his own head in front of the class and says it's wood.

The term is also supposed to ward off bad luck.

But then the song itself, composed/sung by Eddie Floyd, 

has a different theme. Amii Stewart sings it in style...

“Babe, you better knock, knock, knock on wood,

Babe, you better knock, knock, knock on wood.”

Amii Stewart - 'Knock On Wood' (Official HD Video)

YouTube Video by: Amii Stewart (Official)

BYE, BYE.

This is one crazy posting.

Three of my favourite knock, knock songs!

Andy, you going crazy or what? 😋

Images: Google.

Amusing 50s, 60s Music Tickle! And a 2013 Remake!

Clockwise:

Rowan Atkinson, Bryan Hyland, 

Ray Stevens, Rosemary Clooney

There are many amusing songs from the 50s and 60s, so here are four of them with lyrics that I enjoy. Only a part of the song has been displayed for each one. You need to check the full lyrics from the Internet and it's worth the time. 

The first song is about the location of a baby's dimple;  the second is about the clicking of high heel shoes affecting some teens? And the third explains how Tarzan has guitar lessons. The fourth song is a newer version of 'Goodness Gracious Me', by Rowan Atkinson and company. Originally it was sung by Peter Sellars and Sophia Loren. It's funny, truly.

Watch. Comments are welcome...

Here they are: [1] cute, [2] amusing, [3] silly and [4] funny...

[1] 'Where will the dimple be?' 

Rosemary Clooney and the Mellowmen.

YouTube Video: Rosemary Clooney - Topic

"On the baby′s knuckle, on the baby's knee, 

Where will the baby′s dimple be?

Baby's cheek or baby's chin, 

Seems to me it′ll be a sin,

If it′s always covered by the safety-pin, 

Where will the dimple be? Where will it be?"

[1955: Bob Merrill, Paul Hoffman]

[2] 'Four Little Heels' 

[Clickety Clack Song]: Brian Hyland.

YouTube Video by: Bryan Hyland.

"Two little girls came walking down the avenue

Two little girls who had nothing to do

One wore yellow and the other wore black

And four little heels went clickety clack."

[1969: Lee Pockriss, Paul Vance]

[3] Gitarzan; Ray Stevens

YouTube Video by: raystevensmusic.

"He ordered Chet's guitar course COD

Makes A, E and he's workin' on B

Digs C and W and R and B and 

And me and a chimpanzee

Agree that one day soon he'll be a celebrity

Get it, get it, get it, get it, ow!

Gitarzan, he's a gitar man

He's all you can stand, give him a hand 

Gitarzan."

[1969: Ray Stevens, Bill Everette]

[4] 'Goodness Gracious Me': Rowan Atkinson, 

Pixie Lott, Nick Mohammed: 2013 remake.

YouTube Video by: Pixie Lott 

[The original version was by: 

Peter Sellers, Sophia Loren.]

Oh doctor I'm in trouble.

Well, goodness gracious me.

For every time a certain man

Is standing next to me.

Mmm?

A flush comes to my face

And my pulse begins to race,

It goes boom boody-boom boody-boom boody-boom

Boody-boom boody-boom boody-boom-boom-boom,

Oh!

Boom boody-boom boody-boom boody-boom!

Well, goodness gracious me. 

[1955: Lee and Herbert Kretzmer.

Remake: 2013]

Images: Google.

Gene Krupa: 'Rim Shot Syncopator': Drummer With Benny Goodman Orchestra: 1940's Influence.

  UP TO 1,000 VIEWS  

22 CHATS, COMMENTS

Music During My Childhood Days:

He was such an icon amongst jazz percussionists that Singapore music enthusiasts and music-makers accepted him as their idol way back in the 50's. He would be 115 years young if he were alive today.

Even as a school-boy in secondary school, I listened to Gene Krupa in the late 50's when he was with Benny Goodman and their recording of the hit, Sing, Sing, Sing (1937)*. It is the legend that this piece gave birth to swing and it remains my favourite to this day. He also appeared himself in a movie, 'The Glen Miller Story' (1954), played beside Louis Armstrong and 'Basin Street Blues' became cult classic.

Krupa was the man behind the drum kit set up as it became standard equipment for most drummers after him. Zildjian, the drum company, learnt a lot from Krupa. His compositions include, 'Some Like It Hot', 'Drummin' Man' and 'Drum Boogie' the enthusiast's ultimate drum dream.

Gene Krupa: 'Sing Sing Sing'

YouTube Video from: Brian Saunders.

He has a movie to his name, 'The Gene Krupa Story' starring Sal Mineo (who recorded, 'Mack The Knife'); a street after his name in New York [image] and was the first drummer to be in the corridors of the Modern Drummer Hall Of Fame.

In 1959 when this movie was shown in Singapore, a drumming competition was held to promote it. Louis Soliano who was one of the contestants won the trophy and dubbed The Gene Krupa of Singapore. Until today Louis is still among the top drummers in Singapore.

Mr Krupa recorded with his own orchestra, the famous song, On A Little Street In Singapore and was featured during the period called, The Radio Years [1940's].

Krupa shaped my love for drums. Danny Boy (The Silver Strings drummer) reveres Krupa too. Was Krupa better than Brian Bennett, Tony Meehan, Howie Johnson and Mel Taylor of guitar groups fame? It's a personal taste.

He was their biggest influence. Oh yes, and Buddy Rich...

Video: http://www.youtube.com/ 

Gene Krupa: 1909 -1973

*100 most important American musical works of the 20th Century.

Gene Krupa: 'Drum Boogie'

YouTube Video from: Vintage Video Clips

A road named after Gene Krupa.

[From the Facebook page of Graham Hawthorne Drums.]

This article is dedicated to my good friend Cedric Cork.

Cedric was a drummer in Vietnam during the war years.

Read his stories:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2022/02/vietnam-war-music-trail-singaporean.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2022/03/vietnam-war-with-singapore-music-maker.html

Images: Google.

This post was written in 2009.

You Belong To Me: Jo Stafford: 'Live' With Pyramids, Sunrise, Old Algiers, Souvenirs, Silver Plane, Jungle

   UP TO 200 VIEWS    

18 CHATS, COMMENTS

Jo Stafford: 'You Belong To Me'

YouTube Video from: Larry Hinze

Scroll down slowly and checkout 

the pictures as you listen to the song.

See the pyramids along the Nile

Watch the sunrise on a tropic isle.

Just remember darling, all the while

You belong to me.

See the market place in old Algiers.

Send me photographs and souvenirs.

Just remember when a dream appears

You belong to me.

I'll be so alone without you

Maybe you be lonesome too, and blue

Fly the ocean in a silver plane

See the jungle when it's wet with rain.

Just remember till you're home again

You belong to me.

The song was originally written by Pee Wee King, Chilton Price, and Redd Stewart and recorded by American singer Jo Stafford in 1952. It became a number one hit on the US and UK charts and Stafford became a pop star. Famed in the 40s and 50s she was American, involved in pops, jazz and standards. 

It has also been covered by many singers like Bob Dylan, Tori Amos, the Duprees, Bette Midler and even Ringo Star. The song has appeared on nearly two dozen movie sound tracks.

I was only 12 years old when I heard this song and singing it even today, 70 years later. She came about the same time as Patti Page, Doris Day and later Connie Francis, another two of my favourite lady singers from those days of yore.

Doris Day and Connie Francis: pop singers

from the 50s and 60s.

The cover by Patti Page is also just as popular.

'You belong to me,' sung by Tori Amos, is heard 

in the background in this movie, called, 

'Mona Lisa Smile,' [2003] with Julia Roberts.

YouTube Video by: gazaguy.

Images: Google.