Andy 60s Music Goes Downtown Meeting Tourists, Musicians And An Artist.

One of the most international cities in the world Singapore had 16.9 million visitor arrivals last year in 2025. 

We are not sure about this year's statistics but wandering around Downtown in Singapore during the long holiday, we met 2 tourists, 3 musicians and an artist. And what gems they were amidst the crowded streets, shops and a music school. 6 folks to chat with...

"So maybe I'll see you there/we can forget all our troubles, forget all our cares/so go downtown/Things will be great when you're downtown/don't wait a minute more downtown/Everything is waiting for you... [Petula Clark]"

@ Lucky Plaza:

We sat with a Ghanaian couple [if the memory remembers correctly] enjoying a food court meal at Lucky Plaza. They love the visit. “Do write in sir and madam on the comment page; during the excitement we forgot both your names!”

@ Orchard MRT

At Orchard MRT, we finally met up with this well-known vision-impaired singer, 

Wan Wai Yee, who can belt out Taylor Swift and Celine Dion songs

 as easily as hits from the 60s and Musicals. She has a busking band [below].

 

Accompanying Wan Wai Yee is Ivni Yaakub [call me Iv] who plays 

a fantastic repertoire on his electronic guitar. Modest and unassuming

he makes up the busking duo called, StrawberryStory.

StrawberryStory busking @ the corridors of Orchard MRT Station.

Petula Clark - 'Downtown' 

[The Dean Martin Show Episode 50: Jan 26: 1967]

YouTube Video by: OLD TAPES

@ Victoria Street Corner

John Fitzpatrick comes from Maine, USA but has been living in Singapore for some time. He's an artist and paints the world. Met him at the junction of Victoria Street near a well-known hotel as he colors his drawing paper with the area's landscape facing Chijmes. And it was a grandiose scene. 

The road-side interview carried on despite his popularity with camera-folks and passers-by who were watching him. Thanks John. Hope to meet you again with 

that Chijmes water-colour creation.

@ Plaza Singapura

And at Plaza Singapura, I made a purposeful visit to meet this handsome gentleman. Wandered into this famous music shop and asked for Dr. Danny Koh. "Oh," says the lady, "he's in Room __ and finishes at 3.15pm, which is now!" And there was the maestro himself immaculately dressed as usual when I peeked in. This special blog post is dedicated to him; to congratulate him on acquiring a PhD. in Music.

Dr. Danny Koh: The Way You Look Tonight

YouTube Video By: Dr. Danny Koh.

@ Cairns, in Australia... Wot?

I have to put this picture in...

That's Herb Van Dort with sister Barbara. Remember him? The Beatles of Malaysia? Mike and Herb. He's been Santa Claus for years now, during Christmases helping in a Charity. 

Our family was wandering in downtown Cairns, Australia too and so were they, but did we meet? It's a long story and I'll tell it one day...

HERB WROTE A NOTE:

Hi Andy, “HAPPY SINGAPORE DAY” 🇸🇬                                 9th August 2026

Would you kindly wish for all the groups from the 60’s (sixties) during our time there. The Boys, Checkmates, The Quest, The Silver Strings, Jerry and his band (New Faces), Ronnie and the Burns, our compere K. V. John, Silver Stars, Naomi and Henry Suriya, The Cyclones and Veronica Young.

I don’t see myself coming to Singapore in the near future, so it’s goodbye from Mike and Herb. Thanks very much Andy the photos you sent Barb of Mike, me, Danny and also with yourself all look fantastic. I am going to get the photo enlarged. 

By the way Andy you are the guru in the music industry and if it wasn’t for you Singapore’s music scene would not be as vibrant. Singapore owes you a mighty big award for what you did for all Singapore and Malaysia local bands.

I hope you will be able to put this letter into your blog so that everyone can read this, especially the local authorities, so that you will receive your reward for all your achievements.

Well to a great performer like yourself, let me wish you and I know my brother Mike felt the same all the very best to you my good friend.

Best wishes,

Herb. [of Mike & Herb, Beatles of Malaysia.]

Thanks, Herb for the accolades. That's all I can say.

Andy.

Andy's Singapore 60s Music Joins Vancouver's Elvis Happy Tay And Aussie's Perry Como, Cedric Collars.

ALOHA 2026 HAWAIIAN DINNER AND DANCE,

VANCOUVER, B.C., CANADA.

Elvis Presley and Perry Como

No infringements intended

Copyrights Reserved.

We have a gentleman who is Vancouver's Elvis Presley, but he was a Singapore citizen once. He needs no introduction actually because he's appeared on this blog for many years now.

Happy Tay, yes! That's his name. 

He is a well-known Elvis Tribute Artiste [ETA] and is always being invited to perform in shows, at dinners and dances in friendly city Vancouver. But this time around he's joined by another former Singaporean who had migrated to Perth, Australia. 

That's Cedric Collars!  He’s an accomplished pianist who is still very active Down-Under. He's also known as Perry Como.

I received some photographs recently. So here we have two former Singaporeans who met in Canada to enjoy a Hawaiian theme get-together. What a world we live in; jetting from one space to another in quick time.

Happy Tay with Cedric Collars [Australia's Perry Como], who came all the way from Perth to enjoy the evening. "That's what friends are for..."

Guest Cedric Collars, [in white] watching from the stage.

Happy, celebrated Canada Day on 1st July, 2026.

And the big event that evening was for a fundraising ALOHA 2026 HAWAIIAN DINNER AND DANCE. Here's Happy himself to announce the event.

"The grand entrance that evening was Elvis with his Hawaiian Dancers, singing and dancing to the excitement of the audience. Yes, the Perry Como of Perth, Australia was there too. Cedric Collars sang and was very well received. The turn-out was good with about 200 guests attending."

Happy in action singing Elvis hits, and very well too. He has a fantastically powerful voice and always brings loud applause.

"A solo dance provided by a pretty lady. 

Hawaiian Shake and a Hula Baby..."

On the floor now with his group of ladies is Happy.

"Night and you, In Blue Hawaii..."

A Happy fan screamed as she left excitedly after meeting 'Elvis' and getting a handshake from him after he sang, “The Wonders of You.”

Cedric, musician, singer and Perry Como Tribute Artiste, 

flies too because he is a licensed pilot. 

Happy Tay [Vancouver's Elvis] 

with an ardent fan who is one of the members of the Knights of Columbus too and a Captain with the Canadian Armed Forces and a fan of Elvis.

Check them out:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/search?q=Happy+Tay

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/search?q=Cedric+collars

Images: Google; Happy Tay and Cedric Collars.

Andy 60s Music Visits Tan Tock Seng Hospital Atrium For A Christmas Sing-along With Richard Rajoo.

Andy visits the Tan Tock Seng Hospital to watch music artiste Richard Rajoo and his entourage of volunteers for a Christmas Cheer.

UP TO 1,750 VIEWS, 35 COMMENTS, REPLIES

The poster tells it all. It was held on Monday, 15th December 2025 with the hospital's popular, The Art of Healing programme that has been going on...

The lady who introduced the musical group. A pretty MC indeed: Ms. YVONNE.

The singers who brightened the Hospital that day. Richard Rajoo is at far right. Cheers for taking time off to entertain the crowd.

Part of the audience and music participants watching from the side-lines.

Dr. Bernard Thong, Chairman of the TTSH Medical Board and Dr. Devaraj, Director of TTSH Corporate Communication can be seen at the microphone. 

Mr Roney Tan, the man behind the organisation, has planned many such events for the hospital with his family and friends. He is related to the late Mr. Tan Tock Seng.

Mr Richard Rajoo and blogger Andy chat during the short interval. They exchanged notes about the show and TTSH's Atrium longevity as a music venue.

Quite a gathering in the audience that includes out-patients, music and food enthusiasts, some staff-members and concert lovers.

‘Jingle Bells’ by the group that performed at the atrium with a cheerful and active audience moving around. It is only a sampling and could have been longer. Hopefully some songs would be ready for posting soon. YouTube Video by Andy Young.

AND RICHARD RAJOO.

Mr. Richard Rajoo, a good friend and active guitarist, told me about a Christmas sing-along concert called, Once Upon A Song, at Tan Tock Seng Hospital's very popular atrium that fronts the food court and other meal outlets. And what a treat it was with the concert participants dressed in colourful Santa hats and red polo-Ts. 

The group sang well and presented their Christmas carols and fun songs for this season, ranging from Santa Clause Is Coming To Town, Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer and Silent Night, Holy Night. At least 20 concert participants, *doctors, staff and volunteers were involved in the music event that afternoon. Gifts were given out too for members of the audience.

Merry Christmas everyone and a Happy New 2026.

More Music, Mute Meaningless Military Mayhem!

Comments from readers and participants are welcome!

*Read under Comments page below and check what Merlin Lim, guitarist and former patient, has to say about TTSH's doctors and staff in all honesty.

[This is an original posting with photographs by Andy Lim. Copyrights Reserved.]

Andy's 60s Music Checks Out Volunteer James Kwok @ SingHealth Patient Advocacy Network [SPAN]

Author James Kwok [left], with his 1962 

Physics teacher Mr. David Hwang.

While chatting with James Kwok, an old friend, I asked him why he volunteered for the SPAN GH, Eldercare Program and other activities. Thank you, James.

"While I was undergoing physiotherapy rehabilitation at St. Luke's Eldercare, I was recruited as a volunteer to chat with new patients to help integrate them into the treatment program; I have been discharged, but I am still going back as and when needed. 

The SingHealth Patient Advocacy Network [SPAN] 

where James Kwok [3rd left] helps out.

I am also active as a member of our Wesley Methodist Church senior service, chatting especially with new members as an act of welcome: last year while in this role I met up with Mr. David Hwang, who was my physics teacher when I was in Victoria School Secondary 3, 1962 [image 1].

As a volunteer in SingHealth Patient Advocacy Network (SPAN) I chat with dialect-speaking elderly male patients, to facilitate their communication with their health-care providers [image 2]; in that role, I also appear on stage as patients or as caregivers to illustrate the problems that miscommunication can create in hospital and clinic settings. 

I am also acting as patients in the training of medical officers and residents, while they are being assessed: these are video recorded for training purposes. Having fun while actively aging: all part of my dementia-delaying efforts ."

Comments are welcome. 

Do volunteer if you can. You're helping yourself too.

Author: James Kwok.

Images: Copyrighted.

These 3 images show videos recorded for the training of 

medical officers and residents where James 

and other volunteers act as patients.

Johnny Cash: Amazing Grace

YouTube: The Johnny Cash Channel.

Simon and Garfunkel: 'Bridge Over Troubled Water'

(Live at Carnegie Hall, NYC, NY - November 27, 1969 - Audio)

YouTube Video: Simon and Garfunkel.

JAMES KWOK.

Andy's 60s Music: Singapore British Band: The Dee-Tee's: Vinyl Records.

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]

Click below to check Horace Wee's story:

.: Golden Venus True Story A Parallel Universe Horace Wee

If there's anyone out there who's familiar with this group, please write in. All comments are welcome.

The Dee-Tee's - 'Just Because'.

YouTube Video by: David Oldman.

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Andy 60s Music: Sippin' Soda, Singing The Blues, Heartaches... 50's Guy Mitchell

Singapore scene in the 50's.

A 'Milk Bar' Or 'Restaurant' in town.

Singaporeans call them 'cold drinks'.

In the US they are 'sodas'.

Th3ee songs by a guy called, Guy Mitchell, that combine to create a neat love theme.

In 1950's Singapore, when there were well-known drink shops selling cold, sweet, fizzy beverage and coffee, tea and ice-cream like A&W, Magnolia Snack Bars and Ice Cream Parlours, the U.S. had what they called, soda shops selling the same.

A song, weaving around these items, became an instant hit when teens those years heard it. Sippin' Soda, simple and sophisticated topped the charts with Guy Mitchell describing his instance with:

The prettiest girl I ever saw

Was sippin' soda through a straw

I asked her what she sat there for

Just sippin' soda through a straw

So they became friends and he described the happy ending with the young lady:

I held her hand and she held mine

We sipped and sipped and sipped some more

This is the end, there is no more

Of sippin' soda through a straw.

We knew the chorus well.

Sippin' Soda by Guy Mitchell. 

YouTube Video by Gray Eyes123

So you win some or lose some. After a few dates you say your goodbyes and stay...

 

Guy Mitchell

...at home listening to the radio.

Remembering those years in the mid-fifties, when I was only a teen and listening on my dad's radio, a song kept me glued to the loudspeaker. What else was there to do? 😆 

Fascinated, I faintly heard the title, but it was one of the first few songs that I loved and kept singing it all these years. Yes, a swinging song but it did keep my blues away...

Guy Mitchell: "Singing The Blues" 

on The Ed Sullivan Show. 

YouTube from: The Ed Sullivan Show. 

So, if you had a girlfriend then and she left you later, there is also a song to get you by:

Guy Mitchell: Heartaches By The Number.

YouTube Video By: John1948FiveE

That's how teens and those in their 20s, 30s and 40s pass some of their free time in the 1950's and beyond folks. No mobile phones though.

This building had a Milk Bar called, Wonderland and was situated next to the now non-existent Roxy Cinema at East Coast Road. On the ground floor was the DBS Bank. Many young ones spent their day having meals and drinks at the Wonderland.

[Updated Posting]