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 !
"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.
To believe that the 60s music scene was all glamour and glitz is to believe that fairy tales are true. There were happy times when bands had it good, just singing their songs and strumming their guitars in unison at the various venues but there were times when the goings were rough and band members would try to avoid the confusion and play on.
It happened sometimes, when a bunch of rowdy youths would come into the night spots to create problems. They could get wild and become unruly even during a performance. A staring incident could easily trigger a fight.
These fights usually started when a group was having a good time at a night club, drinking and dancing with their girl friends on the floor, while another group would be staring at these girls. When one party challenged the other, a quarrel would ensue and minor scuffles occurred.
Personally, there were no encounters when the Silver Strings or Velvetones performed during our time. They were all peaceful occasions as patrons enjoyed the singing, the music and the dancing. Management, at these entertainment halls, was always cautious of trouble-makers so actually, "fairy tales can come true, it may happen to you, if you're Young at heart." And play Peace Pipe by the Shadows.
Image: Showing youthful attitude and gait that could create a misunderstanding between parties but they may not necessarily be bad hats.
Singer and leader of the Esquires for the VivoCity gig is Dan, the hot and fiery rock and roll man who brought the house down that night, with his repertoire of hit oldies. Dan also plays the saxaphone.
He has a shop that fixes electronic stuff that includes amplifiers, guitars and other multi-media paraphanelia. He has many photographs, pictures and posters, plastered all over his shop, showing his music history with his former bands.
His shop also rents studio space for young music enthusiasts to practise their trade or hobby in music. And he's still in the same business. Great. Another successful manhunt. Image/Article: Andy Lim Collection.
As explained in a previous posting (June 16/2009), another popular song covered by as many singers and instrumental groups, is the June, 1967 hippie hit, San Francisco (wear some flowers in your hair) by Scott McKenzie. It was composed by John Philips of the Papas and the Mamas. Do not to be mistaken, because another San Francisco begins with the line, "Ileft my heart in San Francisco" sung by Tony Bennett in 1962 but written in 1954 by Cory/Cross. It was a hit as well. In Singapore, the Girvin Sisters, Elizabeth and Marilyn with *Horace Wee, were backed by Charlie and His Orchestra to record a single (image), with Guantanamera as its A-side. 'Charlie' is well-known amongst vinyl record collectors as his name and 'orchestra' seemed to have backed many local artistes. The vinyl was produced by Star Swan Records. (Check posting on December, 21/2008.) *The possibility that it is Horace Wee comes from Alphonso Soosay's write-up on this superb Singapore guitarist as he lead the RTS (Radio TV Singapore) Orchestra's performance of this song which attracted a huge number of fans and reviews on the media. (Universal Music, Singapore.) Image/Article: Andy Lim Collection. All Rights Reserved.
"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.
There are also 60s musicians who are tutors in music schools now, and while some are busking on the sunny streets in Singapore, others sing under the moonlight. They do not earn much, work for many hours and can be found at Orchard Road and other street venues.
Farid (left) was on lead guitar during the VivoCity gig. The Esquires also accompanied Wilson David, a well-known Elvis Presley impersonator, when he fronted them during the show singing, MeanWoman Blues, Wooden Heart and Mona Lisa.
There were numerous 60s artistes who had performed in Singapore's night-spots, cinemas, theatres and hotels. Singapore nightlife was truly vibrant, captivating and unforgettable.
Some of them are still playing at private clubs and hotels, while others have either gone into business or quit the scene for more lucrative careers.
Khalik (left) was the bass guitarist for The Esquires that evening and all their musical instruments were provided by Dan of Dan Enterprise at Peninsula Plaza. He was the leader and saxaphonist for the band.
The Esquires were men of steel who braved the night to heat the stage up at the VivoCity Concert in November 2008. They were the band that started the rockin' and rollin' that evening. Some of them are more than half a century young but they were in top form.
The concert also featured The Silver Strings, Veronica, Mike & Herb, Andy, Wilson David, Max Surin, Michael Goh and The Trailers. Jerry Fernandez was the MC for the evening and the other Jerry was on the drums (right).
Images: all 3 from Mike & Herb through Steven Farram - Australia.
About 9 hours ago today, Twitter Brian of bhbluebird8 remarks: "Maybe I'm getting older, but I keep realizing that music from the 60s and 70s is so much better than what is played nowdays."
About 8 hours ago today, Twitter Ashlilouise (Hollister) made the same comment: "My grandad was 56 today and it made me think... what is it like to have lived in the 50s and 60s? I'm so jealous, they had good music."
Knivesinmyeyes says: "As I sit out here smoking my cigarette, I can hear slow 60s music playing in the distance. It's making my night."
These comments are from very young people and how right they are. The period from the mid-50s, 60s and early 70s is the golden era of pop music. Singapore too, had its golden years during the 60s.
Image: twitter.com
Information: Topics from 60s Music Bing beta website.
He plays bass for this group and also the hawaiian guitar for another band. He enjoys what he is doing and spends much time jamming with his friends when he is free. He has a large collection of guitars. Shadows' versatility too.
Quiet, unassuming but friendly, George Chew only lets his fingers do the walking and talking when he leads the band with his versatility on the Fender frets playing, Apache, FBI, Kon-Tiki and other Shadows hits. George is able to communicate well with his bassist, rhythmist and drummer and harmonise as a whole. What band is George with and who are his guitar mates? Check him out soon enough. Image/Article: Andy Lim
"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.
Local music was at its peak during the 60s, it was a period which also saw the beginning of some good song writers and record producers.
The 60s was a vibrant period for Singapore's music industry. Everyone became a part of the music scene - those who liked to dance, those who loved and bought our vinyl records, the radio stations that played our music - without them no singers and bands could continue. Their support for the locals artistes was the greatest compliment any artiste could ever want.
To many of us, music was just a hobby. We could never make a living from music. The highest one could achieve is to make a record and get some publicity in the media.
(1st part of a series where HENRY SURIYA, recording artiste, provides an overview of Singapore's vibrant music scene during the 60s .) Image: www.wesdooley.com
The song, Guantanamera, needs no introduction and it has been interpreted in many languages including Chinese (image) but for most music lovers, it's the melody and the beauty of the original lyrics in Spanish that enchant. The original composer for this Cuban folk song is uncertain but is usually 'attributed to a José Fernández Diaz (Wiki)' and written around the 20s. The lyrics relate to a particular woman from Guantánamo, with whom the person had a romantic relationship. If used with different lyrics, it can be a vehicle for social commentary, etc. There are many versions but the lyrics loosely translate as, "I am an honest man from the land of palm trees, so as I lay dying like a wounded deer seeking refuge in the woods, I want to share the verses of my soul. I have a white rose each for this sincere friend who has given me his hand and for the cruel one who has torn his heart. I also wish to share my fate with the poor people... to me, the mountain brook provides more pleasure than the sea." Possibly a rejected lover! The Sandpipers, personally, is the most poignant and popular since it was arranged by Peter Seeger. There are other versions by Los Lobos, Trini Lopez, Joan Baez, Jose Feliciano and Julio Iglesias. There are numerous Asian versions of Guantanamera too including one by The Burns, Charlie & His Go-Go Boys, Lisa Lim and Horace and the Girvin Sisters. If readers come across any other version, please contribute. The accompanying song on these vinyls is usually, San Francisco (Some Flowers In Your Hair)
Remember Herp Alpert and the Tijuana Brass? Singaporeans loved his good looks and trumpet. Better than Harry James. They sold twice as many records in 1966 as compared to The Beatles.
Herp Alpert and the Tijuana Brass were first on the Billboard album charts for 18 weeks with 4 albums in the Top 10. Lonely Bull, (image) WhippedCream and Other Delights, South Of The Border and a single that must be mentioned, Spanish Flea. The hits followed one after another as the handsome L.A. Californian introduced Latino sound to the pop/rock mainstream in the 60s. He is the "A" of A& M Records with Jerry Moss (M).
Alpert's musical accomplishments include 5 number one hits, 28 albums on the Billboard charts, 8 Grammy Awards, 14 Platinum albums, and 15 Gold albums. As of 1996, Alpert had sold 72 million albums internationally. But he could sing too and with This Guy's In Love With You, he topped the US charts for 4 weeks and reached Number 2 in the UK.
A personal favourite: SPANISH FLEA, a melody heard so many times, it comes out as a whistling tune, anytime, every time. Mr Herp Alpert.
He was also an influence on Singapore music in the 60s. Born in 1935, Herp Alpert should be 74 now. It is also well-known that he uses only Benge trumpets (image).
Comment by Mr Lum about the non-existence of instrumental music from the 80s till today has been inadvertently left out after the post has been deleted. The answer is probably because of IT and digitalized music without live musicians. Next, it's probably because of the introduction of rap where there is hardly any melody to be instrumentalized. Any other reason? (Articles: Sourced from Music by David Wells)
Pan Xiu Qiong or Poon Sow Keng, the original singer of "Lover'sTears," is featured in today's Straits Times Life Section. Read about her life and the book she has published that will soon be available.
At the Monday Interview by Straits Times journalist Andy Chen, she explains why her fans must 'forget her not'.
She will be appearing in a concert in August at Suntec City. Also on May 21st, 2009 an article about her was posted on this blog. Check them out.
A Personal Experience: My moments with this lady singer came about when I was introduced to her by a Chinese school teacher friend of mine. He was with me at a primary school in the East Coast. We got along fine; he wanted to learn more English, I wanted to learn about Chinese pops. Lover's Tears was the first song he introduced me to. This was in the mid-sixties when I had already left the Silver Strings and was grounded at school. I was gently advised about singing in the evenings and doing vinyl recordings with the band. I didn't do any more singing nor played with any band, focused on my work and, as a hobby, set my mind on learning about our local Chinese singers. My teacher friend interpreted the song to me line by line (remember there was no Google Translate nor any useful nor fruitful Chinese interpretation gadgets at that time except for the usual listen and repeat Chinese lessons).
Poon Sow Keng (Pan Xiuqiong) - Lover's Tears 1964
潘秀瓊-情人的眼淚 . Video by zzenzero.
I had tried to attend one of her concerts when she was here not many years ago but to no avail. Her concerts were usually booked full house weeks before her performance. According to Ms. Pan, this song made her famous. For me, it made me learn a little Mandarin. Thank you, my friend, wherever you are today and Ms. Poon for learning Mandarin using the lyrics of your songs.
Oh my gosh! I grow up listening to S K Poon! The Queen Of Bass with her unique and distinctive vocals is one extraordinary performer whose renditions will bring music souls on a beautiful reminiscing journey and a trip down nostalgia lane. I could still remember saving up quite a bit to get my first cassette tape, a compilation of her classic songs and I could play over and over in my black Sony Walkman way back in the ’80s. From cassette to this one favourite CD of mine, her songs have walked me through many decades and she is still one of my most favourite female singers. Brother Andy, great to hear this again.
COMMENTS FROM 2019: Anonymous: I have been listening to her songs since I was a teenager. Her Lovers Tears song is, in my opinion, the best of the lot.
Heard she stays in Toa Payoh.
Andy replies:
I am sure all of us would like to wish her good health , happiness, and long life. Thank you very much, Anonymous. Yes I hear she stays at Toa Payoh Singapore Together with you, we'd like to wish her happiness, good health and long life too. It would be nice if she writes to this blog so we can meet and chat with her.
The Vespa Club is still running strong and meets for casual trips to the North and beyond. Check out their website at: vespaclub.sg Does a Vesporean (coined by the Club for Singapore Vespa owners) remember our club in the 60s? And the music too?
To own a Vespa scooter in the early 60s was a breeze and a joy. As roads were empty, one could travel with ease and enjoy the breeze in pollution free Singapore.
There were privileges too, as The Vespa Club at Siglap Road in the East Coast had a comfortable bungalow amidst green surroundings, where members could exchange ideas, pick up repair tips and socialize with other Vespa owners.
There was a talentime competition for members during the Christmas festivities at the club and some members pariticipated. It was around the middle of December, 1961.
Released in July, 1960, Apache by The Shadows is the melody that inspired so many guitarists in Singapore and the world. It also helped to make the trademark Fender Stratocaster so popular and such a key element in 60s music.
Although expert guitarist Bert Weedon had already recorded and promoted it, The Shadows had the advantage of releasing it in the shops as a single, so when fans asked for it, they were offered The Shads' version. It triggered another two dozen hits by the famous four. Incidentally, Cliff Richard played the Chinese drums in the recording.
The rest is history and fellow followers, Clapton (Tears In Heaven) and Knopfler (Sultans Of Swing) turned to a Fender Strat. (Original article. Information from: Music edited by Sean Egan. Image: http://www.iansamwell.com/)
This blog is on: "Music CD Review, Concertoes, New And Music Events Review, All Music Review" under "Andy Book: Music Electronic Genre," on April 10th 2009. OK, thanks.
"Singapore 60s Sixties Pop Music Website '08. Know about Singapore, Malaysia garage bands, kugiran, pop yeh yeh, lull n unfold, fundamentals and Western play on the 60s participate. I sang as ANDY Boyish and THE Silvery STRINGS and appeared on ....
No white-haired novelist but whatever book that comes along the way. Keen is noted but it's as a rule literary fiction. Timothy Findley, Margaret Laurence, Dostoyevsky, FS. Fitzgerald too. Do a note to direct me. Zoom to NLB branches..."
Maybe the book-list that I had should be re-instated? Check website: http://musicguide.net/
