Grammy Award Record Of The Year 1970 - 1079

GRAMMY FEVER NOW. RECORD OF THE YEAR 70s LIST:

1979: Just the Way You Are performed by Billy Joel, produced by Phil Ramone

1978: Hotel California (image) performed by The Eagles, produced by Bill Szymczyk.

1977: This Masquerade performed by George Benson, produced by Tommy LiPuma.

1976: Love Will Keep Us Together performed by Captain & Tennille, produced by Daryl Dragon.

1975: I Honestly Love You performed by Olivia Newton-John, produced by John Farrar.

1974: Killing Me Softly with His Song performed by Roberta Flack, produced by Joel Dorn.

1973: The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face performed by Roberta Flack, produced by Joel Dorn.

1972: It's Too Late performed by Carole King, produced by Lou Adler.

1971: Bridge over Troubled Water performed by Simon & Garfunkel; produced by Art Garfunkel, Paul Simon & Roy Halee.

1970: Aquarius/Let the Sunshine In performed by The 5th Dimension, produced by Bones Howe.

Song I love? Only one: Hotel California. Watch the YouTube Video!

Information: Wikipedia.
Image: e-bay.

'Unforgettable': Cheryl's Tribute To Her Dad Moses Tay, Bassist For 'Naomi And The Boys'

(Image: The late Moses Tay, with his family at daughter Cheryl's Graduation Ceremony at Temasek Polytechnic in May, 2009.)

GOODBYE, MR. BASS MAN

For my father, Moses Tay (September 8, 1940 — January 23, 2010)

It has been a little over a week since Dad left us & I've finally managed to sit down & begin writing this post.

Like death, this blog entry has always been inevitable. It was just a matter of when & how, though I know I could never truly have been prepared for it. I suppose that is why I'd been procrastinating — I couldn't & didn't want to believe he was gone for good but, during mass last Saturday evening, it hit me.

Just two Saturdays ago, around two in the afternoon, I returned home from the gym, only to find Mum pacing about worriedly, telling me that something was wrong with Dad. Thinking it couldn't be anything serious, I assumed it was just fatigue from him having worked on his motorcycle the day before & that Mum was simply being her usual excitable self.

Upon entering his bedroom, however, I knew I'd been mistaken. He was lying in bed, weak, restless & semi-coherent. I called for an ambulance but by the time the paramedics arrived, Dad was already unconscious, with only a very faint pulse. Several unsuccessful attempts were made to revive him but after he flatlined a few times, I knew he had left us. And to think, just hours before, as I was getting ready to leave for the gym, Mum & I were in the kitchen, discussing how we would celebrate Dad's 70th birthday this year.

I then experienced firsthand how cruel a master of irony death is. It leaves you no time or opportunity to grieve when a loved one dies, instead requiring you to stay calm & controlled throughout, so you can deal with the many strangers who have to be contacted in the aftermath of the deceased's passing — the police, the doctor, the undertaker, the dailies & your friends & family.

Still, in the days that followed, there were moments, both private & public, for all who had known him to reflect on his life, his relationships with them & how his death had affected them. Personally, I was on autopilot (as I'm sure my mother & brother were), seeing to the funeral arrangements & meeting the countless people who had turned up to pay their respects. But whenever I had a moment to myself, an almost overwhelming mixture of emotions would come upon me: nostalgia, pain, loneliness & disbelief.

As the writer in the family, the obituary & eulogy became my responsibility & I had barely enough time to sit down & write the latter. It wasn't until a few hours before the memorial service on the second night of the funeral wake that I actually started on the eulogy. As I whiled away the first half hour or so wondering how I could write a relatively short yet fitting tribute to Dad, it occurred to me: Dad had played different roles to different people & maybe, just maybe, I could capture that essence on one A4 page of foolscap. So I tried:

"Even as we say 'goodbye' to Dad, we hold on to the many fond memories we have of him. As a father, he was gentle, affectionate & generous. He was happy as long as everyone at home was happy & would always go to great lengths to ensure that we had what we needed.

As a husband, he was caring, loving & responsible, always making sure our mum was well taken care of in every possible way. He never had a harsh word on his lips & was often on hand with a massage or a meal to ease any physical discomfort on our mum's part.

As a friend & musician, he was lively, entertaining & multi-talented. His limitless supply of jokes, countless stories, singing & dancing made him the life of every party, while his excellent musicianship made him the man to call for many gigs.

Dad was many things to many people but the one thing we all know about him is that he was a genuinely kindhearted & good-natured man & we will all miss him dearly & remember him fondly.

We are comforted that he is now watching over us from a better place & he is with God.

Dad, we love you & miss you. Thank you for being a wonderful father, husband & friend.

"I had to get my brother to read it, for I was quite sure I wouldn't be able to make it through the entire eulogy without breaking down.

Even now, I doubt I managed to truly summarize in that eulogy what Dad was all about. Then again, words can only do so much, even in the hands of the most skilled wordsmith.

I know what I miss about Dad. I miss his jokes, no matter how cringeworthy many of them were. I miss the delightful sounds of his piano- & bass-playing, his singing & dancing, his good heart, his constant patience.

I miss making breakfast for him, watching television with him, taking rides on his motorcycle & singing with him. One of my earliest memories with Dad took place in his car, listening & singing along to Nat King Cole's & Natalie Cole's father-daughter version of Unforgettable, a memory I undoubtedly miss.

Those close to me know that what I will miss most, however, is not the memories I have had with him but the memories I'm unable to have with him. I will miss him on his 70th birthday, when I should be throwing him the celebration of a lifetime. I will miss him at my eventual wedding, where he should be walking me down the aisle & giving me away. I will miss him when I have my first child, when he should be carrying his grandchild & beaming with grandfatherly pride.

There are many other events during which I will miss him but, as always, I will take comfort in the knowledge that he is now in a better place, free from all worldly cares & concerns.

Dad's funeral was attended by many & there have been tributes to him in the media, thanks in no small part to his longtime friends who wanted to remember him as best they could.

To everyone who showed up or helped out in one way or another, thank you.

And to Dad, thank you for being the best father I could ever have asked for. I will love you & miss you for as long as I live.

Love,

Your Daughter,

Cheryl

*Moses Tay was the bass guitarist with Naomi & The Boys, Sing60sMusic.

Image/Original article: Cheryl Tay Collection.

(Note: Please request writer's permission to reproduce this letter.)

Cheryl Tay's Blog: http://dramaticmusings.blogspot.com/

Busker Sings 50s Music At Bedok Wet Market

A Singapore busker at Bedok South Wet Market entertains in the early morning. He sings songs like, Chin Chiah Hor and selections from 50s music.

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He seems to be doing fine with his clean clothes, an electronic keyboard and a microphone to boot. Let's hope he earns some money every time he appears. Thanks Peter.

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Image/Original article: Peter Chan Collection.

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Streets Of London

Have you seen the old man /In the closed-down market /Kicking up the paper, with his worn out shoes? /In his eyes you see no pride /And held loosely at his side /Yesterday's paper telling yesterday's news /

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So how can you tell me you're lonely, /And say for you that the sun don't shine? /Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London /I'll show you something to make you change your mind.

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Have you seen the old girl /Who walks the streets of London /Dirt in her hair and her clothes in rags? /She's no time for talking, /She just keeps right on walking/ Carrying her home in two carrier bags.

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In the all night cafe/At a quarter past eleven, /Same old man is sitting there on his own /Looking at the world /Over the rim of his tea-cup, /Each tea last an hour /Then he wanders home alone.

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And have you seen the old man /Outside the seaman's mission/ Memory fading with the medal ribbons that he wears./ In our winter city, The rain cries a little pity /For one more forgotten hero /And a world that doesn't care.

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Composed/Sung by: Ralph McTell (selling 90,000 copies in a day in 1969 - Wiki).

Streets Of Singapore Buskers Are 60s Musicians

OUR MUSIC BUSKERS:

There are more and more buskers on the streets in Singapore. Orchard Road, Thomson Road and even the underpasses and shopping malls have entertainers who provide live music. As blogger listens to them with their rendition of Cliff Richard's, The Young Ones and Chubby Checker's, Let's Twist Again, there are enthusiastic passers-by who shake and jive to the beat.

When blogger spoke to some of them, they proudly announce that they are well-known musicians from the 60's. There is a lady who interpreted Bette Midler's, Wind Beneath My Wings (1982) near Ngee Ann City shopping centre with so much feeling and sincerity that many pedestrians stopped and applauded.

So I was the one with all the glory,/While you were the one with all the strength./A beautiful face without a name for so long./A beautiful smile to hide the pain./Did I ever tell you you're my hero?/You're everything, everything I wish I could be..."

This lady has a beautiful face indeed and the best voice ever. But she has a name too. Go find out tonight! And remember to contribute. "So how can you tell me you're lonely,/And say for you that the sun don't shine?/Let me take you by the hand and lead you through the streets of London/I'll show you something to make you change your mind... Ralph McTell."

Will there come a time when Singapore streets will be like McTell's Streets Of London (1969)? What do you think?

(Four postings about busking by October Cherries' Peter Diaz and The Bunnies' Raymond Pereira. Click 'busking' under 'Labels' below.)

Original article: Andy Lim Collection

(6) Eugene Kwok Singapore Concert Pianist In Chicago, From 60s Band "The Figures"

"Eugene Kwok has performed in public since he was eight. Turning professional at a very early age he has performed before Princess Margaret at a State Banquet in honor of her royal visit to Singapore. He has also performed for the Heads of State of the Commonwealth of Nations.

His recordings for Radio and TV Singapore (RTS) also included his arrangements for big bands, and for the Piano and String Trio. After performing for many years at the Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore he continued at the Mandarin Hotel, Singapore.

Eugene performed at the gala openings of Nordstrom at the Old Orchard Shopping Center, and at Nordstrom in the Woodfield Shopping Mall. He was also featured in recitals at Nordstrom Oak Brook and performs at various libraries in the Chicago area. He is also a piano teacher.

Eugene performs for private and corporate functions. These include showers, wedding ceremonies and receptions, seasonal celebrations, communions, anniversaries, christenings, birthdays, recitals, store openings, and formal dinners." (Quote)

Comments from concert goers: (1) "It was wonderful. Eugene was truly a gift and so needed food for the heart and soul." (2) "Excellent. The artist was so professional and modest -could have listened forever to his beautiful playing." (3) "Your performance was outstanding. You're an incredible talent. Our patrons and guests thoroughly enjoyed your program. We would like to invite you back for Sunday, September 29..."

Blogger thanks Barry Walker for this introduction to Eugene Kwok. To read more about him, the internet has many websites about this remarkable Singaporean 60s musician. Anyone familiar with Eugene Kwok (Singapore 1968)? Do write in.

Image: Taken from Rocket Record Cover, P.C. Collection.

Information: http://home.comcast.net/~eugenekwok/index.html

(5) Singapore 60s UK Frontman Barry Walker Writes From London About Charlie Charles

********************************************************************UK/US BANDS IN SPORE

NOTE FROM BARRY TO ANDY:

"Good morning, The drummer in question was Charlie Charles (left image) who was the last drummer with The Figures (1968 - right image with Barry Walker) and drummer of The In-Sect. Just before Charlie returned to the UK he formed a band called No Sweat in Singapore.

On his return to the UK Charlie and I met up again. He was drummer for Link Wray the famous American blues guitarist and later formed Loving Awareness. They recorded a brilliant album recorded at Earth, Wind & Fire's studio in the USA. Following that, he became the drummer for Ian Drury & The Blockheads and a very sought after session drummer.

Sadly, Charlie died a few years ago.We were very good friends right up to his untimely death. I was a Pall bearer together with his son Hughie and the rest of The Blockheads at his funeral. He was a brilliant drummer whose timing was The Best.

Listen to the song Hit Me With Your Rhythm Stick. Also in both groups was Eugene Kwok who in my opinion was the BEST pianist/keyboard player bar none in Singapore. Eugene is now a top concert pianist in Chicago."

Best regards,

Barry Walker, London.
January 28, 2010 5:49 PM

Comment anyone?

Images: From P.C. Collection.

Original article: Barry Walker of The Figures, Singapore 60s.

(Click 'UK/US Bands In Spore' below to read about him.)

J.D. Salinger: Catcher In The Rye: Gone At 91

Born: 1st January, 1919
Died:  27 January, 2010

Author of The Catcher in the Rye, has passed on. J. D. Salinger who is one of the most important American writers to emerge since World War II but who then turned his back on success, has died in Cornish, New Hampshire. He was 91.

He lived in seclusion for more than 50 years. His books include: Nine Stories, Franny and Zooey, and Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters and Seymour - An Introduction.

He can be remembered by many students of English Literature in Singapore because Catcher is a must-read for most. Internationally well-known this book, which has sold 60 million copies so far, is hardly available in our libraries. Perhaps there should be more copies on the shelves?

Anyone written a thesis on Salinger and wishes to share it? Do write in.

Trivia:

John Lennon's killer Mark Chapman was holding a copy of Catcher when the police went to the scene of the murder.

Photographer: Antony di Gesu.
Image: http://www.sandiegohistory.org/digesu/digesu2.htm

Ref: http://www.deadcaulfields.com/DCHome.html

The Blue Diamonds Singing Duo: National Service In Holland

The late Ruud de Wolff and Riem de Wolff. 

From Maluku, Ambon, Indonesia.

UP TO 1,100 VIEWS, 20 CHATS, COMMENTS

Sadly Ruud and Riem have passed away. but they are back again on this blog. One of my favourite duet and even better than The Everly Brothers, the two boys known as The Blue Diamonds, can be heard marching along with these songs. And in uniform too, with the Choir of the Technical Troop, Grave and Orchestra of Conductor Jack Bulterman.

Image above - Songs on the vinyl include:

Old Soldiers Never Die, Pack Up Your Troubles, It's A Long Long Way To Tipperary, John Brown's Body, She'll Be Coming Round The Mountain, Marching Along Together (Fontana: 266 358 TF).

For publicity too, like Elvis, they had their hair cut.

[Image: Alamy]

They were then in the army when these songs were recorded and, like Elvis Presley in GI Blues and our own National Service [NS] boys, had to serve their country, Holland. "They had a ball with their companions at arms, as their singing, backed by a choir of their friends, is a selection of marching songs and melodies popular with soldiers. You will recognise them all [vinyl record sleeve notes]."

You will too, especially our Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and most uniformed personnel, professional or otherwise. You sure you have this vinyl? Quite rare I think. But these are really nice, old sing-a-longs. 

Any Blue Diamond fans still out there?

Collecting their military attire 

and to serve the country.

[Image: Alamy]

Images from Alamy

Original Article: Andy Lim Collection.

Back to basics and in-camp training.

[Image: Alamy]

This post from, 26th January 2010, has been revived and refined.

All Rights Reserved.

Blue Diamonds: 'Old Soldiers Never Die'

YouTube Video from nederarchief.

(5) Classical Influence: "Blue Danube Waltz."

PETER CHAN'S JOURNEY:

"Photo 3: My early beginnings in the world of Performing Arts. I am at the keyboard, my cousin on the violin and my other cousin the conductor. I think we played the **Blue Danube Waltz (image/1964).

It is not true that Flower Drum Song was the only item for the evening. The students put up many items to demonstrate their musical abilities across different musical instruments. This must have made their parents very proud."

Peter Chan who wrote the 3 articles in this series, became a part-time pop musician playing the Orchard Road circuit and SEAsia in the 70s. This article is the last.

**(Blogger's Note: Classical music has influenced pop music through the years. Click on, 'Classical Music Influence' under 'Labels' below to read articles on Mantovani and G.I. Blues.)

Original image/ article: Peter Chan.

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.)

(4) Who Wears Short Shorts... At A Wake???

WHO WEARS SHORT SHORTS AND SHORT BLOUSES?

"Photo 2: Alfred Choo, the future international lounge pianist is at the keyboard. **Didn’t know the girls were already in hot pants back in the early 1960s. Back then we boys were curious whether the girls wore anything below that short chinese blouse.

The stage was the former Cultural Centre Center at Fort Canning, now demolished and replaced by the one presently at the rear of the National Museum (circa 1962).

Funny thing though, my late grandmother was roped in to cut and sew the costumes. Where’s the connection? She came from Toi Shan County, China to marry my grandfather in the 1910s.

Lucky for us, she brought with her to Singapore plenty of chinese culture; she knew everything about the clothes and style of yesteryears, intricate Chinese buttons, pretty samfoo and unique pig-tails. She also knew the feminine art of using a hand fan. If you look at the photos, you find the boys and girls dressed up in various Chinese outfits.

Alfred Choo, the senior student of Foorman’s was the Music Director. Choo later became a top-notch hotel pianist in Hong Kong’s Peninsular Hotel and at the Marco Polo Hotel in Singapore."

Original article/image: Peter Chan.

Note from Blogger: They were wearing hot pants since the 50s, Peter!

**Short Shorts (1958) by The Royal Teens [Spoken:] Ooh man, dig that crazy chick/Who wears short shorts/We wear short shorts/They're such short shorts/We like short shorts/Who wears short shorts/We wear short shorts. [Repeat 2x]

Haiti Tragedy - Donations From Singapore

(1) Send cheques to: Singapore Red Cross at 15 Penang Lane, Singapore, 238486. Include name, contact details and "EARTHQUAKE HAITI" on the back of your cheque.

(2) Walk-In Donations: Cash or Cheque donations at the Singapore Red Cross as above (near Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station), Mon To Fri - 9am to 9pm. Sat/Sun: 9am to 1pm.

Information: Straits Times Press, Singapore (18.01.2010).

(3) "Flower Drum Song" - Musical At Fort Canning Drama Centre Singapore In 1962

FLOWER DRUM SONG IN SINGAPORE:

"Photo 1: When I look at this 1962 photograph, the first thing that strikes me are the stage props. Don’t they remind you of those seen at a Chinese wake? Or do they look more like the 1950 anti- government street demonstration with all those banners?

Remember the musicals I was discussing in the previous posting? Well this time I am not in the audience but as a performer. And in one of the biggest and most popular musicals in the 60s, Flower Drum Song. How did it happen? It was in 1962 when Foorman’s School of Music - the place I attended my piano lessons - gave a public concert at the former Fort Canning Cultural Center, Singapore.

Flower Drum Song is a musical comedy set in San Francisco's Chinatown concerning old-fashioned Chinese and modern Chinese-Americans clashing over tradition and trying to find romance. That’s all I knew except for the big names like the darling Nancy Kwan and handsome James Shigata. The concert finale was set to the music of Grant Avenue, one of many songs taken from the musical."

Article/Image: Peter Chan Collection.

(2) Experiencing London's 60s Musical "Oliver!"

MUSICALS AND PETER CHAN:

"I do say I don’t enjoy or know very much about stage plays or musicals until I was in one myself (Flower Drum Song). My introduction to the theaters was when a friend got me some free tickets to watch his son perform in Oliver! at the London Palladium (image).

Soon, I learnt there was a way to buy more economical tickets if you bought on the afternoons just one or two days before the actual performance.

I must admit I thoroughly enjoyed the performance and in the next few weeks, while on a business trip in London, my family sat through Jesus Christ Superstar, Miss Saigon, Les Miserables, Martin Guerre, and Phantom of the Opera, well before they hit Singapore shores."

Image: from e-bay.

(Original Article: was contributed by Peter Chan who was a Singapore 70s pop musician but now a successful business person.)

(1) Flower Drum Song, Asian-American Musical

INTRODUCING FLOWER DRUM SONG:

After World War II, Americans began to show an interest in the "mysterious East" and Rodgers and Hammerstein, with all their positivity, had explored this interest in South Pacific and The King and I. Both musicals were hits in the late 50s and early 60s in Singapore. But they had never been staged in the local theatres, or had they?

Flower Drum Song is another musical with an Asian theme that was popular in Singapore in the 60s. It is a 1961 Academy Award-nominated film adaptation of the 1958 Broadway musical play Flower Drum Song, written by the composer Richard Rodgers and the lyricist/librettist Oscar Hammerstein II. The film and stage play were based on the 1957 novel by the Chinese American author C.Y. Lee.

This movie featured a mostly Asian-American cast with members that included dancers, though two of the singing voices were not by Asians. Starring in this movie were Nancy Kwan (images), James Shigeta, Benson Fong, James Hong, Reiko Sato and the original Broadway cast members Jack Soo, Miyoshi Umeki (Movie: Sayonara) and Juanita Hall.

It drew large crowds at the Singapore cinemas when it was shown in the 60s, while sexy and vivacious Nancy Kwan became a household name. The songs from the movie, on the other hand, were not so popular in Singapore but, I Enjoy Being a Girl performed by Nancy Kwan and voice dubbed in by B.J. Baker and A Hundred Million Miracles performed by Miyoshi Umeki and cast members, had a good following locally.

Information on musicals: Wikipedia.

Original article: Andy Lim Collection.

(4) E&O Hotel, Georgetown Penang And Kuala Lumpur Cricket Club, Malaya, 60s, Soliano Bros.

UK/US BANDS IN SINGAPORE:

"When we discussed music and I informed him that I was a big band jazz vocalist he invited me to talk to a couple of the local band boys that worked at the hotel. I ended up singing with two of the bands in the E&O during the weekends.

Also posted in Penang at that time were the Royal Green Jackets. Some of the Regiments' bandsmen used to come to the E&O where I got to know a few of the lads that played traditional and modern jazz. With the help of the manager of the same hotel, we set up a Sunday Jazz Club and alternated to play the two types of music.

A member of one of the local bands that I worked with was called Gino, a vibes player. He did the arrangements for a 17-piece big band for the Soliano Brothers, who were playing for a radio broadcast and for the Kuala Lumpur Cricket Club (KLCC) in Malaya. I was invited to sing."

Are you familiar with the E&O Hotel in Penang, Malaysia? Does anyone knows Lance Raymond when he sang there in the 60s?

Check: December 29th, 30th for Postings 1 and 2 for on British Servicemen in Singapore.

Image/Edited Information: Lance Raymond.

From: P.C. Collection.

(3) British Army Servicemen And Camps Influence Singapore 50s And 60s Music

UK/US BANDS IN SINGAPORE:

It's not true that Servicemen bands in Singapore only started in the 60s. Even before Cliff Richard's landing in Singapore, there were some Britons, individuals and bands, playing at some of the local nightclubs in the 50s, including the Golden Venus at Orchard Road.

Lance Raymond (stage name/image) was one of them. He was with the British Army and got involved with the music scene in Singapore and Malaya in the late 50s. He knew some local musicians like the Solianos and played more Cha Cha Cha and Latin music. Besides some Britons, there was also a large population of Phillipino (Pinoy) musicians in Singapore during the 30s until the 50s. Below is his story.

"Prior to 110 Squadron RAF arriving in Singapore, it was based at Butterworth, Malaya and most of us in the squad with married families were living in Penang around 1962 to 1963. During my first few months in Penang I made friends with the manager of the Eastern and Oriental Hotel (E&O) in George Town, Penang." Comments please from Malaysians everywhere?

Check: December 29th/30th for Postings 1 and 2 on British Servicemen in Singapore.

Image/Edited Information: P.C. Collection.

Image/Original Article: By Lance Raymond.

Dr Goh Poh Seng: (1936 - 2010). Promoted Singapore Musicians At His Clubs

Dr. Goh Poh Seng (73) who was born in Malaysia but lived in Singapore, has passed away in Vancouver on Sunday, January 10th. He was a medical doctor, novelist, poet, playwright and arts promoter.

More importantly, he helped to promote local musicians like Tokyo Square, etc at his clubs and was the Chairman of the National Theatre Trust. He also initiated an arts group called Center 65 and was the first author to write a Singapore novel in the English language called, If We Dream Too Long.

Anybody knows GPS personally and wish to comment?

Information: Life! (13.01.10), The Straits Times Press, Singapore.

Image: National Library Board Website, Singapore.

Tracy Huang: Soft, Sweet, Sophisticated, Stylish

UP TO 8,000 VIEWS, 40 COMMENTS, CHATS

Tracy Huang is one of the 300 singers selected to appear and sing in this year's National Day Parade Theme Song for 2019. Question is. Is she Singaporean?  Anyway, here's a look back at Ms. Huang when she was a pop queen in 70s Singapore.

She was the singer with the most beautiful face and was Singapore's sweetheart in the 70's drawing sitting room audiences during her shows on local television singing love ballads. With her beautiful face, soft, sweet voice and sophisticated appeal, Tracy Huang (黃露儀) became a hit with Singaporeans. She became a good friend to all her fans interpreting their joys and sorrows on TV and on vinyl.

In the 70s, when the EP was in less demand, her Long Play (LP) records filled the vinyl shops along North Bridge Road. I remember seeing her albums dominating the shelves in the 70s and were beside Teresa Teng's bit hits.

Huang has two names. In Singapore, she is known as Huang Luyi, but back home in Taiwan, she is Huang Ying Ying. She became a popular singer at the exclusive American Club where audiences were necessarily limited, but enthusiastic. Her specializing more in English songs than in Chinese ones earned her a fan base with local Singaporeans who do not understand Mandarin.

Tracy Huang: Hello Darling 

YouTube Video from Michael Lim

When she came to Singapore, the local television organisation contracted her as a compere for the Chinese Variety Show series. As an example, in one of the shows in April 1978, Tracy was the MC for Musical Showcase for Channel 8  and featured singers, Mimi, The Tang Sisters, Pai Sar, Ai Loon and the popular Ching Wai and Chopstick Sisters. She did well professionally and at that time also signed on with EMI to do covers of English songs.

Her popularity soared and she completed many albums up to the 80s. Name a chartbuster of yesteryear and she would probably have covered it. In fact, she has an album that covered only the sixties biggest hits like San Francisco (Flowers In Your Hair), Fool On A Hill, Hurt So Bad, To Sir With Love, If We Are Only Friends, Rhythm Of The Rain, Sound Of Silence and more.

No Singapore singer can be so demure and enchanting.

Many of her EMI vinyl was produced and arranged by The Quests' top gun, Reggie Verghese and engineered by Vincent Lim. Singapore's ability to produce vinyl of quality in the 70s brought many Asian artistes to our shore to record.

Her first English album Feelings was rewarded with a Hong Kong Gold Disc Award for outstanding sales and a similar trend followed with Mississippi and I Don't Want To Talk About It. She also became a hit in Australia.

Tracy Huang didn't forget her Mandarin followers and the quality recordings set new standards too. Her albums succeeded in the most difficult of markets and she soon became a household name in this region. Slow numbers or fast ones, her sophistication remains. And she has covered many songs, both in Chinese and English.

And if anyone doubted Huang's singing ability just listen to her with, On My Own a 1987 recording where she displays her vocal range, especially at the end of the song. Since 1974 Tracy Huang has recorded 49 albums.

Just wondering where she is today? Anyone?

Images: Google.

Original article: Andy Lim.

Carrie Ku Mei - Connie Francis Of Singapore?

Weirdo Records/Weirdo Weekly #100 carries an article on Carrie Ku Mei:

"Ku Mei, Carrie - The Lark/Phoenix/EMI - $10.00 LP 1965 (VG++/VG++) Happy go lucky Shaw Brothers musical, stars pop sensation Carrie Ku-Mei (the Connie Francis of Singapore) & Peter Chen Ho.

A light plot about mistaken identities wherein a journalist is told by his editor to get some dirt on a pop star. Even lighter songs, which have nothing whatever to do with the plot. I can't read the Mandarin, but songs include 'The Wedding Song', 'A Lover's Tears', 'Ave Maria', and 'OB Cha Cha'. "

Is Ku Mei the Connie Francis of Singapore because as far as Blogger understands, it's either Patricia Pestana or Veronica Young. Can anyone comment on this information?

Information: http://weirdorecords.com/cpCommerce/product.php?id_product=7564