Sunday, March 17, 2024

Remember Good Friday 29th March 2024. Judy Chong Lee's: The B.A.R.T.E.R. For My Life

'Whispering Hope' sung by Jim Reeves 
Gospel YouTube Video from: HomoHumanus.

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IT'S A NEW POST 

Thanks to Jimmy Lee [ETA] and his wife Judy for this, the third religious poem she wrote. An appropriate time truly as Good Friday is approaching... 

The B.A.R.T.E.R. For My Life

I Believe that this universe is not random

That there is a creator of heaven and earth

The God who created man with free will and freedom

And had their names written in His book of life at birth.


I Acknowledge this world is full of sin and hell-bent

Injustice and evil will tempt all to pay the price

I'm amazed God so loved the world He sent

His son to save all with his supreme sacrifice.


I Receive Jesus who died at the cross for my sin

So I will not perish but have everlasting life

It's simple as that, I can't earn it.. can't win

It's by grace through faith in Christ, not strife.


From wretched sinner I'm released to Transform

My soul tie to Hades Jesus has unknotted

He stands with me to face hardships in any storm

My name from the book of life will never be blotted.


I have life in the Spirit with good news to Evangelise

To tell everyone to think and consider eventually

To say there is no hell is one of the biggest lies

For surely as you're born you'd die to go to your destiny.


Maybe it's sooner than we think the end of time coming

Look around this wretched world and corrupted society

The imminent Rapture caught up with Jesus is my longing

To live in heaven with my creator for all of eternity.


There you have it above put in a  nutshell

This is the B.A.R.T.E.R. of life for you and me

Not just in body but for your soul to be well

I pray you will know The Truth that will set you free. 

By Poet: Judy Chong Lee.

Check these below. Click connection:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2021/11/getting-old-poem-by-judy-chong-lee.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2023/07/as-we-grow-older-by-judy-chong-lee.html


Poet Judy Chong Lee with hubby Jimmy PresLee,
who is an Elvis Tribute Artiste [ETA]

Copyrights Reserved.

Sunday, March 10, 2024

'Music Maker' [1963] Richard Anthony: Dedicated To All Music Makers

THANKS GUYS FOR SUPPORT:
    UP TO 600 VIEWS SINCE.   

'Music Maker' sung by Richard Anthony. 
YouTube Video by: Sids60sSounds.
Richard Anthony passed away on 19.04.2015.

Romanticism At Its Most Eager

Richard Anthony:

Many music lovers are aware of Ray Anthony the 1950's famous band leader and trumpeter. Shakespearean lovers would be aware of Mark Antony, Caesar's loyal friend in the play who was also with Cleopatra. 

Not many though would remember Richard Anthony, the French singer who recorded a song that I love, even till today. 

This post is dedicated to all music makers... 

French singer The late Richard Anthony
sings 'Music Maker'

Music Maker

[1] Let them build a tower to the stars

I don't care what others do

I just wanna be your music maker

And sing my song to you

 

[2] Let them build a bridge of steel and stone

Mountain high and oceans long

I just wanna be your music maker

And link our hearts with a song

 

Long as, I have music and the words to sing

If you're, there to sing to

I have everything


[3] Let the others look for fame and fortune

This is all I want to do

I just wanna be a music maker

And sing my song to you

 

Long as, I have music and the words to sing

If you're, there to sing to

I have everything


[3] Let the others look for fame and fortune

This is all I want to do

I just wanna be a music maker

And sing my song to you

I just wanna be a music maker

And sing my song to you...


Composers: Sid Tepper n Roy C. Bennett 

Orchestra: Arranged/conducted by Ivor Remonde

Columbia Records 1963.

Band leader / trumpeter 1950's
Ray Anthony

Julius Caesar's friend. With Cleopatra too.
 Mark Antony.

Any more Anthonys that you might remember?
Hmmm! What about Marc Anthony, who used 
to be with Jennifer Lopez? A list indeed...

And the songs Richard Anthony sings?
He sings English songs in French too.
Do you know any of them? Here's one below:

Richard Anthony: 'Peggye Sue' in French.
YouTube Video by: sadonani59

Tuesday, March 05, 2024

Chew's Captivating Connections With Crooning Celebrities!!! By HH Chew

THIS NEW POST HAS
  UP TO 300 VIEWS!  

HH Chew with the Julie Andrews star 
at Hollywood Boulevard not too long ago.

He was in Palm Springs, California 
and rubbed shoulders with the stars.

Driving through the desert from Los Angeles to Las Vegas 
in Summer 2023, Mr. Chew had a break and visited 
Peggy Sue's Diner in California.


Entrance to Peggy Sue's...

Where he met Elvis.

A little dangerous but made for a lovely pose indeed!

Still at the Diners' with Peggy Sue.

Not only Elvis, HH Chew visited Frank Sinatra's 
home too. Now that's paying homage!

The number of shows he attended was incredible. 
Let him tell you the story...

He holds the record, I think, unless
another reader writes in with more...😄

Thanks again HH for your Hollywood travel tales
and your numerous concert attendance!

Hello again, Andy. 

Yes, I have attended a fair number of  concerts. To name some viz. Cliff Richard, Tom Jones, Olivia Newton-John, Engelbert Humperdinck, Michael Jackson, Bee Gees, Pat Boone, Skeeter Davis, Johnny Tillotson, Brian Hyland, Blue Diamonds, Johnny Lion, 

Kenny Roger, Paul Simon & Art Garfunkel, Beach Boys, Madonna, Celine Dion, Tony Orlando, Julie Rogers, Herman’s Hermit, Freddie and the Dreamers, Julie Rogers, Paul Anka, Leo Sayer, Brotherhood of Man, Andy William, Ray Charles, The Supremes, The Osmonds, Eric Clapton, Sheena Easton, Manfred Mann, Frances Yip, Jacky Cheung etc. 

I may have missed some names. There are some artistes whom I have attended more than once eg Tom Jones, Olivia Newton John, Engelbert Humperdinck, Skeeter Davis, Pat Boone and Cliff Richard probably about 5 times. 


Engelbert Humperdinck: In Singapore: 
Release Me YouTube Video by: Inge Ramlan.

Some of the artistes those days were performing exclusively at Shangri-La’s Tiara Lounge, if you may recall. The Supremes, Ray Charles, Andy William performed in one of their function rooms. Some performed at The Neptune and Mandarin’s Kasbah and Belvedere.

Most of the shows were seen in Singapore during the 1970's. The charges increased during the 1980's and, with a dinner thrown in, it was *$200 per head at most restaurants.

*Today it's more than $300 for only a back seat in the galleries.

Copyrighted Images and Story by HH Chew.

Don't forget to read his 1st story when he met Skeeter Davis. Click below:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2024/02/skeeter-davis-was-friend-unassuming-hh.html

Frances Yip & NAFA Orchestra 
Singapore Indoor Stadium 2009.
'Amigos Para Siempre'
YouTube Video by: chengyu83.

Jumping Jewels & Johnny Lion in Singapore 2003 
I Like It. YouTube Video by: TheStratpete

YouTube Videos are for illustrations only.
This blog welcomes videos of artistes who performs in Singapore.

Friday, February 23, 2024

Madu Dan Racun, Arie Wibowo, Sarong Kebaya Nyonyas: Evonne Dance Studio

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'Madu dan Racun' means 'Honey and Poison'
in Bahasa Indonesia.

Lyrics [literal translation]: 

"Honey in your right hand; poison in your left.
Don't know which one you will be giving me..."

YouTube Video:
High beginners lady dancers from:
Evonne Dance Studio
Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia.

Choreographers: 
Tan Bee Chu 
Jaynie Loy 
April 2022

Music: 
Bill & Brod 
Song:
Madu Dan Racun
Many thanks to all these petite nyonyas for the dance item. 

Nyonyas are Peranakan ladies, 
from the Straits, known for 
their sarong and kebaya outfits.

I must first thank Evonne Dance Studio for putting up this enchanting video of the company's charming and talented dancers on YouTube. With one million views plus and a music backing by Bill and Brod with the late but well-known Arie Wibowo, [singer composer of Madu dan Rachun], this short but delightful episode with sarong-kebaya-clad nyonyas [ladies] is enthralling!

It is not surprising that with the influence of colonialism these past 80 years or so, after WW2, we have diluted some of our own South East Asian music heritage. But all is not lost. Let's hope that with the advent of a resurgence in this part of the world, we would be listening and watching more of such performances.

So the beat goes on, our kind!

I'm sure you have some comments to make! Please do!

Check this one too:


Indonesian Bill and Brod Pop Group
sang the backing song, Madu dan Rachun
[Honey and Poison].

Disclaimer:
[This posting is not an advertisement but an appreciative gesture. I was mesmerised by the gracefulness of the lady dancers, the song accompaniment and decided to write about it.]

Sunday, February 18, 2024

Thanks For Reading Andy's 60s Music Blog.

 

FOR READING ANDY'S MUSIC BLOG ALL THESE YEARS.
Blessings to the viewers, friends, fans, especially the
Contributing Writers! And blogspot.com for the space.

If you are keen to write your story about Singapore's
music, please connect... 

Saturday, February 10, 2024

A Happy Lunar New 2024: Facing Dragons @ The Gates: 龍門遭遇 By Eddy Eng

For illustration only: 
Singer Chen Mei Feng and 
Guitar group, The Travellers 
'New Year Greetings'
The latest New Year pop songs in Hokkien.

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龍 門 遭 遇  A Dragon Gate Encounter:

It was two days before the dragon year [8 Jan 2024] when I made an urgent SMS to Eddy Eng to write a piece for this blog. And he did, this good friend.  In all honesty he related his encounter with this fearsome beast at a garden gate; face to face. Eddy is a straight forward, no fuss gentleman and so are his stories.

Thank you Eddy, a different kind of story but a real one indeed...

The Chinese Dragon:

"Dear Andy,

The Chinese have been fascinated with the mythical dragon for more than 4,000 years. It is obviously the product of imagination of the ancient Chinese. It was imagined as a composite creature with the head of a camel, the eyes of a fiery demon, the horns of a deer, the claws of an eagle and the scales of a carp. Unlike the Caucasian dragon that spews fire and looks naughty and devilish, the Chinese dragon symbolises  divine power, strength, good fortune and benevolence. It can control the weather and the seas - a shaker and mover of heaven and earth. 

I was once asked by a local Chinese businessman to install a pair of dragons vying for a pearl on top of the wrought-iron gate that I supplied. As someone who would go out of the way to please a customer, I thought long and hard. How would I design the intricate dragons with a pearl shrouded with fire using wrought-iron. Would my guys be able to cut and  weld all the tiny pieces together. Would they think  it was another crazy idea from me. In the end, logic triumphed over passion. 

For illustration only: 
A garden gate with a pair of dragons.

I went back, told the customer that to do the pair of  dragons with the precious pearl would be like a Caucasian dressed in Chinese robes. From an aesthetic  perspective, they would look incongruous. It was a clash of cultures. He gave a hearty laugh. 

On another occasion, I offered a  wall-mounted decorative wrought-iron dragon to a customer as a gift after having completed my work  to his massive house. The dragon was made with the finest German craftsmanship that came with a hefty price tag from my  German supplier. 

He said, "Eee! I don't want it! Your Caucasian dragon looks like a four legged snake. He had a point. 

To my friends who were born in the year of the  long nien [dragon year],  may I wish you good luck, good health and good fortune."

Written by: Eddy Eng.

Eddy Eng.

CNY 2012 Dragon Year 恭喜恭喜 鄧麗君 邓丽君 
テレサ・テン Teresa Teng.
This video is the only one found. 
YouTube video from: archchula.

2023 New Year’s Concert of 
the China Philharmonic Orchestra 
中国爱乐之声 
YouTube Video: China Philharmonic Orchestra

Images: from Google.
Poster is a gift and created
by Freda Hanum [Teepees]
Thank you.

This blog has 3.4 million viewers since January 7th, 2024.
Statistics from blogspot.com
Thank you.

Thursday, February 08, 2024

Andy's Singapore 60s Music Blog Hits 3.4 Million Views

This blog has reached 
3.4 million views on
7th February, 2024.

Blog is:

1] Number 2 on the top 15 'Best Music Blogs in Singapore'.
2] Number 21 on the top '50 Best Music Blogs in SE Asia'.
3] Read by President Tharman S.
4] Archived by National Library Board Singapore.
5] Mentioned on VintageRadio.SG interview, 'Music n Me'. 

From CHAT GPT:

"Andy Young's Singapore 60s Music is a blog dedicated to the music of the 1960s in Singapore. It is run by Andy Young, a  music enthusiast and collector who has been researching and collecting Singaporean music from the 1960s for many years.

The blog features reviews of music from the era, as well as interviews with musicians and other Singaporean music aficionados.  It also includes a comprehensive discography of Singaporean music from the 1960s, and a list of recommended albums. The blog is a great resource for anyone interested in the music of Singapore in the 1960s 𝅘𝅥𝅯𝅘𝅥𝅰𝆕."

Click 'Labels' below to read details:

Saturday, February 03, 2024

"Skeeter Davis Was A Friend." Unassuming HH Chew Tributes International 60s Singer.


HH Chew and his wife knew Skeeter Davis well.
The above picture was taken in her room
at the Mandarin Orchard, Singapore, in the mid-90s.


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It's not anytime that you know an international pop singer and become great friends. Autographed pictures poured into my iPhone as HH Chew explained he and his wife's close contact with Ms Skeeter Davis. 

He is the quiet one, always polite, never a show-off and a good friend. But looking at the pictures one realises that HH has many stories to tell, sophisticated and unassuming that he is. A man of few words, here's one.

Thank you Hee Hong.

Dear Andy,

"I met her three times. We first met after her performance at Matthew's in Orchard Tower. Freddy Fender was performing there too. She took my offer to take her back to her hotel at the Ladyhill, opposite the Shangri-La. She stayed at the Ming Court Hotel and Mandarin Hotel for her two subsequent visits and concerts. We exchanged letters, cards and I received an autographed CD too.

I took her for a vegetarian meal as she was on this special diet. I found out that she had two failed marriages. When I first met her she was married to Joey Spampinato but they divorced in 1996, after nine years of marriage. She explained how she only had her dog for company and was then residing in Tennessee." 

[Author: HH Chew].

HH and Ms Davis became good friends and kept in touch but she became unwell and although she had the utmost faith that she would make it through, she passed away in 2004 due to breast cancer. 

From everyone who has read this blog post: Rest In Peace, Skeeter Davis.

Skeeter Davis "The End of the World" 
YouTube Video from: KingOvHell

Above is a letter from Ms Davis 
to HH and his wife.

Author HH Chew with Ms. Skeeter Davis

Skeeter Davis, Floyd Cramer: My Last Date 
YouTube Video from: academic51

HH Chew today at the Hollywood Walk of Fame
 @ Vine Street, Hollywood Boulevard, California.

The star beside him is top Musicals' singer
Julie Andrews from movie: 'The Sound of Music'.

Images above are
Copyrights Reserved.

She is well known for an album where she duets with
six male pop singers, answering their lovelorn letters.

Saturday, January 27, 2024

Frankel Estate, Siglap Singapore Meets 50's Music: By Robert Gay

Bill Haley and his famous Kiss Curl
The man who made 'Rock Around The Clock' a top 50s hit 


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In the 1950's when Singapore was devoid of television and with a few radio stations, young boys were running around in shorts, either kicking a rubber ball or playing marbles and coloured rubber bands. 

Some, like today's blog contributor Robert Gay, turned to music and learned to play a guitar, singing his favourite pop 50s songs. Later, he gathered a few friends with the same ideals. Let's read what he says about pop music in the 50's in the area where he lived:

"Here is a short history of our music in Frankel Estate, at Singapore's East Coast.

In 1956, Willie (later Willie of London; the hairdresser) came to my house which was our meeting place and taught a few of us how to play the guitar.  We learnt a few chords. C, F, G7, F, C7, B flat and G. We learnt to play songs like “Singing The Blues”, “Red Sails In The Sunset” and “ A White Sports Coat And A Pink Carnation”!

One day Willie brought a washtub with a broomstick and a thick string attached to it [image]! It was the age of skiffle we played songs of Lonnie Donegan! We belted out “Putting on the Style” with a washtub, a stick and a string, as bass! It was fun! 

The next era was even more fun!
Bill Haley and his Comets. 
Rock Around The Clock [1955]. 
YouTube Video from: 33Evenstar.

One day my dad brought an EP [Extended Play Record] and put it on while we we sitting around chatting! My dad usually listened to classical music. He was a tenor! But the music he had put on astounded all of us! It was Bill Haley and his Comets singing, “Rock Around the Clock”. The age of rock and roll had come! 

Soon we were all singing this and, “See You Later Alligator"! Elvis had already been singing “Heartbreak Hotel” and “Hound dog” but to me the definite moment we embraced Rock and Roll was when we heard Bill Haley! Other singers coming on stage did not necessarily sing rock songs but we classed them as stars of the Rock and Roll era!
The primary school on Siglap Road, which was in the East Coast of Singapore too often had fun fairs where one of the features was music requests! The music could be heard over half of Frankel Estate!  I remember one occasion where “Island in the Sun” [Harry Belafonte] and “Love Letters in the Sand” [Pat Boone] competed to be the favorite all afternoon!

During that period, we used to listen to the Top Twenty from America every week. One week The Everly Brothers jumped into the scene with “Wake Up Little Susie” and “ Bye Bye Love”!  I was fascinated by their perfect harmony! “All I Have To Do Is Dream” was one of my all time favorite songs. The Everly Brothers influenced our singing tremendously. I bought every one of their albums and we sang their songs!  A pair of us, Dennis Tay and Philip Goh excelled in singing their songs.

In 1959 they won the Anglo Chinese School [ACS] Talentime contest singing, “Bird Dog”. Michael Goh, the Dean Martin of Singapore came second with “My Rifle, Pony and Me”! Later they entered the Everly Brothers contest in Singapore and tied first with another pair! This was held at the Odeon Cinema at North Bridge Road.
With guitars: Michael Goh [right] and brother.
Blogger Andy with Contestant [side]
Capitol Cinema Singapore backstage, 1959.

In the meantime I had another group that also included Dennis and Philip that sang Christian songs in churches all around the island! 

Rock and Roll introduced a new genre of music into the world! But it was not just Rock and Roll. It was a new era for pop music! and a new ear for teenagers! The war and postwar babies now in their teens became a huge market for music an fashion! Teen idols sprouted everywhere! Paul Anka with ”Diana “ was a millionaire when he was sixteen! “Rebel Without A Cause”,  Starring James Dean he typified the mood of teenagers of that time! Cinema tickets sold by the millions.
Youth in the UK during the 50's when 
the skiffle boom exploded. The Beatles
came later but started out playing skiffle.


From the record cover of a Skiffle Group in England.
Note the washtub, broomstick and string as bass.
With a washboard too.

I bought every Everly Brothers album as soon as they appeared in the shops!
The songs reflected the moods and aspirations of teenagers! It was a time for parties, funfairs, tea dances and barbecues! We sang at parties, barbecues and church outings! There was a huge demand for teens looking for action and looking to change the world!

Amidst this came the Evangelists the most famous being Billy Graham! Youth for Christ International set up in Singapore and we got involved in singing at their rallies! 
Writer: Robert Gay 
from Singapore but now
lives in England.

Anita Sarawak: Proud Mary [ABPBH '05]
YouTube Video from: Koleksi Campur Hangus 2.0


Images: 
Google
My Exclusive Condo/New Launch Condo [2016] 
A personal collection.

The changing of the social scene in the Fifties was driven by war children coming into their teens! With the music came dancing and socializing! I remember suddenly becoming more interested in girls! So I learnt to dance! 

There was a really nice girl who was friendly to us in Frankel who taught us to do the Cha Cha and Jive! Joe Loss "Wheels" was the most popular song we learnt to! Easy one two, one two three. Xavier Cugat was one of the popular bands we danced to! A group of us used to go to the beach by the Ocean Park hotel on East Coast Road! The film studio by the hotel made Malay movies! We went to listen to the live music from the hotel!

Meeting Anita Sarawak!

Ms Anita Sarawak.

It was pleasant just sitting on the beach listening to the music! One evening a beautiful lady came and chatted with us! She was Siput Sarawak [Malay movie star} and told us about her daughter Anita Sarawak [image] who was in England when she found out I was going to England for further studies!

Foolish person that I was I did not ask for her address! Years later when I saw Anita she was a big star! She sang in Las Vegas for a few years! I saw her in Singapore when she sang somewhere! Can’t remember where! Never got a chance to speak to her!

A HAPPY LUNAR NEW 2024 TO YOU!
DO COMMENT.

Lonnie Donegan: Putting On The Style [1957] 
YouTube Video by: luvthe1950s