All of them sing but most of the following superstars are known better as crooners. Dean Martin (image), Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr, Tony Bennett, Al Martino, Andy Williams, Jack Jones, Jerry Vale, Robert Goulet, Vic Damone, Engelbert Humperdinck, Nat King Cole, Bobby Darin, Mel Torme, Eddie Fisher, Perry Como come under a category called "vocals - for easy listening pleasure."For seniors both in Singapore and across the world, the above singers are as familiar as the songs they sing and the list would include, 'That's Amore', 'Lady Is A Tramp', 'Moon River', 'Stardust', 'Release Me', 'Mona Lisa', 'Mack The Knife', 'Oh My Papa' and so on.
The scene is familiar. Dimmed lights in the evening after dinner and the record is placed on the turntable and the crooner begins his song, "When the moon hits your eyes/Like a big pizza pie/That's amore..." And Dean Martin's magic spreads round the living or dining room with soothing, sentimental easy vocals and dream music.
In the 60s, the scene is different. Singaporeans would dance to these songs on the usually crowded night clubs across the island. More so, they would be romancing their partner on the dance floor. The Singlish (Singapore English) term is 'part-tor'.
The Dean Martin Show, on Singapore TV for some years, proved very popular. His slapstick clips with Jerry Lewis were the talk of the town, as our audience lapped up the humour from the wisecracks on small screen. US comedy in the living room was a novelty in Singapore then.
Image: record cover/will be deleted if infringing on copyright.
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