National Theatre, Celestial Room, SEAsia Hotel

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

The whole gang performed within a night at three venues in Singapore. Again, newspaper advertisments from The Straits Times on 12th December, 1964 promoted a gig at the National Theatre at Tank Road and week-end dancing at the Celestial Room, Orchard Road and South-East Asia Hotel at Waterloo Street.

Our boys and girls were having a great time, entertained by The Silver Strings, Keith Locke & The Quests, Bobby Lambert & The Dukes, The Jets, Steven Tan & The Gippslanders, The Midnighters, The Tramps, Zainab Huri and Johnny Nakamura of Sukiyaki fame. Ticket prices were only one, two and three dollars. There was no cover charge for nightly dancing.

The Silver Strings, with Andy, entertained at the Celestial Room and South-East Asia Hotel too. Can anyone remember those days? Do write in to contribute.

(Image: from The Straits Times Press Singapore 12/12/64. National Library Board Singapore)

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Johnnie Ray - Pop 50s Music - US Influence

Monday, June 1, 2009

Before rock and roll there was John Alvin Ray (1927-1990) American singer, songwriter, and pianist. Popular for most of the 50s and 60s, he was one of the major predecessors of the rockability craze, in fact, paving the way for Elvis' hyperactive movements on stage.

Just as popular in Singapore, Johnnie Ray's records, some in the 78rpm format, sold very well on the island. Many local singers in the early 60s imitated Ray and Robert Song was one of them. It was well-known that Johnnie Ray was deaf in his right ear. He died of liver failure in 1990.

Ray's song, Cry, with The Four Lads, (1951) made him famous as radios became a common household item in Singapore. Then came, All of Me (1952), Hernando's Hideaway, Alexander's Ragtime Band, As Time Goes By, (1954), Just Walkin' in the Rain (1956) - with a whistling introduction and accompaniment, Who's Sorry Now (1956) - more poignant than the Connie Francis version and Yes, Tonight Josephine (1957) - for me, his swan song.

These songs were hits in Singapore and Ray was just as famous in the UK and Australia. Such A Night, recorded in 1954, was also covered by Elvis Presley on his 1960 album, Elvis Is Back. Johnnie Ray was a singing idol in his days and, on a personal list, is placed above Frank Sinatra.

On May 17th, 1967 when he was 38 years old, he was in Singapore for a two night concert. He also visited the the Singapore Association for the Deaf at Mountbatten Road. He was interviewed by the press at Hotel Singapura.

Reference: (1) Wikipedia. (2) National Heritage Board, Singapore Website.

Original article: Andy Lim

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Checkmates, Flamingos, Stylers, Robert Song

Shirley Nair left the *Checkmates, to join the Silver Strings in the mid-60s. Robert Song, who was percussionist with The Flamingos Combo Band (check out posting on James Choa), replaced Nair. Although Song fronted the Checkmates as vocalist he was still playing with the Combo band for some time. He was also with The Stylers (check out previous posting under 'Stylers').

Song was the Johnny Ray - Cry - of Singapore and already in the music scene since the mid 50s. He also produced the Paul Anka Competition at the Rex Cinema in 1959 and other stage shows, since he was with Shaw Brothers then. He was best with jazz standards but could sing rock and roll. Just Walkin' In The Rain, was one of the standards he did.

Robert Song and The Checkmates performed at the Cellar and other venues that included the Golden Venus and the Celestial Room. Golden Venus was a rendezvous for British servicemen stationed in Singapore then.

Song, always with a personal touch, distributed postcards of the band while he was with the group. As a graphic artist and an excellent one at that, he designed the above card. Many of the huge cinema posters in the 60s, fronting the Capitol Cinema at North Bridge Road, were created by Robert Song.

The card (image) was a gift from the talented singer. Song had since migrated to the Philippines.

*The Checkmates comprised, Benny Chan (lead), Lanky Lawrence Lee (bass), Hans Hussein (rhythm) and Amir (drums). They were one of the top guitar groups in the 60s.

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Checkmates, Trailers, Golden Venus, Palace

It was Saturday night on the 12th of December, 1964 and obviously about 2 weeks before Christmas. Nightclubs were full and so were the spirits of youths in Singapore. The above advertisement (image) from the Straits Times Press, Singapore, shows the Golden Venus at Orchard Road and the Grand Palace theatre at East Coast Road doing brisk business.

And on Sunday, bands were in full swing with Robert Song and the Checkmates and The Trailers fronted by Vernon having the rockingest time ever.

Although admission was free, patrons paid for their drinks. Usually they bought one drink for the whole afternoon, well sometimes two. But nobody bothered because each couple was trying to show the rest on the floor that the cha-cha-cha, twist, shake and rock would rule the T-Dances that day. After all it was the Dave Clark Five & The Animals Twist & Shake Special.

(Image from: Straits Times Press, Singapore/National Library Board, Singapore.)

The above idea was initiated by Dennis Tan.

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Ambassador Hotel Thanks For The Memories!

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Anonymous commented on May 7th posting under Comment Page on May 13th, 2009 at 1.06pm: "How fab to find this photo of the Ambassador Hotel. As a child in the 1950s I lived next to the hotel at number 44. I would lie in bed listening to the music coming from the roof, often in a language I didn’t understand (I’m English), enjoying it immensely.

One of my other memories is when I would walk by the hotel on my way home from the school bus. The foyer doors were open and the sound of the juke box would waft out as I passed.

I recall ‘Oh please stay by me Diana’ was that Paul Anka? That song should pin point the year. I see from Google Earth that sadly the house and hotel no longer exist, nor the sea view we were lucky to have from our balcony."

(Thanks for writing. Here's another image of The Ambassador Hotel from National Heritage Board, Singapore.)

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Singapore 60s Music. Singapore Blue Diamonds

Thursday, May 7, 2009

Off the cuff: After winning the Singapore Blue Diamonds contest, James Choa and the rest of The Gaylads (popular 60s group with The Flamingos - Posting: April, 9th, 2009) were given a singing contract and arrived in style at the Merlin Hotel in Kuala Lumpur, to be resident vocal group at the Harlequin Room with a full band to accompany them.

They were driven all the way, by car from Singapore to KL, by Tan Swee Leong at the helm of his Ford Anglia. Mr Tan, a celebrity himself, was also the MC for their shows and James remembered they had a fascinating 3 weeks at the hotel.

Since it was the 60s they had time to see the sights in KL during the day and had comfortable accommodation at the hotel itself. Besides a full allowance, The Gaylads were also provided with whatever creature comfort they needed during their stint at the Merlin.

(Image: The real Blue Diamonds with Anneke Gronloh. From National Heritage Board, Singapore.)

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Ambassador Hotel As Lovers Move In Shadows

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

The Ambassador Hotel, opposite Katong Park at Meyer Road near the East Coast beaches, was the rendezvous for lovers. The hotel had a roof garden, with Singapore 60s guitar groups or combo bands playing music by The Shadows, Cliff Richard, Elvis, The Beatles and other superstars.

The Silver Strings and other local bands used to entertain patrons in this hotel with "Wonderful Land", "Sleepwalk" or rebel rousers like, "Shindig", The Young Ones", "Guitar Boogie" and "Twist And Shout." Dancing under the stars was always the theme and youth had its days when the bands floored the dancers with both hot and cool music.

I remember going there with some good friends where we spent the evening over one or two drinks that cost about $6.00 a glass. My favourite drink is rum and coke, a drink I am told that attracts medical problems like diabetes. The ladies we came with were friends and colleagues that had come to support guest bands that played on a particular weekend.

There was an evening where we made floor space for the versatility of the Sunny Low Dancers, the slim young man with the built, grace and charm of Gene Kelly.

Oh yes, Katong Park and the beach were downstairs and it was a slow, five-minute walk to seclusion and privacy. The hotel is gone now but the memories remain.

Image: National Heritage Board, Singapore.

Original article: Dndy Lim.

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Goodwood Hotel Anneke & The Blue Diamonds

Images of Anneke Gronloh and The Blue Diamonds - Rudy and Riem De Wolff - at the Goodwood Park Hotel, Orchard Road, where the trio were staying. These superstars of Singapore 60s were at the hotel for their performance on the island. These photographs were taken on 5.2.62 and 20.12.62.
(Images from: National Heritage Board Singapore Website and Straits Times Press, Singapore)

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PAT BOONE - The All American Boy 60s Image

Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Pat Boone was so popular in Singapore in the 50s and 60s that the country even had an official Pat Boone of Singapore called Walter Koh. I could not acquire a picture of Mr Koh but if he ever reads this blog please get in touch by writing on the comment page. If anyone knows Walter Koh or has a photograph of him please contribute.

Pat Boone, during his Far East Tour, was in Singapore on August, 20th, 1970. He stayed at the Hilton Hotel at Orchard Road with his wife Shirley when they were on their way to perform in Bangkok, Thailand.

Reference: (1) National Heritage Board, Singapore Website. (2) Singapore Press Holdings.

Image: Pat Boon Websites.

Original article: Andy Lim

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Ocean Park Hotel Rehearsals December 1963

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Ocean Park Hotel Dinner & Dance Venue was held at an open concept hall where the sea breeze, cool evening and great entertainment made it a memorable night for many patrons, guests and performers.

It was situated at Upper East Coast Road near the present St. Patrick's School and Jackie's Bowl, one of the first few bowling alleys in the 60s. Andy Young is seen singing to Susan during rehearsal a for an end of year dinner and dance at the hotel. It was held on 21 December, 1963.

Called the Queen of Queens Grand Finale, the other guest artistes included Siri Perera, The Checkmates, David Baskaran, Cyclones, Eunice Sim, Henry Suriya and Percy Leceister. It was organised by Hitachi and a fashion house. The night was hauntingly frightful because a pontianak and vampire were roaming around the nightclub, disturbing the young ladies...

Remember it was late 1963 and the bands and singers were just booming!
Image/original article: Andy Lim Collection.

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Ocean Park Hotel 60s - A Time To Dine & Dance

Monday, February 2, 2009

Ocean Park Hotel was another rendezvous for both fans and bands alike. Many commercial organisations in the 60s held their yearly Dinner & Dance at the hotel dance floor. Situated near St. Patrick's School at East Coast Road, the hotel attracted many people during its weekend dance sessions.

I remember making an appearance there for a grand show in December 1963 where Cyril Pereira was the MC for the night. The CheckMates, Cyclones, Eunice Sim, Henry Suriya, David Baskaran and other personalities were in the lineup. It was sponsored by Hitachi.

Where are these people now?

(Image: National Heritage Board)

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Silver Strings Chinese New Year Kowloon Room

Thursday, January 22, 2009

During the Chinese New Year season Andy Young & The Silver Strings showered their music in many Chinese-styled environment before they acquired recording contracts from Philips. The Kowloon Room was one interesting restaurant where we performed.

Free, fun-loving and fresh our group looked resplendent in dark suits with clasp-ties and shoes to match. Our Fender guitars, except for Ah Chew's rhythm guit, were relatively brand new and the amplifiers on stools were Gibson. Danny Boy in the corner looked set to bang the skins and clash the cymbals.

Wished the image had been in colour. Then we would have been appropriately called, "The Kowloon Silver Strings Quintet".

The little banner on the left announced, "1964". Pictures tell true tales too (click image).

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Adelphi Hotel - Ballroom with the Velvetones

Monday, January 12, 2009

The ballroom of the Adelphi Hotel on 9th May, 1964 when I sang with the Velvetones (Wilson Khoo with lead guitar) during a charity dinner called, "A Nite To Remember".

The song was Cliff Richard's 'When The Girl In Your Arms' and many of them were on the floor dancing and listening to our repertoire of songs.

The Velvetones played some instrumental numbers too.

Notice the big, fat microphone and the long fan hanging from the ceiling. You guessed it, the night was also sponsored by Matterhorn Cigarettes.

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Adelphi Hotel 60s Where Memories Remain

The Adelphi Hotel at North Bridge Road, not far from St Andrew's Cathedral and Capitol Cinema, was another popular venue for pop bands when they entertained for festivities, dinner & dance and charity balls. It had a beautiful dance floor typical of the colonial ballrooms that we had in the 60s.

Image/Original article: Andy Lim Collection.

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The British Invasion On Sunday Afternoons...

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Recognise this place?
What building has replaced it now?
Beside the tea dances at the cinemas (25th Dec blog), tell us your weekend experience at this famous Singapore hotel. Clue: The Dukes.
More about them soon.
(In response to my earlier blog Mr Dennis Tan has been kind enough to send this photo.)

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Ocean Park Hotel Singapore With Wilma Tang

Saturday, December 27, 2008

We have our own well-known female vocalists too. I shared the same stage with WILMA TANG (image taken off a dance-ball magazine) when she sang at a charity dinner in the 60s. She was a hit those days as a professional singer and appeared regularly at the Ocean Park night club at East Coast Road, Singapore.

Singing both in English and Chinese, she was also one of the earlier personalities who graced the television screen locally.

Do you know Ms Tang? If you have more information about her do write in.

Image/Article: Andy Lim Collection.

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Eartha Kitt At National Theatre Singapore

Friday, December 26, 2008

Eartha Kitt sang at the National Theatre and Hotel Malaysia, Singapore in March 1969. Even then we had our share of top international artistes. But was it cheaper to buy a ticket then? And was the show at Hotel Malaysia confined only to an exclusive group?

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Eartha Kitt Has Passed Away at 81 Years Young

Thursday, December 25, 2008

She was a singer whose music I enjoy and whose influence was world wide. EARTHA KIDD has passed on at 81.

I had to write this blog as one of her songs, "C'est Si Bon" is my all time favourite and I remember singing it at the Ocean Park Nite Club a long, long time ago. That's the connection.

The sensual, husky voice of Eartha Kitt lasted for more than 60 years. Her biggest hit was, "Santa Baby". We have all been influenced by her music somehow. May you rest in peace dear lady.

Official website: http://www.earthakitt.com/

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FIFA soccer champ Md. Phirkhan & Daddy Boy

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Quiet and unassuming, Danny Boy (I gave him the name), is the original drummer of the Silver Strings from the early 60's, more than 45 years.

After the Strings, Danny played at the Holiday Inn with The Thunderbirds from 1983 to 1987 and at the Carriage Bar, York Hotel (image) till 2007. Free lancing now, he played at Vivo City in Nov. '08 (see group photo).

Danny is married, has two sons, Pheyroz (32), and according to Danny, is a hotel manager and Mohd. Phirkhan (19), Singapore's champion Fifa soccer player who has provided tips to enthusiasts on how to score in Fifa Online 2 (FOL2). Both are now well-known sons of Singapore!

YouTube: Key in: silver strings singapore

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National Theatre Singapore 60s & Other Venues

Saturday, December 6, 2008

The National Theatre, Singapore, was one of the the places where it all happened and when guitars, singers and audiences screamed in unison.

This blog IS a place to reminisce and contribute photographs. One of the objectives is to show what happened during our rock n roll days at the:

(a) West Point in Pasir Panjang,
(b) Ambassador Hotel roof garden opposite Katong Park,
(c) Palace Cinema at East Coast Road,
(d) Celestial Room at Orchard Road,
(e) Rosee D'or beside Scotts Road,
(f) Golden Venus all at Orchard Road,
(g) Paya Lebar Airport night club,
(h) Ocean Park Hotel night club at East Coast Road,

(i) St John's Ambulance Brigade Hall at Beach Road,
(j) other dance floors where our bands brought the ceilings down!

"The National Theatre (add on/4th August, 2010)

A landmark for the performing arts:

FROM the 1960s to the 1980s, the performing arts here were synonymous with the National Theatre, a local landmark in its heyday.Situated at Fort Canning Park in River Valley Road, the 3,420-seat theatre was the biggest performance venue in Singapore then, and had a revolving stage.

By the people, for the people:

The theatre was dubbed 'the people's theatre' because Singaporeans from all walks of life had contributed to its construction.The plan to build a theatre to commemorate Singapore's self-governance was announced in 1959. A year later, then culture minister S. Rajaratnam urged every citizen to contribute to the theatre fund in a dollar-a-brick campaign.Donations poured in from all sectors - besides cultural associations and trade unions, the man in the street contributed as well.

Shopkeepers, hawkers and labourers pooled their money, while schoolchildren broke their piggy banks - all to help build the theatre.A total of $850,000 was raised for the $2.2 million building, which was officially opened on Aug 8, 1963 for the South-east Asian Cultural Festival.

Plagued by problems

However, the fanfare over the theatre soon gave way to criticism. Audiences complained that the open-air venue was impractical, letting rain and surrounding traffic noise in. It was also home to insects and birds, hardly ideal companions during a classical music concert.More than 20 years after it had opened, a team of engineers found the theatre structurally unstable. Its 150,000kg steel cantilever roof, suspended without pillars, needed reinforcements.

But renovating and enclosing the theatre would mean parting with at least $12 million, a cost that was deemed too steep.Plans for an extension of the Central Expressway next to the building further stacked the odds against its survival.The theatre had its last curtain call after an Indian musical on Jan 15, 1984 and was demolished two years later, despite pleas for its retention from sentimental Singaporeans."

Information from:

http://forums.vr-zone.com/chit-chatting/56250-historic-buildings-singapore-were-torn-down.html

(I couldn't find the author's name, so wherever you are, if you read this, please allow me to acknowledge your article above by providing me your name. Thank you.)

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