Pat Boone And Connie Francis Of Singapore

Saturday, July 31, 2010

LETTER FROM PATRICK:

Patrick wrote on July 31, 2010 at 10.11 am:

"My father is Walter Koh, the Pat Boone of Singapore. My mom was known as the Connie Francis of Singapore."

Andy replied on July, 31, 2010 at 12.36 pm:

Hi Patrick, Thank you for the information. It would really be wonderful if you could get in touch with me by providing your email address as I have always wanted to write about Walter Koh.

Who is your mum? Apparently there are a few Connie Francis impersonators in Singapore.
Cheers.

Patrick's mail: PAT BOONE - The All American Boy 60s Image

Images: Pat Boone in Singapore (National Heritage Board).

Connie Francis: www.thedelicates.com/

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Harry Cheok And Willy Jokers: 1963 - 1965

Friday, June 18, 2010

I first met Harry Cheok (image: 3rd from left with band and supporters) at a private club in Singapore at the beginning of 2010. He was sipping an iced drink despite the cool air-conditioning in the lounge and had just completed the Rolling Stones hit, Walking The Dog, accompanied by his band Blu Moon. Audie Ng, Silver Strings band leader had introduced Harry as Singapore's Johnny Lion. He won the competition singing, Let's Make A Habit Of This.

"Where are the Jumping Jewels?" I asked jokingly. "Gone back to Holland," was his immediate and humorous reply, "but do you know that my own band, Willy Jokers won the contest at the Singapore Badminton Hall in 1965." When I asked him how his band had such a unique name, he explained that the band's financier had a son called Willy and that all of them enjoyed a joke or two regularly when they got together.

Harry related his experience when he joined Willy Jokers as a singer in 1963. Young and fancy free they performed for house and birthday parties from Tanjong Katong to Tiong Bahru. As they became more popular with their R&B selection, RAF Changi contracted them to play at the mess.

With confidence and a year's experience in Singapore's pop music circuit, they decided to participate in the Cliff Richard and the Shadows contest held at The National Theatre in 1964. Harry sang Gee Whiz It's You and remembered that Hamid Bond was the compere with Wilma Tang the guest singer.

They were good, beat the competition but came in third. Kenneth Gomes and The McCoys won the title. Then came the win in '65 when they hit the popularity polls afterwards as Singapore's Johnny Lion and The Jumping Jewels.

More about Harry Cheok in future postings with his other band Wes Cossacks (1965 - 1968).

Image: Harry Cheok Collection. Copyright Reserved.
Article: Andy Lim.

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Been A Long Time Since Elvis Came To Malaysia

Monday, May 31, 2010

FROM HT LONG's SITE:

(1) "I fell ill and lost my voice last night, but I don't want to disappoint you, because you have travelled from as far as Puchong and Cheras in Malaysia to my concert," apologized Long profusely to a crowd of about 120 people at Soon Heong Teow Chew Seafood Restaurant.

As he stood up on a stool, he started singing away and just as the audience was warming up, his singing came to an abrupt stop. His his lips were still moving but without a sound. The audience applauded as he apologised: "Well, ladies and gentlemen, see I told you I have lost my voice, but what you just heard is my own recording. You can buy my CDs and take me home tonight!" His sense of humour sent the audience in stiches. And what a plug!

(2) Although he has 14 albums to his credit singing Presley hits, Long said he was inspired to compose one of his favourite gospel songs, He Is My Everything to the tune of Elvis' rock n roll style. Thousands of people have since heard his composition. In Hong Kong, people pay $1,800 just to watch him perform. "But, here in Aman Puri (Malaysia), you only pay RM20 (Malaysian Dollars) for good food and good performance, " he enthused.

(3) Wilfred Pilo, (Eastern Times - October 7, 2007), from Kuching, Sarawak reported that if the King were alive today, he would probably give HT Long a pat on the back and say, "Well done buddy!" in his strong Memphis accent. Long and many other Elvis impersonators had never crossed his mind as he was neither an Elvis fan nor appreciated impersonators because he grew in a different era. However, after listening to Long's performance, he was, "completely blown away." He said although Long did not resemble the King physically he was impressed with his voice.

(4) Long staged a three-hour "Elvis Forever in Asia" concert and attracted 1,500 people. The event, sponsored by Japan's 5,000-member Elvis Presley Fan Club, was the first of its kind. "No one can replicate him. I just try to do justice to his songs," said HT Long who wore gold-rimmed sunglasses during a rendition of All Shook Up that was punctuated with pelvic thrusts.

(5) Remembering his youth, Long reminisces, "My mom bought me Elvis' records when I was younger. It costs her RM2.50 for a single and RM4.00 for an EP. When I was about 12 years old, I persuaded my mom to buy me a portable record play so I could bring it out every day." But today his own albums have been getting reviews worldwide.

(6) "I did one show in Perth. I looked like a typical Chinese fellow on the posters and the Australians thought it was just another William Hung. When they heard me sing Love Me Tender, they were shocked. Some of the ladies even broke down and cried." (Edited for space constraints by Andy Lim)

Information/Image: http://htlongelvis.weebly.com/index.html

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H.T. Long: Elvis Tribute Artiste From Malaysia

Sunday, May 30, 2010

Paul Dowling from Worldwide Elvis USA calls him, "The man with the golden voice of Elvis". One Walter Pacheco, president of the official Elvis Fan Club in Canada said that HT Long's singing voice is so versatile that he can handle the songs from all three Presley era (50s - 70s) and does an excellent job that not many are able to.

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Ray Cordeiro MBE, well-known radio DJ in Hong Kong told his audience on air that HT Long's singing voice is unbelievably similar and definitely the best he has heard. Besides Hong Kong, Long has sung all over in home town Malaysia including Sabah and Sarawak. He is also internationally known and jets to Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, Australia and even the UK and US to bring Presley "live".

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It has been ages since the discipline master at Klang High School reprimanded Long for keeping curry-puff hair and Presley side-burns. Now the Klang Elvis has made many Malaysians proud and because of his association with the King, dating back to the early 60s, he has even met Presley's legendary manager, Colonel Tom Parker, being a special guest to Memphis in 1984.

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Long was also the founding president of the Elvis Fan Club of Malaysia (1968), the first to be registered and recognised by Graceland Elvis Presley Enterprise at Memphis, USA.

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And how did it all start for HT Long? At 9 years he heard Elvis Presley sing in the movie, GI Blues at the Cathay Cinema in Klang, Johore (Malaysia). The King left a deep impression with Long. The rest is history.

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Listen to him at the side-bar. Does he sing like the King?

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Above image: HT Long with Gurmit Singh in Singapore, 2008.

Information/Image: http://htlongelvis.weebly.com/index.html

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Elvis Presley, Cliff Richard, Ricky Nelson, Matt Monroe Of Ipoh, Malaya (Part V)

Monday, March 1, 2010

During this time in the 60s in small town Ipoh, Malaya, there was also an explosion of singers who really made names for themselves by impersonating and singing songs by Cliff Richard, Elvis Presley, Matt Monroe and Ricky Nelson.

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In my hometown our well-known *impersonators include: Ho Kok Onn - Cliff Richard, Les Lee - Elvis Presley, Johhny Lee - Matt Monroe, and Richard Ng - Ricky Nelson.

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Our band The Teenage Fentons, was always the back-up band for all of them when they performed at the movie theatres like the Lido and Rex Theatre.

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*There are impersonators of western pop singers from all over Malaya in the 60s.

Image/original article: Joseph Chin Collection, Ipoh, Malaysia.

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(A) Pop Impersonators Singapore 60s Idols

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

SINGAPORE IDOLS IN THE 60s:

As far as the mind can remember, below are the names of Singapore pop-singer impersonators in the 60s. Blogger does not believe in apeing famous bands or vocalists but this was an acceptable trend and there was a following when these artistes performed. Fans screamed and clapped when they see their idols on stage impersonating Elvis, Cliff or any singer currently popular then.

It was also a way for singers to be talent spotted by nightclub owners, recording companies, entertainment producers and event organisers. In the 60s such professionals were few and far between but they had connections. The list below may be the first ever produced of title holder impersonators and many of them participated in these competitions organised by cinema organisations, etc. So here goes:

Singapore's:
Nat King Cole - Rahim Hamid (Rahimah Rahim's father)
Louis Armstrong - Rahim Rahman (Flamingo's Combo)
Johnnie Ray - Robert Song (Flamingos/Thunderbirds/Stylers)
Dean Martin - Ahmad Daud (image)
Elvis Presley - Johnny Aroozoo
Pat Boone - Walter Koh

Slim Whitman - Rocky Wong
Cliff Richard - Kenneth Gomes
Paul Anka - Andrew Lim/Andy Young
Johnny Lion - Harry Cheok
Tom Jones - Halil Chik
Blue Diamonds - Gaylads (Flamingos Combo)

Connie Francis - Patricia Pestana
Millie Small - Veronica Young
Beatles - Cyclones
Shadows - McCoys
Jumping Jewels - Willy's Jokers

The list is not exhaustive so if you remember anyone who is a pop singer title holder in the 60s please contribute. Believe it or not, they are still impersonating stars today in the U.S.

Image: www.abangjebat.multiply.com/

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The Esquires - Hot November Night - Vivo City

Friday, June 19, 2009

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, Mean Woman Blues, Wooden Heart and Mona Lisa.

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Checkmates, Flamingos, Stylers, Robert Song

Monday, June 1, 2009

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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British 60s Pop Invasion Singapore - Engelbert

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Yes, it's the man with the strange monicker, Engelbert Humperdinck. Arnold George Dorsey is of British descent but born in India. He invaded Singapore with his quiet British charm and smooth solos.

His release, "Release Me" on March, 4th 1967 became a hit when he teamed up with Tom Jones' manager. It stayed for 56 weeks on the Hit Charts in a single run and was believed to be selling 85,000 copies in a single day. It is also his signature tune and beat the Beatles, "Penny Lane"/"Strawberry Fields" Forever to the top spot. In other words he was the man who beat the Beatles.

"Humperdinck's deceptively easy going style and casually elegant good looks, a contrast to Tom Jones's energetic attack and overtly sexual style, earned Humperdinck a large following, particularly among women. "Release Me" was followed up by two more hit ballads, "There Goes My Everything" and "The Last Waltz", earning him a reputation as a crooner that he didn't always agree with (Wikipedia).

"If you are not a crooner it's something you don't want to be called. No crooner has the range I have. I can hit notes a bank could not cash. What I am is a contemporary singer, a stylized performer, " remarked the man.

By the 80s, he was performing more than 200 concerts a year and also won a Golden Globe Award for best entertainer of the year in 1989. He has sold more than 130 million records.

And so the awards go on. Like Tom Jones, he is as popular today. The man and his music live on.

Again, many impersonators of Engelbert Humperdinck can be found in Singapore. Are they still singing now?

Website: Engelbert.com

Extracts from Wikipedia as indicated*

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Singapore 60s - British Invasion - Tom Jones

There is no discussion on 60s music without mentioning Welsh singer Tom Jones and another man of similar status, because they both appear at about the same period during the 60s. But while Tom Jones invaded Singapore with his British brawns, sexy image and powerful voice, the other swooned his fans with cool, quiet sensuality.

Jones' first song didn't make the hit charts but his second one did and soon everyone was singing, "It's Not Unusual", in early 1965. He went on to sing pop, R&B, ballads and soul with 54 albums, more than 390 hits and 100 million records, so check him out at his own website.

Tom Jones' impact on the Singapore's pop music scene still has local artistes singing and playing his songs today. Many songs have been translated into Chinese and Malay, or at least the melodies are similar.

There are also many Tom Jones impersonators in Singapore. One of them is Halil Chik and the other is Ismail Haron. Many singers with powerful voices are able to emulate the Welsh sex symbol. Jerry Fernandez, a popular DJ and MC, is another Tom Jones impersonator. He sings with the Neu Faces at the Singapore Cricket Club on Saturday afternoons.

Tom Jones is as active as ever on the world circuit, singing his own hits as he would have nearly 50 years ago. Sir Tom Jones is a living legend!

But who's the other one who hit Singapore 60s with as great an impact? Check the next post.

Image: http://www.jasondunn.com

Original article: Andy Lim

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Pop 60s Culture - Ronnie & The Burns Pt 1

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Whether 40 years ago or today, Ronnie See is as handsome and articulate as ever. When Lim L.A. requested an interview, Ronnie decided to cast in stone his thoughts about the Singapore 60s pop scene from his own perspective, naming names that were important, relevant and connected to a once thriving industry. The write-up is one of a two part series by Ronnie.

Part I
Years With The Burns
"Ronnie & The Burns started in mid 1964. I thought in giving the band an easy name, with the audience, Burns was chosen because we love Burns guitars, so I thought that was quite relevant. It sounded good – Ronnie and The Burns.

The initial line up was Jeffrey Wong (lead), Roland Liaw (rhythm), Harris Noel Albert (bass), Philip Poon (drums) and me, leader/vocals. The image also shows Kenneth Gomes, next to Ronnie, who is Singapore's Cliff Richard.

The band first practised in a Singapore Improvement Trust flat in Tiong Bahru Road. It was rather elementary during start up as we could not afford any proper instrument. We had to make do with a home-made bass amplifier, another home made amplifier for rhythm, a Gibson amplifier (for lead) was something special and a Rossini drumset. The band started with Hoffner guitars as during that time we had no means to buy Burns guitars.

The PA system then was of mishmash quality as a proper sound system was just a dream. It did not matter because the enthusiasm was high and that was enough to carry us through. We continued rehearsing and the band progressed quickly. We played at house parties and saved enough to acquire a complete set of Burns guitars over time. Common to most groups however was the feature of group dynamics, the band went through several changes as we scouted for more committed players.

As the band was rehearsing and shaping a repertoire we made regular appearances playing at house parties where we were paid modest sums for the performances. The band’s modest fees were an inducement to keep going and get better. We kept on with our regular rehearsals and accepted whatever bookings came our way.

The band needed a spokesman a role which I assumed in negotiating terms for all the gigs. However the rehearsal venue in Tiong Bahru was less than ideal being a residence and the band moved to another place in nearby Margaret Drive and continued to rehearse there. At this time, the band had already quite regular gigs and earnings were ploughed back into the band to upgrade the equipment.

We purchased a second hand Vox AC30 amplifier together with some other instruments and gadgets. The band was now considered quite well equipped and with the upgraded equipment made a difference to the band's sound and it began to give the band an identity. All these, were the hardwork and commitment to get the band ahead. Eager to test their sound in front of a live audience, the band played a gig at St. Matthew's Church in Neil Road. We played to a full house with proper instruments. I sang Cliff Richard's "Living Doll", "Lessons In Love", "Thinking Of Our Love", "Please Don't Tease", "Theme For A Dream" and some other songs.

Along the way, we found new players and the band became more popular. With more competent players the band was capable of handling a wider repertoire which was starting to veer in the direction of rhythm and blues. In September 1965 Ronnie and The Burns participated in a Beat Band contest which was held at Great World Amusement Park. It was quite a grand event with about ten bands participating in the band finals. LBJ and The Presidents (image soon) took top honours with Ronnie and The Burns coming in a credible second.

In addition to the engagements in many gigs we had, the band even appeared on Istana Pesta (a local TV programme) in 1965, arranged by Zain Mahmood who was a local big wig on the music scene. In 1966, we’ve organized one of the largest events at the Singapore Conference Hall then, the event was called Ronnie & The Burns Night featuring many local top bands like, Shirley Nair & The Silver Strings, The Checkmates and The Cyclones, Naomi and The Boys, *Rony & The Echo Jets. That event night had a full house.

After the 1966 event, the band was engaged by Cathay Organisation to travel to Malaysia for a 6 months contract playing at different states in Malaysia. We travelled from Johor northwards and the show went on smoothly until Kuala Lumpur, I decided to leave the group and came home when the condition did not permit me to continue. So it was at the end of 1966 that I decided to leave the band I loved."

*Pastor Rony Tan is the founder and Senior Pastor of a mega-church called Lighthouse Evangelism in Singapore.

(Part II continues below. All Rights Reserved.)

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Elvis of Malaya & Fabulous Falcons (Part I of III)

Sunday, March 15, 2009

ABOUT ROCKY TEOH:

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FROM BACK SLEEVE COVER:

(1) "Rocky Teoh, better known as Malaysia's Elvis Presley in the 60s, was born in Taiping, Malaysia on 2nd April, 1946. As a boy he loved singing more than anything and had won many talentime contests in school and throughout Malaysia.

Rocky had been with the Fabulous Falcons for nearly 3 years wich was at that time been formed. Together they have toured Malaysia performing with the Cathay Organisation Theatres for six months. They will be touring Thailand performing in popular nightclubs and theatres at the beginning of Sept. 1965 till end of November (EAP Album 7 SE 010)."

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FROM DAUGHTER ANNE TEOH'S FACEBOOK:

(2) "In 1965 Rocky also won the coveted title, 'Elvis Presley of Ipoh'. The prize included a roadshow contract to tour all over Singapore and Malaysia. He hit the road with The Fabulous Falcons and performed at Cathay's Cinemas as far away as Sarawak and Sabah.

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"If you're lookin' for trouble, you came to the right place..." During a show in Singapore, Rocky and the Falcons were booed by Singaporeans. This did not sit well with these Ipoh bad boys. Later on the tour, once back in Ipoh, there was a riot in the theater when the local rabid Rocky faithfuls reciprocated with boos and obscenities directed at The Quest, a group from Singapore.

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The show was interrupted and cancelled and the Quest had to be escorted back to their hotel to avoid a retaliatory pummeling."

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## CLICK Fabulous Falcons OR Rocky Teoh/Alfred Ho LABELS BELOW FOR THE 10 PART SERIES.

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Thanks to Steve Farram for the clearest image of ROCKY TEOH from Garagehangover website.

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Malaysia, Elvis Presley & The SILVER STRINGS! Part II of III

Saturday, March 14, 2009

It was a night to remember. THE SILVER STRINGS were on The Jubilee Hall stage in Ipoh with Rocky Teoh in 1967 when they went on their Malaysian Tour. It was also on this tour that the group met MIKE & HERB.

Audie, band leader, remembers: "Rocky sings like Elvis and he was very popular with the crowd, had a fantastic fan base in Ipoh and the rest of Malaysia. We enjoyed our gig there too as the audience was warm and cheering for us when we appeared."

Rocky Teoh has cut 2 singles, 12 EPs and 2 LPs during his reign from 1965 to 1967 with the Falcons. According to a website dedicated to him by his daughter Ann Teoh, "Rocky's quality, power-packed stage performances were a real treat to watch in the good old days."

One song, "Jacqueline," is dedicated to his wife and based on a Chinese oldie, "Yeh Lye Xiang". Rocky has passed away in 1990 but like The King his music lives on. Rocky is one of the better tribute artistes in Malaysia.

YouTube: key in: rocky teoh malaysia >>>>>>>>> above right corner of this blog.

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Malaysia's Answer To Elvis - ROCKY TEOH Part III of III

Like the Mercedes Benz beside him, ROCKY TEOH is a brand name to contend with. Although made in Malaysia and long gone, Rocky is still a challenge to many current and would be Elvis Presley impersonators. In fact I find him fascinating to listen to despite the screams and shouts in some of his recordings by his back-up group but many of the tracks are well-worth listening to.

With the charitable act of which only a Malaysian friend could provide, I managed to get a copy each of Rocky Teoh's albums, 'Cool Wind' (image) and 'Kiss Me Once' both a Tung Poh Records pressing.

Thank you very much SNOOKHAWK who not only gave me his stack of 45 vinyls but his heart and soul when, over laksa and tim-sum, he told me stories of Malaysian pop singers.

Listening to these recordings makes me realise that Rocky's fans will surely remember him like they do of The King himself.

About Rocky Teoh:

"ROCKY TEOH BENG HOCK better known as Malaysia's 1st and best Elvis Presley Impersonator and sound alike, born in Taiping, Perak on April 2, 1946, his father was a successful pork salesman. Hock was the eldest of six boys and of Hokkien descent.

Rocky was something of a teruna (Malay slang for an "adolescent male all up in it") in his late-teens. It was common knowledge that he lived above Tai Chien Coffee Shop where he could be heard rehearsing with a band."

Check out Steve Farram's write-up and music posts at http://www.garagehangover.com/ and Rocky's daughter, Ann Teoh's website at: http://www.rockyteoh.com/

Facebook: Rocky Teoh.

YouTube: key in: rocky teoh malaysia

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Millie Small & Connie Francis of Singapore

Thursday, January 8, 2009

And so The Silver Strings (Audie background) with Veronica Young singing, 'My Boy Lollipop', 'Where The Boys Are' and 'Hippy, Hippy Shake.'

When she sang the audience was able to stand up and stretch themselves. Sitting two hours on gallery seats was something. They did some exercises with her as she sang.
Pics: Steve Farram

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ELVIS PRESLEY Has Not Left The Building.

Tuesday, December 30, 2008

Elvis Presley has influenced the pop music world tremendously so while trawling the Net and looking for impersonators I found this picture...

Is it Elvis? Or isn't it? I am not talking of the chap who was in America's Got Talent, far from it. This is Elvis, and short of being blasphemous, resurrected Elvis. He was born when Elvis died, in 1977.

There are hundreds of Elvis impersonators but he's really one of the best!

Watch all his videos on: http://travisledoyt.com/

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Michael Gold - Easy But Deep & Mysterious Too.

Sunday, December 28, 2008

Michael Goh or Gold is a pleasure to listen as the songs recorded suit his style: easy, calm, reassuring and provocative. There's an incitement about his vocalization, deep and mysterious.

He sings for pleasure and was part of a duet with his brother when they won the Amateur Nite Contest at the Capitol Cinema in the 60s. Michael went on to sing at functions, nitespots and recorded songs by Martin & Presley in his own elegant manner. His Xmas album has a truly yuletide feel.

Gold is a pseudonym as the CDs were released in the U.S. only and not for local consumption.

Michael Gold stands tall with his CDs.

Images: from Michael Goh CD covers

Original article: Andy Lim

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Tube Radios In Singapore - Grundig, Pye, Telefunken, Normende, Siemens

Thursday, December 25, 2008

The 60s - That's about 20 years after World War II, so when people settled in after the fighting, Elvis Presley mumbled over the airwaves and I heard him on my father's GRUNDIG radio. Later when b/w television appeared he gyrated his way into the living rooms of Singapore homes.

Cliff Richard, Gene Vincent, Tommy Sands and the rest came, churning out songs like stencilled copies off the Gestetner hand-cranked machines at the office. Similarly Singapore had its copies of singers who aped artistes from the West. Do you remember these local singers?

Image: img.alibaba.com

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Paul Anka of Singapore Only An Avenue Of Fun

Friday, December 5, 2008

Because I loved singing on stage, I participated in the Singapore' s Paul Anka competition in late 1959. Luckily for me I won the contest. The win allowed me to break into the music scene but I only wanted to sing as a non-professional.

Besides the large trophy I received, the products, vouchers and cash that came with the title were all worthwhile. It was a lot of fun for me but I never had the intention of using the title again after winning the contest.

I must admit I can only sing in my own way and I will never ever try to imitate others again. Aping the west was also the in-thing in the 60s but I have never agreed to such an idea. To be honest I never like Paul Anka's songs. Maybe "Diana" and a few other songs.

Siva Choy said, "I took part in the All-Singapore-Paul Anka-Singing Competition. This must have been in 1960 or '59. I got as far as the semi-finals and then I got knocked out. That was a great experience (Legends of Golden Venus - p15, J. Pereira)."

(Image: From Paul Anka Website.)

YouTube: Key in: paul anka diana

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Rex Cinema Singapore - Paul Anka Singapore

Thursday, November 20, 2008

'Singapore's Paul Anka' at the Rex Cinema:

I was interested in music since my days at St. Andrew's School, Singapore and sang during classroom concerts and school functions. When I started working, I took part in singing competitions like 'Amateur Night' at the Capitol Cinema, the Vespa Club Nite at Siglap Road and annual picnics run by commercial organisations.

Although I never participated with the intention of winning, I was surprised when I won the Singapore's Paul Anka title in 1959/1960 (Shaw Brothers were promoting a Paul Anka movie at the Rex Cinema called, 'Girls' Town'.) I never looked back after than and free-lanced with a few bands like the Velvetones and Swallows.

I met The Silver Strings when I met Audie (bass) and 'Danny' (drums) during their jam sessions at Idris Road. The others were David (lead) and Wilfred (rhythm). At that time the group practised songs by the The Shadows, The Ventures and other groups.

But as Paul Anka was I a copy cat? Check out later blogs on this issue.

Image: From Shaw Brothers Website.

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