(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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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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