A Singaporean but of Shanghainese parentage, she came into prominence when she won the Rediffusion Talentime singing contest in the late 60s. She was signed up for a recording contract immediately and a song, Three Dreams, was specially written for her first new album. Soon Zhang Xiao Ying became a household name.
Since A-Go-Go music was popular during that period, she signed up with Golden Urn Records and produced some. She became very much in demand.
In the beginning, she was accompanied by the instrumental group, The Travellers but was later backed by The Stylers who were more popular in the region then.
When she came under Denon's Prinstar Records the promotion of her latest pressing would be broadcast on Rediffusion weekly. She is known to sing her songs clearly, with perfect diction, energy and feeling.
In the early 70s, when black and white TV was popular, RTS - Radio Television Singapore - had a programme called Hua Yuen Liang Xiao hosted by famous comedians Wang Sar & Ye Fung. Scheduled on Friday evenings, Zhang Xiao Ying appeared every third Friday dishing out her latest hits.
NB: A gentleman who calls himself 3 Dreams has a beautiful and informative blog on the singer. Please click on the website below. The above edited article is from this website.
Image/Article: Andy Lim Collection
It is quite obvious that this back cover of Zhang Xiao Ying's Prinstar EP vinyl is promoting the 60s Denon stereophonic record player, popular amongst the general public who cannot afford expensive European, British or American sets. 
