Singapore 60s Music Blog: Accolades For Andy

The people below have either appeared, contributed articles or commented on this blog. All comments are new and were received within these months in 2024. 

Thanks to the folks below who did. Appreciate the recognition this blog receives.

JOHN KLASS [RADIO DJ: MEDIACORP GOLD 905]

"Andy Young! Keep up the great work on your blog

I enjoy reading it. It’s always a great trip. 😊👌🏻"

DANNY KOH [PIANIST/LRSM, FLCM]

"Thank you Andy. Wow!! I'm truly amazed at your blogs. 

You jogged my memories. Yes, the photos and stories

reminded me of the good times!" 

HENRY CHUA [BASSIST/'QUESTS']

"Andy, Your blog must be the most informative on the music

scene. I check it often. Congratulations! 🙏🙏🙏 👏👏👏".

LESLIE WILSON JOSEPH [MUSICIAN/GUITARIST]

"I love your articles. It's a history lesson for me."

STEPHEN HAN [SINGAPORE/CONTRIBUTING WRITER]

"This is Andy Young aka Andy Lim who is not only a wonderful singer but also a prolific writer. Do visit his music of the 60's blog and you’ll like it immediately. It contains interesting and good information of local and international recording stars. You won’t be bored because there are quizzes for you to solve."

Danny Koh: I Wish You Luck

YouTube Video: ktjong

HIROSHI DEGUCHI [JAPAN/CONTRIBUTING WRITER]

"Hi Andy, I am always  honoured to be on your blog.

I always respect your country and its achievements."

DENNIS NG [SINGER/DANCER/CONTRIBUTING WRITER]

"Hi Andy, Thank you very much for your blog. You have showcased many in the music scene in Singapore and there’s never a dull moment reading the various stories of different people. Once again, thank you for your great effort and keep up the good work!"

"Comment is from my friend, a top local lawyer 

and accomplished guitarist," says HAPPY TAY 

[VANCOUVER ELVIS PRESLEY, BC. CANADA].

"Andy Young is probably the only one in Singapore that is keeping Music Memorabilia in Singapore alive and fluttering, as many of our generation have reached an age who treasure precious memories of our past. Kudos to him. His site will be worth a lot in time to come. Please convey my good wishes to Andy. When you next come back to Singapore, we could get him together." 

ELLA TAN [BLOG READER]. ILLUSTRATION

 "I have to write you here, but I have to tell you that you always share great posts. I was fascinated by your great contributions and your wonderful pictures.  God bless you.

Stephen Han With Andy. Thanks For The Posting Stephen.

Mr Stephen Han [above with Mrs. Han] posted the Facebook article below and 3 numbered photos on 7th July, 2019. Stephen has written many stories for this blog. Click his name under 'Labels' to read his posts. Thank you very much my friend.

✏✉:

"This is Andy Young aka Andy Lim who is not only a wonderful singer but also a prolific writer. Do visit his music of the 60's blog and you’ll like it immediately. It contains interesting and good information of local and international recording stars. You won’t be bored cause there are quizzes for you to solve."

Reply:

'Wonderful' and 'prolific' are descriptions I am grateful for Stephen but if the blog is 'interesting' and provides 'good information', then these are achievements indeed. Again thanks for the accolades.💓🙏

[1]

[2] 

The year we boarded the cruise ship 

and sang and played.

[3]

Surrounded by jackpot machines and our fans.

Stephen with Andy

Click to view:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2019/04/silver-strings-singapore-on-cruise-ship.html

Singapore 60's Music Rediffusion: Top Tunes Of The Week By Stephen Han.

    UP T0 1,800 VIEWS,   

75 CHATS, COMMENTS

Written by Stephen Han, this article is one of his many contributions for the blog. I cannot thank you enough my friend. Click his name below under 'Labels' after this story and read more...

During my schooldays, I was very fond of hot songs and music. I practically glued myself to my friend’s Rediffusion  box [image] and listened to the the wonderful programs on the Silver Network. 

The ones that I love are, “So You Want To Be An Announcer”, ”From Your House” and “Top Tunes Of The Week “. ”From Your House” was then hosted by Noreen Sales in which a family can have their favourite songs played. ”You could be an announcer and had your songs dedicated and played in, “So You Want To Be An Announcer”. I managed to win a $100 prize in guessing the top tunes according to their order. 

One programme I like best was the “Martin Block And His Make Belief Ballroom.” [image]. This show not only played the current top songs but also gave good account of every song just like that of the ones by Casey Kasem.

I used to attend the variety concerts with my friends and two lovely sisters, Maggie and Molly Phua and their neighbor, Janet Tay. I got a chance to hear band from nightclubs like Benny Klieman Trio, from Prince Garni Hotel and Joseph Goh and his skiffle group. When Mike Ellery called for volunteers for a play, my friends, Albert Sim and Peter Mun literally dragged me up on stage.

Then came Steven Lee, Larry Lai and Theresa Khoo. These three persons were given major roles. They 'read their lines so cleverly and never missed a cue,' just like the Hollywood actors. I did not fare badly. The story was then broadcast to the enjoyment of Rediffusion listeners a couple of weeks later.

You soon noticed that Steven Lee became a well known radio news reader while Larry Lai became a famous radio and TV personality. Theresa Khoo did some recording with her voice in, “Unspoken Words” and played the piano with some Canto Pops groups.

Sometimes famous singers and bands were invited to perform and I had the chance to watch the live performance of the pretty, Haley Mills through the courtesy of Lorna Sales, [image: the girl with the hula hoop]. Haley sang her hit song from her movie, “The Parent Trap” the lively song “Let’s Get Together”. After that she did an autograph session with her dad, namely, John Mills.

The tiny Rediffusion box had provided me lots of joy and happiness and I ‘m sure the pioneer generation had great times with it.

Written by: Stephen Han [Copyrights Reserved.]

John Mills and daughter Haley Mills

who were interviewed on stage at

the Odeon Cinema in conjunction with

the movie, 'The Parent Trap'.

The Parent Trap: Let's Get Together.

With Haley Mills [Split Screen Technology 1961]

YouTube Video: TheDISNEYcollection.

Writer, Mr Stephen Han [in pink]

With Andy.

Stephen's Stories About Singapore 60s Music:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/search/label/Stephen%20Han

Images: Google.

Image details will be inserted soon.

Psycho [1960] - Anthony Perkin's Letter To Stephen Han

 UP TO 1,300 VIEWS N 20 COMMENTS

Anthony Perkins, young, handsome 

and a big hit with fans all over the world in his 

starring role in the movie PSYCHO [1960].

A personal letter from Stephen Han 

"When I was young, I used to listen to music of all genres, be it pop, country or jazz.  As for movies, I like the action, drama, comedy and musical ones. I was obsessed into writing to my favourite pop or movie stars for their autographed pictures. Not all of them would rely but I did receive from Brenda Lee, Anne Murray, George Straits, Helen Shapiro and a few others.

As for film stars, I had some lovely photos of Sandra Dee, Susan Pleshette, Connie Steven’s and Elizabeth Taylor. However, I was really surprised to receive a quite long letter from Anthony Perkins. Remember him, I guess the Pioneer or Silver generation did for his excellent role in the hit “Psycho”, in which he starred with Janet Leigh. He played his part cleverly and the movie was a box office hit. I hereby leave you with the letter that I had from him."

Thanks Stephen for allowing us to read Mr. Perkins' letter to you. It is certainly very rare that famous movie stars would want to reply personally to their fans. This missive is a treat indeed. Andy.

A personal letter from Anthony Perkins to Stephen Han:

Anthony Perkins, actor, 

director, singer died in 1992.

[Copyrights Reserved]

'Psycho' [1960] Theme song that starred

Anthony Perkins n Janet Leigh

Directed by Alfred Hitchcock.

Echoes of Psycho 

Bernard Hermann

by Singapore Symphony Orchestra

17-18 September 2021.

Victoria Concert Hall

Click below for details

https://www.sso.org.sg/orchestra-season/red-balloon-series-echoes-of-psycho

Images from Google 

YouTube video from 'Music Scenes'

Happy World Stadium - Music, Wrestling, Boxing, Globetrotters, Skating by Stephen Han

UP TO 3,800 VIEWS,

100 CHATS & COMMENTS

Happy World, New World and Great World Amusement Parks were the venues where the working folks visited to unwind from the stress at work. The defunct Happy World was once the biggest arena in South East Asia. In the 50s and 60s it hosted a variety of entertainment for Singaporeans.

Beside the usual, dancing at the Happy Cabaret, Malay ronggeng at the gazebos outside the shops and some food stalls, where music was concerned, it was the venue where the original Platters sang.

Johnnie Ray also sang here with Lola Dee as his opening act. I was fortunate to see a very young Cliff Richard performing with the Shadows minus Tony Meehan who was replaced by Brian Bennett.

The original Platters at Happy World in the 1950's

A good friend related how he watched Abbe Lane, sultry singer from South America and her husband Xavier Cugat performed with their orchestra in full splendour in the huge stadium. Mr. Cugat carried a chihuahua [dog] as he lead the band. It was so small he could carry it in his coat pocket.

The audience were thrilled. with the orchestra's big sound. At that time the big bands with saxophone, trombones, trumpets and a double-bass was common. No keyboards but a grand piano, so grand that it stood majestically in black fronting the stage.

My father took me to watch the “Holiday On Ice”, beautiful skaters gliding on ice in supreme command of the jeweled floor. I was very young still and was embraced by the calm and cool of an entertaining team of wondrous snow-folks.

Then the thrilling and hilarious Harlem Globetrotters, tall African Americans dwarfing their 'rivals' on the basketball court. Most were seven-footers and for drama, one tall player even carried his five feet rival and nearly threw him into the net. It was a hilarious show mixed with thrills and spills by these superb sportsmen from the USA. They were led by their white manager, Abe Saperstein.

From IPOH ECHO 1st Nov 2019

Boxing And wrestling matches were regularly held in the Happy World Stadium. Remember Wong Buck Lee, Leow Kwang Seng, Bosca Boa and the notorious King Kong, whose main rivals were Dara Singh and Lee Leong Fu [image above].

I used to watch boxing too and noted the great rivalry between Lim Kee Chan and Sonny Chia. There were international boxers like Boy Brooks and the three Sand Brothers from Australia.

The martial art schools like Karate and Tai Kwan Do held their tests and gradings there too. Happy World which was later named Gay World had served its purpose as more venues around Singapore were built to host sporting and entertainment events.

Sadly the stadium and its surrounding buildings were demolished. A field stands today, our reminder of an important venue that once stood tall in entertainment.

An original article by Stephen Han [w. Mrs Han]

Thanks so much Stephen.

A poster of the HOLIDAY ON ICE SHOW 

at the Happy World Stadium 

Ticket for an evening with the original Globetrotters.

[https://www.ebay.com/itm/rare-1961-Singapore-Happy-World-Stadium-

HARLEM-GLOBETROTTERS-BASKETBALL-ticket-/153887360202]

Here's a newer post:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2025/03/happy-gay-world-stadium-free-wrestling.html

Images from GOOGLE.

If images are copyrights,

do write in; they will be deleted.

Disclaimer

No items are being sold on this posting.

Images have to be connected to a website for copyrights purposes.

Colour Me 60's: Larry Lai & Swee Leong Beaten By Stephen Han

When I messaged Stephen to ask if I could post his interesting story from Facebook he immediately relented. He's been a regular feature on this blog.

Mr and Mrs Stephen Han.

"Keep posting your blogs cause without them 

it’s a little boring during the lockdown."

Thanks again Stephen for your cute little anecdote which many seniors from the 60's could have experienced i.e., the antics of Tan Swee Leong and Larry Lai when they were forever on stage at the Odeon Cinema in town, giving off their best with their comedic chats and flawless spoken English. 

Forward the clock and read what happened in 2002. 

A different venue though.

Stephen Han on stage carried by Vernon and Jay during the show "Colour Me 60's".

The National Heritage Board organized the “Colour Me 60's Show“ at Raffles City Singapore in 2002. This act featured local singers, Jay Shotam  and Vernon Cornelius, radio and TV personalities, Tan Swee Leong and Larry Lai and one half of the famous Blue Diamonds, Riem de Wolfe. Brian Richmond was there too and while he was interviewing Tan Swee Leong, the subject of the “Yes/No contest was brought up.

Five volunteers were called up on stage to try and beat the master, Swee Leong by refraining in a little game to say, “Yes and No” when he posed some questions. 

I happened to be the last one. The first person was floored when he said, “Yes”to the first question posed. The next three contestants did not fare well too.

When it was my turn , I felt excited and a little nervous. I had to psyche myself not to use the forbidden “Yes/No” answer . I did well by not mentioning the banned words for sometime.

As the game carried on after a long while, I was caught saying, “Yes “when Swee Leong asked whether I like my sons. I thought I had lost, but Larry Lai came up and said I had beaten (exceeded) the five-minute mark. I was elated and happy and was able to defeat the master of this “Yes /No “ game😊.

Article and Images: Stephen Han (Copyrights reserved).

Larry Lai (left) and Tan Swee Leong when they were at Rediffusion Singapore in the 1960's as Disc Jockeys and compering shows all over the island. Swee Leong (right) passed away a few years ago.  He was also a very good pianist and a generous friend. 

You can check them out almost everywhere on this blog. Cheers.

The late Riem de Wolfe, young brother of two, The Blue Diamonds, a singing duo from Indonesia and Holland who captured the hearts of Singaporeans with their singing and harmony. Elder brother, Ruud had also passed away.

Connect:
https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2017/09/riem-de-wolff-blue-diamonds-rip-1943.html

Pretty Blue Eyes, one of my favourites and I performed it on stage a few times with Michael Bangar doing 2nd voice. 

Andy's 60's Music: Sunny Low & Dancers Friendly Chats

Chatting about Sunny Low and Dancers

There was friendly chatter about Sunny Low which I think should be posted. Below are some of them who know Sunny on stage during their performances. 
Hopefully readers get a better knowledge of the kind of camaraderie music friends had in the 60's.

Winston Koh who sings and sounds like Cliff Richard:

During 60's whenever I appeared on Singapore TV shows it was an honour to have the backing of the Sunny Low Dancers most of the time. Besides, Sunny had another male dancing partner by the name of Victor Koh. 

Great to know the Poh San Studio is still very active. Well done Mr Sunny Low.

Andy Young 
Thank you Winston. You are blessed to be able to sing on TV and be backed by Sunny's dancers. It's a privilege indeed. Cheers.

Sunny Low is on TV again, a documentary about him and his family of dancers. I'm so glad. Another one of our many 60's music heroes but as a dancer. 

Below are more fond memorable comments about Sunny.

Peter Cheong 
Sunny n Betty Low of Poh San dance studio. They were iconic dancers who appeared on TV often in the 60s.

Stephen Han 
I used to see Sunny and Betty Low dancing on stage at school fun fairs,various cinema halls and on TV.I witnessed them winning the Cha Cha Cha dance contest at the Great World Cabaret.

The most memorable event was when Sunny took the stage at Majestic Theatre to dance with popular Hong Kong actress,Grace Chan aka Ker Lan.  In the 60s most of the actors and famous film stars from Hong Kong learn dancing from Sunny Low.

Grace Chang in Mambo Girl who learnt some from Sunny Low according to Stephen Han.

Andy Young 
Again thank you Peter and Stephen for the information you both provided. I am glad he and his family are featured on Toggle TV where effort by our local SG population is recognised nation wide.

Alfredo Wongo
"Great piece of write up on Sunny Low and his grand daughter Tasha Low . Was once Sunny’s student in Ballroom dancing Waltz but didn’t persevere after  four lessons."

Freda Hanum
Oh my Andy, the unforgettable Sunny Low Dancers, it's also my most unforgettable times with them in the late 60's. Sunny and Betty Low was my dancing instructors, I feel so at home at the Poh San Dance Studio each time I go for my practices. 

I was picked to dance with them in the popular Chinese Variety Show too. Unfortunately when I started to begin my music career, I feel so sad to turn down his offered to train me for the ballroom competition in Japan with his younger brother. I chose music over dancing. 

I would be so glad to get in touch with Sunny and his whole family again. Wow he too will be shocked to hear from me. 

Thanks Andy, you brought back the great memory for us.

Andy Young
Thanks Freda. I think you did the right moves: to sing and play keyboard. I'm sure you would have made it as a dancer too... Thanks for the nostalgia. Without great contributors like you, the blog would've had no shine. Cheers.

Irene Yap
Really nice to read about Sunny and his family! Now reading all that is being shared by so many here is just great! It's bringing back wonderful memories of yesteryear! He choreographed a solo dance for me at the Cathay Restaurant when I was 16!! He was the best!!

Rose Khoo 
Featured On the red dot

Michael Lee 
Hi Andy, during my time was Low Poh Sun, Sunny's dad. My nieces and nephews and their partners learnt dancing at the Sunny dance studio during their younger days. 

Just to add, I don't dance, however my dad's band did often provide the ballroom dance music. 

If my fried brain memory is correct, the iconic ballroom in Singapore then was none other than the Grand Raffles ballroom, the iconic tango was La Cumparsita and the iconic ballroom dancer was Low Poh Sun and partner with my dad's band De' Combo Alacat often providing the music. 

The tango is not easy to dance but very beautiful and graceful when well performed and needless to say Low Poh Sun and partner was one of the best in the late 50's and early 60's. Cheerio

Tango: La Cumparsita Video from Ercaliffo 1 (14 million viewers.)

Andy Young 
Again, many thanks to IRENE, ROSE and MICHAEL for the pieces of information and comments. I shall convey these messages to Sunny myself. He remembers well and conducts tango and waltz lessons currently. Also a big thank you to the others who LIKE this post. Cheers everyone.

Sunny Low Original Story. Please connect below:

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2013/01/4-generations-sunny-low-to-tasha-low-of.html

Images from Facebook Personal Profiles.

Sngapore 60s Music RIP Jay Shotam (October Cherries)

Jay Shotam passed away on 4th October 2019 

Age 71 
Lead singer, composer, songwriter and bass guitarist/keyboardist with The Surfers and The October Cherries with several music albums to his credit.
A loving husband and father, he leaves behind his immediate family, relatives, friends, and fans to mourn his loss.

Tribute From Stephen Han:

I remember the Surfers, with Jay Shotam in the lead, were always practising their songs in a book shop opposite the former Amber Mansion. My house was facing the back of this shop and I enjoyed the music played. 

However, someone who stayed at the Cathay Building and didn't appreciate music complained to the police that the noise was a nuisance.  As the Surfers were playing within the eleven pm hour they were only told to lower their volume. 

I had the pleasure of meeting Jay again at a concert organised by the National Heritage Board in 2002 at Raffles City. The Back To The 60s Show also featured Riem De Wolff (The Blue Diamonds), Vernon Cornelius, Larry Lai, Silah Kassim, and Tan Swee Leong.

Jay Shotam was an easy-going guy and I'm glad to have met him.

RIP Jay.

(Mr. Stephen Han is a good friend and guest blogger. Thank you, Stephen.)

There are many postings about the 'October Cherries' as a band. 
Go to the Content column on the right side of this blog and you can connect.

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2018/03/october-cherries-recording-with-drummer.html

https://singapore60smusic.blogspot.com/2009/12/october-cherries-in-december.html

Written by Jay Shotam and Peter Diaz. Peter sings 'Far Away Now' with the October Cherries. Thank you.

This tribute is written in good faith with positive intention. If there is any objection, please write on the comment page and the post will be deleted immediately. Thank you.