Rocky Teoh

November 23, 2006

rocky-teoh.jpg Rocky Teoh - 101

Rocky Teoh, better known as one of Malaysia’s best Elvis Presley impersonator acts, was from Taiping. Rocky Teoh & The Fabulous Falcons played a packed audience in Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand from 1965 to 1967.

In 1965, Rocky released his first EP which he dedicated to his childhood girlfriend who later became his wife. Jacqueline went to No.1 in the local radio charts. The song was based on an original Chinese popular tune “Yeh lai siang”. Rocky’s other memorable hits include Selina and Thinking of you.

Rocky Teoh recorded with various bands around Taiping such as The Voltaires (“Jacqueline”), The Castinos, The Mirages, Los Indians and others. The Fabulous Falcons were from Ipoh: Christopher Choong (lead), Thomas Ham (rhythm), Tommy Ong (bass), Tony Lee (drums).

(SELINA)
Selina my true love
Your charm has captured my heart
Your eyes are like stars above
Your lips are tender and sweet
May be you’ll be my girl
And love me like I do
For the love I’ll bring to you
Makes you the queen of my heart
Guess of all the girls I’ve known before
Never thrill me like you do
So now I pledge my whole heart to you
With bending knees at your command
Someday you’ll be my bride
And children we will share
Boys for you and girls for me
Happy as lovers should be

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Jacqueline and Rocky were married

(JACQUELINE)
Tonight, tonight is just the night
For the moon is shining so bright
We shouldn’t miss such a night
Like this my dear Jacqueline
Because its the right time for love
Hello, hello my dear
I’m speaking to you through the phone
Because I’m all so alone
Counting the stars above
Won’t you please listen to me
Jacqueline, Jacqueline my love
Don’t you know I love you most of all
Well surrender now, be mine tonight
Give me the thrill of your love

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Posted by franas

Valentine & The Phantoms

November 23, 2006

Valentine

Valentine & The Phantoms were formed in 1963. Valentine was from Gurun, Kedah, Malaysia. The Phantoms were from Seremban, Negeri Sembilan. They were pioneering, being the first band to record on an international label (Philips) from Malaysia. Roselyn was a one-hit wonder for the band. It was another case of the “B” side which turned up to be the “better” song. Valentine also recorded with The Sapphires.


Valentine & The Phantoms: Valentine Patrick (vocal), Albert Sua (lead), John Anthony (rhythm), Harold Lawrence (bass), Aloysius Danker (drums).

Valentine & The Phantoms: I’ll let you know, Roselyn
Valentine & The Sapphires: See you in dreamland, This can’t be home, Leaves leave, Scene after scene

(ROSELYN)
My darling, Roselyn
Why did you go away?
You told me that you loved me
You said that I’ll be the one for you
But darling, guess I was wrong
My heart longed
To see you again
Oh Roselyn, can’t you hear my plea?
My darling, can’t you ever see that I want
You back again?
*Dear, can’t you see?
That I still love you so
My darling, Roselyn
I prayed that you come back to me
And now that you’re gone my world is dark
With emptiness surrounded me
So darling, come back to me

(Spoken)
My darling, Roselyn
I will never forget the moments we shared together
Let bygone be bygone, dear
And always remember, I love you
And I always will, my darling, Roselyn

4 Comments | Valentine & The Phantoms | Permalink
Posted by franas

Girvin Sisters (Elizabeth and Marilyn)

November 23, 2006

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They will always be fondly remembered as the the “bow-woo” girls in The Quests’ all-time favorite song, “Don’t play that song (you lied)”. Elizabeth and Marilyn were also singers in their own right.

Elizabeth and Marilyn with The Dukes: My drummer boy, Dream up a dream, Without you, L’Edera.

(L’EDERA)
Son qui, tra le tue braccia ancor
avvinta come l’edera.
Son qui, respiro il tuo respir
son l’edera legata al tuo cuor.
Sono folle di te e questa gioventù
in un supremo anelito
voglio offrirti con l’anima
senza nulla mai chiedere.

Così, mi sentirai così
avvinta come l’edera
perchè, in ogni mio respir,
tu senta palpitare il mio cuor.
Finchè luce ed amor sul mondo splenderan
finchè m’è dato vivere
a te mi legherò
a te consacrerò
la vita.

Son l’edera per te
son l’edera legata a te

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Maurice Patton & The Melodians (with Simon Junior)

November 22, 2006

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Maurice Patton & The Melodians (摩利士賓敦領導音符樂隊) influenced a whole generation of Chinese musicians in the Far East. Outside the EMI label, The Melodians were most highly sought to provide backing for countless Chinese singers. Here, Simon Junior ((西門魯尼), the drummer, sang many of the mega hits of Wong Ching Yian (backed by The Melodians of course) in English! Maurice Patton used the echo unit heavily to create a Chinese beat style which was copied and being emulated by all the other Chinese bands.

<SORROWFUL MEMORY>
Sorrowful memory, of love that I have known
Born to worry, that is my fate
Lonely as time goes by
Where is my love, where is my love
No one knows how I feel
Ah … Hiding my sorrow with a smile
Pretending that love has been
Wondering here, where is my heart?
Tell me why I am crying

<AH LANA>
The breeze blows on so calmly
The sun shines brightly in the sky
The rain had come and flood the fields
When I have been waiting, for my only, Ah Lana
Ah Lana, don’t you know that I love you so
Don’t you know that I long for you, Ah Lana
Ah Lana, you’ve been longing just for me
You’ve heard me calling you, Ah Lana
I love you with all my heart
That’s all I have to say
Come to me, darling, we’ll meet again
We’ll be in love once more, Ah Lana
Don’t you know that I love you so
Don’t you know that I long for you, Ah Lana

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The Strollers

November 22, 2006

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The Strollers from Kuala Lumpur was formed in 1965. They were always compared to as Malaysia’s answer to The Quests, the top band from Singapore “across the causeway.” The comparison was for popularity and top act from the two neighboring countries which once belonged to the same Federation. The Strollers was really a different band playing heavy and a lot of late sixties styled pop-psych music with killer organ, guitar & flute. The original band comprised of Michael Magness (vocals, organ), Nand Kumar (vocals, congas), Billy Chang (bass guitar), Hassan Idris (lead guitar) and Ramli (replaced by Hussein Idris (drums). Some of their best loved hits were Just as I Am (sang by Nand), Silly Joke (sang by Billy), and Do What you Gotta Do (sang by Michael). They recorded the acclaimed psychedelic “Waiting is …” album in 1973 before disbanding. Billy Chang revived the band for awhile by teaming up with Terry Thaddeus on guitar, Richard Gomes on keyboards and singer Azman Warren. (In 2008 after 15 years lapse, ex-Stroller drummer Hussein Idris has recruited some well-known musicians to form The Stroller2: Hussein (drums/vocals, The Strollers 1969), Casper (bass/vocals, The Memories 1978), Desi (lead vocals/percussions, The Memories 1983), Nan (lead guitar/vocals, Grim Preachers 1970) and Lord (keyboards/guitar/vocals, The Boys 1985.)

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The Surfers / The October Cherries

November 18, 2006

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The Surfers recorded with EMI with their first EP “Hooray for Hazel” topping the charts in Singapore and Malaysia in 1966. They continued to do successful covers like Bad moon rising, Hey Jude, I will, I started a joke, I gotta get a message to you, Ola-di Ola-da and a wonderful version of Ballad of Romeo and Juliet. In 1968, the band changed its name to The October Cherries and started to record under its own label, BAAL. The October Cherries also recorded as Jade & Pepper (Jay and Pete) and Funkgus (with additional musicians from UK).

The mainstay of the band: Richard Khan (drums), Jay Shotam (lead singer/bassist), Peter Diaz (singer/lead guitar), Benny Siew (guitar).

The Surfers: Hooray for Hazel, Mony Mony, Oh my love, Answer me, bang-a-shang-a-lang, Betcha by Golly Wow, By the time I get to Phoenix, Chewy chewy, Do something to me, Don’t tell it to Jane, Ebony eyes, Hello-A, Hey Ho (Mrs. Vandebilt), Hey Jude, Honey (I miss you), Hot child in the city, I started a joke, I’m gotta get a message to you, I will, Love me do, Ob-la-di, Ob-la-da, Love theme from Romeo and Juliet, Muddy water, Take me back home, The mule.

The October Cherries: Butterfly, Beautiful Sunday, Man with a gun, Far away, All things work together for good to them that love God, Cucucu Choo, Coffee toffee squares, Lay down your love, All alone, Bad trip, Broken chair, Can I hold your hand, Deborah, Dream man, Dreaming seller, Felicia (Flowers for your grave), Help, I’ll wait, It’s all there, It’s happening again, Jig a jurf jurf, Surprise surprise, Take me Ohio, This is our love song, Who changed the weather, Melodie skies (Give back the ring), Pretty maid, Na na song, Same old song, Something I love about you, One fine day, Please love me.

(HOORAY FOR HAZEL)
*Hooray for Hazel, she put me down
Hooray for Hazel, she made me her clown
Hooray for Hazel, she’s up to her tricks
Hooray for Hazel, she’s gettin’ her kicks

Hazel’s been in love with many a guy
She tells them that she loves em and then says goodbye
Hooray for Hazel, I’m now on her list
I’m just another fool that couldn’t resist

Hazel never feels any pity or shame
A broken heart is just a part of her evil game
Hooray for Hazel, she did it again
I’ll join the ranks of broken hearts that she put me in

Hazel only does things she wants to do
She’s selfish and she’s spoiled and she knows that she’s cute
Hooray for Hazel, she still gets her way
But there’s a time a-comin’ we’ll be able to say

Hooray for Hazel, there’s tears in her eyes
Hooray for Hazel, she knows how to cry
Hooray for Hazel, she’s meek as a dove
Hooray for Hazel, she’s beggin’ for love
Hooray for Hazel, there’s tears in her eyes
Hooray for Hazel, she knows how to cry

1 Comment | The Surfers / The October Cherries | Permalink
Posted by franas

The Tidbits

November 18, 2006

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It was 1968 when Serene Wee (13), Merlina Wee (12) and Bernedette Souza (12) won the Talentime hosted by Radio and Television Singapura. They sang “I believe”. The Tidbits were the first to record for RCA in Singapore.

the-tidbdits-101

(Backed by The Trailers): I believe, Breaking up is hard to do, Lace covered window, Never my love;
(Backed by The X’periment): Scarlet ribbons, Come softly to me, California dreaming, Tragedy.

(SCARLET RIBBONS)
I peeked in to say good-night
Then I heard my child in prayer
“Send for me, some scarlet ribbons
Scarlet ribbons for my hair”
All our stores were closed and shuttered
All the streets were dark and bare
In our town, no scarlet ribbons
Scarlet ribbons for her hair
Through the night my heart was aching
Just before the dawn was breaking
* I peeked in and on her hair
In gay profusion lying there
Lovely ribbons, pretty ribbons
Scarlet ribbons for her hair
If I live to be one hundred
I will never know from where
Came those ribbons, lovely ribbons
Scarlet ribbons for her hair

(BREAKING UP IS HARD TO DO)
Don’t take your love away from me
Don’t you leave my heart in misery
If you go then I’ll be blue
‘Cause breaking up is hard to do
Remember when you held me tight
And you kissed me all through the night
Think of all that we’ve been through
Breaking up is hard to do
* They say that breaking up is hard to do
Now I know, know that it’s true
Don’t say that this is the end
Instead of breaking up I wish that we were making up again
I beg of you, don’t say goodbye
Won’t you give our love another try
Come on baby, let’s start a new
‘Cause breaking up is hard to do

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The Trailers

November 12, 2006

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The Trailers signed with Cosdel label and released their first SP in 1966. An original composition, “Do it right“, reached No. 1 in Singapore. The line-up were: Victor Woo (lead), Edmund Tan (rhythm), Eric Tan (bass), Tony Zee (drums), Michael Teo (organ) and Benny Koh (vocals). The Trailers followed it up with another No. 1 with a cover of Lucille. A Chinese New Year EP was released in 1967. It featured Jimmy Chan who had replaced Michael. The joyous instrumental rendition of a popular CNY song, “Phoenix Theme“, became a standard.

Golden Venus Records, 2005: The Trailers (Singapore Pop 60’s)

Do it right, Thunderball, Don’t laugh (you’ll cry), Lucille, Pheonix Theme, Lara’s song, Ding dong song, Ali san, Quiver, Run away hide, Irene goodnight, Mohair Sam, Girl of my dreams, You only live twice, Come back my love, Be faithful be true, I’m ready now, Peter Gunn, Raise yor hand, Gimme little sign.

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Naomi & The Boys (with Henry Suriya)

November 12, 2006

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Naomi Suriya endears her fans as the girl who always has to “say goodbye to her baby.” Her brother, Robert, composed several memorable hits for her with this undertone of tears all through.

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The first lineup of The Boys consisted of Robert Suriya (lead), Peter Richards (organ), Moses Tay (rhythm), Henry Richards (bass), Jose Ahmad (drums). Naomi & The Boys released their first record with Philips in early 1965. An original composition, “It’s all over” quickly became No. 1 on the Singapore and Malaysia charts. The Boys then went through some changes. A new lineup emerged with Robert Suriya (lead), Peter Thomas (rhythm), Moses Tay (bass) and Alphonso Soosay (drums) which lasted until the end. With Naomi, their next record also produced another No. 1 hit with a cover version of “Happy happy birthday, baby!” Another original composition on the EP, “I know“, was also a smash hit. Robert’s song-writing machine continued to produce many more hits for Naomi & The Boys. They distinguished themselves as a local band with the confidence in themselves to sing and play their own original compositions. Naomi & The Boys were also credited with the first local Christmas EP.

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Henry Suriya , an older sibling, had his own separate singing career. Henry was also backed by The Boys and recorded with Philips in 1967. His first hit, “Love is a golden ring“, was a classic. Some of his other hits were “It’s no sin (to love you)“, “I’m so lonely (I could cry)“, “Loving you” and “Donna“.

Polygram, 1995: Remembering … Naomi & The Boys with Henry Suriya
Disc 1: Happy happy birthday, baby; I know; It’s all over; Please baby, please; Poncho; I’m the loser; I’d like to know; As life goes on; Call me your clown; Blue mist; How was I to know; It doesn’t matter; Old photographs; Why I’m walking; I’m crying inside; Happy birthday, sweetheart; If you change your mind; A woman’s world; Bad loser; I’ll never be the same; Don’t be surprised; Today; He’s mine; Life I wanna lead.

Disc 2: Silver bells; Mary’s boy child; My first Christmas without daddy; An old Christmas card; Love is a golden ring; I’m so lonely (I could cry); I lost her; I love you a thousand ways; It’s no sin (to love you); The unfaithful kind; It’s left to be seen; I’ll always love you; Thank you!; That’s all I have to say; Loving you; It’s a little more like heaven; Walk through this world; The best of me; I love you; I won’t miss you; The time has come; Get you outta my mind; The wind blows your face away; Talk; I need somebody; I call your name.

(HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABY)
Happy happy birthday, baby
Although you’re with somebody new
Thought I drop a line to say that
I hope that this happy day
Will find me there beside you
Happy happy birthday, baby
No I can’t call you my baby
Seems like yers ago we met
On a day I can’t forget
Was the day we fell in love
Do you remember
The names we had for each other
I was your sweetheart
You were my baby
How did we say goodbye
Hope I don’t spoil your birthday
I’m not acting like a lady
So I’ll close this note to you
With good luck and wishes too
Happy happy birthday, baby

(I KNOW)
I now you’ve found somebody new
It seems she’s the one you adore
So darling, please be fair
Although you don’t care
I know you could never be mine
It seems like only yesterday
You said that you loved only me
But now I can see
Your love could never be
So please, I wanna be free
You told me that it’s true love
Called me your turtle dove
I’ve learned you’ve lied to me
So please, set me free
Tell me is she just like me
Do you use the same old lines
So here’s good luck to you
Lots of happiness too
I know you could never be mine

(AS LIFE GOES ON)
Looking back into the past
I can see mistakes I’ve made
If I could only relive those years
I have loved and I have lost
I’ve learnt about the cost
Memories linger on
As life goes on
I’ll pretend I’ve never lost
And hope someday I’ll find
Someone whose love is true
As life goes on
True love is so divine
True love’s sublime
Why is it so hard to find?
This love I could call all mine?

(I’M SO LONELY (I COULD CRY)
I am waiting
Just hoping you’ll call me
I am wishing
You will drop a line
I’m so lonely I could cry
I miss you
I’m longing to kiss you
Please hurry back to me
I’m so lonely I could cry
*Now what’s keeping you
Keeping you so long
Don’t you know
I love you so
Miss you so
And I want you to know, my darling
I wish you were by my side
And holding me tight tonight
I’m so lonely I could cry

(LOVE IS A GOLDEN RING)
Love isn’t just for tonight
For two arms that hold me so tight
Love is a song that you must learn to sing
Love is a golden ring
Love’s not a satin romance
The kiss that follows the dance
Love is a forever and everlasting thing
Love is a golden ring
The wedding in the church
The happiness and tears
A little ring you wear
Will last through all the years
And in our golden days
We’ll find eternal spring
Love is a golden ring
So please wouldn’t you wear it for me
The faith sweet charity
And for only lovers
Last this message we will bring
Love is a golden ring

3 Comments | Naomi & The Boys (with Henry Suriya) | Permalink
Posted by franas

The Thunderbirds

November 9, 2006

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The Thunderbirds was formed in 1962. The lineup of Derrick Fitzgerald (lead), Harvey Fitzgerald (vocals, rhythm), William Wee (bass), Freddie Tan (drums) recorded a single in 1966 with “My lonely heart” on the A side. The song became No. 1 in Singapore and Malaysia. Harvey sang the haunting ballad with Derrick playing some very effective slide guitar licks using a comb. In 1967, they released another successful SP but it was the slip side “You were made for me to love”‘ which became another favorite hit.

My lonely heart, My hula girl, You were made for me to love, Michael and the slipper tree, Mohair Sam, Move it, Pixie, Silence is golden, Sloop John B, Tell me you are mine, The house that Jack built, Tracy, Tribute to my love, What goes on, Wild nature, Always in mind, Birthday, Blame it on the bossa nova, Call your name, Hey girl, I miss your love, I’m as sad as I can be, I’m sorry she’s mine, Lamplight, Little lady.

The Thunderbirds (L-R):
Derrick Fitzgerald (lead)
Ivan Fitzgerald (percussions)
William Wee (bass)
Freddie Tan (drums)
Harvey Fitzgerald (vocal, rhythm)

(MY LONELY HEART)
The music was a’playing
And my heart was a’swaying
But I knew right then
I wouldn’t dance again
The people were a’laughing
While I, I was a’crying
For you were gone
And I was left alone
You, you stole my heart that night
The night you said goodbye
And now, now I beg of you
Please return my heart so I may cry
Every night I dream
I will meet you someday
But I know it’s true
I won’t be seeing you
*You, you’ve been my only one
But now, now I’ll always be blue
For I, I’ll be the lonely one
Just wishing and hoping to find someone like you
I guess I will never
Ever find another
For I knew
It will always be you

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