Singapore singing artists during the 60s received much support from the broadcasting stations, especially the little brown box (Redifusion 丽的呼声) before there was radio Power 98 or Yes 93.3! Rediffusion (Singapore's first commercial and first cable-transmitted radio station) at Tank Road (now Clemenceau Avenue) was popular because the masses could afford it at $5.00 rental fee per month and there was no charge for electricity consumption. Radio sets in those days were too expensive for many households. It was one of the most common means of affordable entertainment. Thanks to the DJs, their recordings were often given the same amount of air-time on the shows. Apart from the request programs like Rediffusion PO Box 608, most of the recording companies also have their own programs to introduce new releases. With the advent of off-air Television and radio broadcasting through the 1980's, Rediffusion rapidly lost out to the competition and the cable service went into decline.
Many Singaporeans regard The Quests as the band of the 1960s. Even before The Quests, three boys from St Patrick's Secondary School - John Chee (guitar, vocals), Leslie Chia (lead guitar, vocals) and Raymond Ho (vocals, percussion) - were already making waves. They called themselves The Crescendos 的嘹亮and they first gained recognition by taking part as a three-part harmony group in the 1961 Radio Singapore Talentime Contest, which led to get regular gigs and appearances on radio. John wanted to the group to evolve. "I felt we were always singing the same style, very stale," he said. So they roped in Leslie's sister's schoolmate, Susan Lim 苏珊林, as a female lead singer - a rarity in those days. "She was like our little sister," explained Raymond. "When we did our first recording, she was only 13. Her mother would tell us, 'You must take care of her ah!' But she was very mature, didn't let her head swell." While The Crescendos were prepping to take part in the 1962 Talentime, they were offered a record deal. "It was with William Jacks Phonographic Department - that's 'phonographic' - a representative of (Dutch label) Phillips," said Raymond. They didn't win the contest, but their recording of 「Mr Twister / Frankie 」became a massive hit in 1963, surprisingly outselling the original version by Connie Francis. This convinced the international labels about the depth and marketability of local talents, instilling confidence in them to sign up more local artists. Their third single, 「The Boy Next Door」, shot to the number 2 spot in the Philips International Top Ten in July 1963, beating artists like The Four Seasons, The Merseybeats, and Dusty Springfield. By September 1964, it sold over 15,000 copies in Malaya alone. Philips even included the single in a year-end compilation record alongside other top international Philips artists. Their fanbase spread from Singapore and Malaysia to Brunei, Taiwan, Sri Lanka and even Europe. They also expanded their line-up, adding Israel Lim on bass and Peter Soh on drums. However, the economical realities hit home. Despite their fame, their royalties were pitiful, and other than Susan, who was a Singapore Public Service Commission (PSC) student, the rest had to have day jobs. PSC Scholarship provides an opportunity for outstanding young men and women to serve Singapore and Singaporeans, by offering them a fulfilling and rewarding career in the Public Service. In the end, Susan left to further her studies in political science and sociology at the University of Singapore and the group went on hiatus, intending to reform once she finished university . Sadly, it was not to be. On Feb 8, 1970, she disappeared while picnicking off the East Coast of Malaysia, presumably drowned. Shortly after the accident, the University awarded Susan Lim a Bachelor of Arts honours degree in absentia. Until today her remains have never been found." In the annals of the musical history books of Singapore, The Crescendos stand as the first local English act to be signed by a major recording label, and their success paved the way for other acts. As Alphonso Soosay, drummer for Naomi And The Boys said: "Without The Crescendos, there would be no Quests, no us."
「The Boy Next Door」is an original song from the US group called THE SECRETS. The group originally included members Karen Gray, Carole Raymont, Jackie Allen and a girl named Sue. After high school, Sue got married and was replaced by Patty Miller. The song was written and produced by their friends, John Madara and David White. Their first song 「The Boy Next Door」 was a huge hit right away and went to number 18 on US Billboard for 10 weeks in 1963.
The Crescendos - Mr Twister
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfU-res3QIM
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The Secrets - The Boy Next Door (1963)by TheLimePopsicle16,204 views
recalled my younger day at BHS blk 2 level 8 wishes all well and a happy LNY 2012's
ckdavidliu 1 month ago
SGH?
Best wishes for the holidays and happiness throughout the New Year.
恭贺新禧，万事如意。
fhlew 1 month ago
Wow, never heard this one before! Only knew the Secrets version.
59cadcoupe 4 months ago
Thanks ! Enjoy !
fhlew 4 months ago
A great talent taken away too soon, it's such a terrible waste!
Shoknifeman 6 months ago
Yes. Enjoy !
fhlew 6 months ago