(9) Canadian 60s Leonard Cohen Bird On A Wire

"For four decades, Leonard Cohen has been one of the most important and influential songwriters of our time, a figure whose body of work achieves greater depths of mystery and meaning as time goes on.

His songs have set a virtually unmatched standard in their seriousness and range. Sex, spirituality, religion, power – he has relentlessly examined the largest issues in human lives, always with a full appreciation of how elusive answers can be to the vexing questions he raises. " From: http://www.leonardcohen.com/bio.html

Bird on the Wire is one of Leonard Cohen's signature songs. It was recorded on 26 September, 1968 in Nashville and included on his 1969 album Songs From A Room. Listen to it sung by Aaron Neville, one of the Neville Brothers.

Conclusion:

The names of pop singers and musicians below may not necessarily be from the 60s music genre but they are a personal list of about 400 taken from Wikipedia:

Paul Anka, Michael Buble, Leonard Cohen, Celine Dion, Nelly Furtado, Corey Hart, K.D. Lang, Gordon Lightfoot, Luba, Sarah McLachlan, Joni Mitchell, Alanis Morissette, Anne Murray, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Shania Twain, Neil Young.

This is the 9th and final posting in the series under Canadian pops. The reader is invited to make comments.

Reference: (1) Leonard Cohen Website (2) Wikipedia.

Image: http://www.whatwouldhenryrollinsdo.wordpress.com/

(8) Canadian Pop Music Influence: Paul Anka Child Prodigy Diana, Crazy Love, My Hometown, Lonely Boy, My Heart Sings. Eso Beso, My Way

Paul Anka, of Lebanese descent, was born in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada in 1941. Known for his song, Diana, many pop enthusiasts are not aware that it is not his first recording. Another song, I Confess, was written when this child prodigy was only 14.

When ABC record producer, Don Costa signed him on with his second composition, it sold 10 million copies worldwide. Dedicated to his baby-sitter, (I'm so young and you're so old...), Diana became synonymous with Anka.

By 1961, when Singapore pop was in its infancy, Paul Anka had already composed and recorded 125 songs with many of them in the top pop charts. He moved into movies with Let's Rock and Girls Town. The latter film spawned his biggest American hit, Lonely Boy.

He wrote for movie/TV themes and for many famous artistes in his time. My Way, one of his greatest hits, has been covered by Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Babra Striesand, Julio Iglesias, Gypsy Kings, Bon Jovi and Robbie Williams. Below is a list of some of the songs he wrote:

(1) Buddy Holly: It Doesn't Matter Anymore,

(2) Donny Osmond: Puppy Love (girlfriend Annette Funicello),

(3) Connie Francis: Teddy,
(4) Frank Sinatra: My Way (Comme d'Habitude/french song),
(5) Tom Jones: She's A Lady,
(6) Johnny Carson's: The Tonight Show Theme Song,
(7) Movie: *Girls' Town with, Lonely Boy,
(8) Movie: The Longest Day Theme Song.

Paul Anka is still singing today and his favourite haunt is Las Vegas. He performed at the Kallang Indoor Stadium on September, 22nd, 2008 in Singapore.

*This movie was promoted with a Singapore's Paul Anka Competition at the Rex Cinema in 1959. Check the third posting on December 6th, 2008, on this blog.
Reference/image: http://www.rocky.52.net/
Original article: Andy Lim

Woodstock - Jimi Hendrix, Joan Baez, Ravi Shankar, Santana, CCR, Joe Cocker, The Who

How awesome! While writing about Joni Mitchell and Neil Young, the song Woodstock, which was written after the festival, came to mind. It was 40 years ago to the day that this unique but controversial event took place.

The Woodstock Music & Art Fair (image) or just Woodstock was held at Max Yasgur's dairy farm in the town of Bethel, New York from August 15 to August 18, 1969. It is in Sullivan/Ulster County.

There were supposedly thirty-two acts performing outdoors in front of nearly 500,000 concert-goers. The Woodstock rock festival was a phenomenon and was one of the major milestones in popular music; it was a moment that changed the history of rock and roll. It also brought the 'flower people' together.

Among the artistes appearing, were Joan Baez, Ravi Shankar, Santana, CCR, Janis Joplin, The Who, Joe Cocker, Blood, Sweat and Tears, Sha-Na-Na and the great Jimi Hendrix.

In Singapore in 1969, pop 60s enthusiasts could just read about the event in the newspapers, on radio and TV news. Although the festival became a symbol for peace, love and good music, it was also a place where drugs were consumed all around. Were there fond memories of this event? Was it a co-incidence then that Singapore 60s music began its decline in the early 70s?

"Be sure to wear some flowers in your hair..."

Reference: Wikipedia

Image: Wikipedia.

(7) 70s Canadian Music Influence: Anne Murray

Image: http://chicagostarz.com/

(6) 70s Canadian Music Influence: Neil Young

Image: http://bringbackmusic.wordpress.com/

(5) Canadian Pop 60s Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Anne Murray, Gordon Lightfoot, Leonard Cohen

The Universal Soldier, by Buffy Sainte-Marie, was one of the first songs to contribute to the 1960s' anti-war movement. By the late 1960s, Gordon Lightfoot, Joni Mitchell (image), Leonard Cohen, and Neil Young also became known for their thoughtful lyrics and unique performance styles.

Neil Young, in particular, emerged as a successful and influential figure, exploring highly contrasting folk, country, and hard rock idioms over the next several years. He accompanies himself on guitar, harmonica and piano. Heart Of Gold (1972) is one of his best songs. He never relinquished his Canadian citizenship although he often sings on US themes and subjects.

In the 1970s, Anne Murray became an international star by interpreting songs in a pop-oriented style. She is one of the most successful Canadian pop superstar and paved the way for others like Celine Dion, Shania Twain and Sarah McLachlan. Snowbird (1970) was followed by so many other hits, Murray is still as famous today and her songs are still being played all over. Blogger had to opportunity to enjoy a live performance by Anne Murray in Winnipeg, Manitoba in the mid 80s.

Reference: (1) Canadian Encyclopedia Historica/Music In Canada. (2) Wikipedia. (3) Neil Young/Anne Murray Websites.

Image: http://musicsojourn.com/

(4) Canadian 60s Music Influence: Four Lads

Although well accepted and internationally famous, many fans in Singapore in the late 50s and 60s were unaware that this vocal quartet were originally from Canada. The group first made their mark in the US in New York, when they accompanied *Johnny Ray (earlier posting) with Cry and A Little White Cloud That Cried (both 1951).

When they recorded with Columbia, The Four Lads had their first independent success with The Mocking Bird (1952) and their second with Istanbul (1953). Twenty singles were released by 1959 and all characterized by their closely harmonized singing. Recordings during these years were on 78rpm.

These hits also included Skokiaan (1954), Standing on the Corner (1956), Who Needs You (1957), and the million-seller, Moments to Remember (1955). The group also cut many LPs for Columbia, Kapp, and Dot. These were the songs Singaporeans listened to and collected before the transition to rock.

When rock n roll hit the world afterwards, one of the Four Lads remarked, "Well, after the Beatles hit we knew that the party was over. It was obvious. It was over as far as the recording studio was concerned. We made some records after that but nothing with any success. Not only that, but nobody wanted to record people like us - they wanted to do only rock. But we kept working, doing our thing, and singing to our audiences..." Contemporary Musicians Magazine.

*Robert Song, who fronted The Checkmates and The Stylers in the 60s, was Singapore's Johnny Ray. He was with The Gaylads (vocal quartet)/Flamingoes Combo too.There are many Four Lads Websites on the internet. It is interesting to note that The Four Lads are still active today.

Reference: (1) Canadian Encyclopaedia Historica. (2) Wikipedia. (3) http://www.musicianguide.com/
Image: amazon.com
Original article: Andy Lim

(3) Canadian Music Influence: The Diamonds

Very well-known during the 50s were three vocal quartets from Toronto, who later emerged as international stars. The first group, The Four Lads perfected their well-tuned style by singing gospel music and being in the St. Michael's Cathedral Choir School.

Their former schoolmates, the Crew-Cuts, would modify African-American Rhythm and Blues chart hits to create pop hits songs like Sh-Boom (1954, originally by the Chords), became a craze for white audiences.

The third Toronto based foursome, The Diamonds (image) precipitated a major dance craze in the world, based on their recording, The Stroll (1958). Also, Little Darlin' (1957) and Why Do Fools Fall In Love (1956), became Singapore hits.

Do not mistake them for The Blue Diamonds (3 postings on this blog), who came from Holland and were very popular in Singapore.

Reference: Canadian Encyclopaedia Historica.

Image: The Diamonds Website.

(1) Canadian 60s Pop Music Influence In S'pore

These few postings will take readers for a Canadian 60s pop music ride, as the Canadian music influence in Singapore is quite extensive. It is another journey and the names of artistes and songs are mentioned because they are familiar and also personal favourites.

Before the advent of television and when radio was king of the living room and bedroom in the 30s to the 50s, bandleader Guy Lombardo and His Royal Canadians had a number of hit songs which began with the early microphone, early radio-era pop song, Charmaine, Red Sails In The Sunset, Young At Heart, Deep Purple, etc.

Another internationally successful Canadian-born bandleader of the 40s and 50s was Percy Faith (image) and his orchestra. Many senior Singaporeans still remember him as the man that made 50s and 60s pop songs into beautifully orchestrated 'lush' music, e.g. Born Free, Windmills Of Your Mind, Theme From A Summer Place and hundreds more.

Jazz pianist Oscar Peterson was also a world success from the 50s onwards. Most enthusiasts remember him even till today. Peterson was the 'Maharajah of the Keyboard' and the 'Brown Bomber of the Boogie Woogie.'

Then there's Nova Scotian country music star Hank Snow who, after making an impact in Canada, went to Nashville, Tennesse and became famous. In 1954, before young Elvis Presley became popular, Snow allowed him to appear on stage as his opening act.

Image: amazon.com

Reference: 1. Canadian Encyclopaedia Historica. 2. Wikipedia.

Original article: Andy Lim.