Friday, December 27, 2024

FOCUS on * LES FENTONES! * Written by Pop Yeh Yeh Scholar, Ghaz (KL, Malaysia, Dec 12 2024)

 



The late A. Karim Jais (1946 – 1999) (second from left) accompanied by Les Fentones as special guest stars in the film “Playboy” (1967) directed by Noordin Ahmad (1932 – 1971).

Les Fentones was one of the Singaporean bands that were active during the pop yeh yeh era. The band consisted of Kamaruddin Ahmad (lead guitarist), Manaf Ahmad a.k.a. A. Manaf (bass guitarist), Aziz Ahmad (rhythm guitarist cum keyboardist) and M. Said (drummer). Kamaruddin Ahmad and his brother Manaf Ahmad composed most of the songs that the band recorded and wrote their lyrics too.

The band’s first involvement in music recording began in 1965 when it accompanied M. Osman (1940 – 2001), from which 2 EPs and an SP were made with Teo Kwang’ s Eagle Records.

 


M. Osman & Les Fentones – Desa Suchi (The Sacred Village)[1965]

DESA SUCI - M.OSMAN & LES FENTONES

 

M. Osman & Les Fentones – Gelombang Rindu (Waves of Longing) [1965]

M OSMAN GELOMBANG RINDU

 

M. Osman & Les Fentones – Dara (Maiden) [1965]

M Osman & Les Fentones – Dara

 

 

M. Osman & Les Fentones – Selamat Tinggal Puja’an (Goodbye, My Love) [1965]

M. Osman & Les Fentones - Selamat Tinggal Pujaan (K. Scorpio) - 1965

 

M. Osman & Les Fentones – Dendang Patah Hati (Song of A Broken Hearted) [1965]

m osman & les fentones dendang patah hati

 

M. Osman & Les Fentones – Dendang Membawa Diri (Song of Carrying Myself) [1965]

M. OSMAN/ LES FENTONES- DENDANG MEMBAWA DIRI

 

M. Osman & Les Fentones – Kaseh Berduka (Grieving Love) [1966]

M. OSMAN/ LES FENTONES- KASEH BERDUKA

 

M. Osman & Les Fentones – Mawar-Ku Pergi (My Rose Has Left) [1966]

M.osman & les fentones mawar ku pergi

 

M. Osman & Les Fentones – Jiwa Merana (A Languishing Soul) [1966]

M. OSMAN/ LES FENTONES- JIWA MERANA

 

M. Osman & Les Fentones – Bulan Bintang (The Moon and The Stars) [1966]

M. OSMAN/ LES FENTONES- BULAN BINTANG

 

After making 3 albums with M. Osman, Les Fentones became more active in 1966 and 1967 when the band was assigned to Suria Records. A. Karim Jais (mentioned as A. Karim then) and Fatimah H. S. were two singers that they accompanied the most in their respective records.



Songs from these EPs include the following:

A.    Karim Jais & Les Fentones – Kechewa Chinta (A Disappointed Love) [1966]

a karim jais & les fentones _ kechewa chinta (1966)

 

A.    Karim Jais & Les Fentones – Harapan Suchi (A Holy Hope) [1966]

a karim jais & les fentones _ harapan suchi (1966)

 

A.    Karim Jais & Les Fentones – Julaidah (Julaidah) [1966]

A. Karim & Les Fentones - Julaidah (Manaf Ahmad) - Jun 1966

 

A.    Karim Jais & Les Fentones – Bahgia Menjelma (Happiness Transformed) [1966]

a karim jais & les fentones _ bahagia menjelma (1966)

 

 

A.    Karim Jais & Les Fentones – Peristiwa Merachun Hati (Heart-Poisoning Events)[1966]

a karim jais & les fentones _ peristiwa merachun hati

 

A.    Karim Jais & Les Fentones -  Membisu Sa-Ribu Kata (Silent for A Thousand Words)[1966]

A KARIM JAIS & LES FENTONES Membisu Seribu Kata Ep SA 1003 , 1966

 

A.    Karim Jais & Les Fentones – Janji-Ku (My Promise)[1966]

A KARIM JAIS/ LES FENTONES- JANJI KU

 

A.    Karim Jais & Les Fentones – Merayu Kaseh (Flirting With Love) [1966]

(*To search for audio)

 

Fatimah H. S. & Les Fentones – Rindu Jangan Menangis Pun Jangan (Don’t Cry or Longing for Me) [1966]

fatimah h s & les fentones _ rindu jgn menangis pun jgn

 

Fatimah H. S. & Les Fentones -  Istana Chinta (The Palace of Love) [1966]

fatimah h s & les fentones _ istana chinta

 

Fatimah H. S. & Les Fentones – Senyuman-Mu (Your Smile) [1966]

Fatimah H S dan Les Fentones - Senyuman Mu 1966

 

Fatimah H. S. & Les Fentones – Paduan Kaseh (The Harmony of Love) [1966]

Fatimah H S & Les Fentones - Paduan Kasih


Song from this EP include:

A.    Karim Jais & Les Fentones – Suasana Jiwa (The Soul’s Atmosphere) (1966)

A.    Karim Jais & Les Fentones – Bahgia Berubah Derita (Happiness Turned into Suffering) (1966)

Fatimah H. S. & Les Fentones – Pengorbanan (Sacrifice) (1966)

Fatimah H. S. & Les Fentones – Ratapan Hati Luka (A Wounded Heart’s Lamentation) (1966)

LES FENTONES SA 1002 Full Ep

 



Songs from this EP include:

A.    Karim Jais & Les Fentones – Chinta Hampa (Empty Love) [1967]

A.    Karim Jais & Les Fentones – Si-Dara Jelita  [The Beautiful Maiden) [1967]

A.    Karim Jais & Les Fentones – Akibat Chinta (The Consequences of Love) [1967]

A.    Karim Jais & Les Fentones – Kau Di-Hatiku (You, in My Heart) [1967]

A KARIM JAIS & LES FENTONES FULL Ep SA 1007 1967

 

Owing to their remarkable success in song recording, A. Karim Jais and Les Fentones were invited as special guest stars in the Cathay Keris film “Playboy” in 1967.

 

A.    Karim Jais & Les Fentones performing 3 songs in the film “Playboy”.

Himpunan Video Muzikal Lagu-Lagu Petikan dari Soundtrack Filem "Playboy 1967"

 

Besides accompanying other singers, Les Fentones also recorded their own songs, this time with bass guitarist Manaf Ahmad as the lead vocalist.



Manaf Ahmad (second from left) became the lead vocalist of Les Fentones in this recording.

Les Fentones – Di-Sa’at Bahagia (In happy Times) [1967]

Les Fentones - Di Saat Bahagia.

 

Les Fentones – Chari Yang Lain (Find Another Lover Instead) [1967]

a manaf & les fentones _ chari yang lain

 

Les Fentones – Derita Batin (The Inner Suffering [1967]

a manaf & les fentones _ derita batin

 

Les Fentones – Harapan Menjelma (Hope Manifests) [1967] 

A manaf harapan menjelma

 

Before calling it quits in 1968, Les Fentones recorded another EP, this time with a pop yeh yeh singer named A. Azman.

 

 

A.    Azman & Les Fentones – Nada Rindu (A Tone of Missing You) [1968]

a azman & les fentones _ nada rindu (1968) - YouTube

 

A. Azman & Les Fentones – Chinta (Love) [1968]

a azman & les fentones _ cinta (1967)

 

A. Azman & Les Fentones – Irama Ria (The Rhytym of Happiness) [1968]

a azman & les fentone _ irama ria (1967)

 

A. Azman & Les Fentones – Oh… Bunda-Ku (Oh.. My Mother) [1968]

(*to search for audio)

 

Written by Ghaz, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

 

Credits to:

 

1.          Teo Kwang’s Eagle Record, Singapore

2.          Suria Records, Singapore

3.          Cathay Keris Film Production, Singapore

4.          Wikipedia (in Malay)

5.          discog

6.          Yudhie, Sarawak

7.          Imran Ibrahim, Melaka

8.          Nostalgia Hassny

9.          Aziz Cruise Desa

10.       popOK classical

11.       Mohd Islam

12.       Nasri Mohd Kelan

Posted by DJ Carl Hamm at 4:54 PM 0 comments

Monday, November 11, 2024

Terry Thaddeus (1947-2003) - The "Jimi Hendrix of Malaysia" - written by Ghaz

 Terry Thaddeus (1947-2003), the lead guitarist of a Malaysian multiracial band called The Hunters. The band was featured in Studio Merdeka's 1968 film "Lain Jalan Ka-Shorga" (The Other Path to Heaven). 



Terry Thaddeus (right) and his band The Hunters in the film Lain Jalan Ka-Shorga.
"Menchari Pasangan" = "Finding A Partner"
"Musim A-Go-Go" = "The A-Go-Go Season"
In 1963, Thaddeus and his schoolmates from the prestigious St. John's Institution in Kuala Lumpur formed a band originally called The Teenage Hunters. The band consists of Thaddeus himself as the lead guitarist, Peter Ghouse as the rhythm guitarist, Jimmy D'Oliverio as the bassist, Roland Foong as the drummer and Lawrence Dragon as the keyboardist. After winning the 1964 Beatles' competition, they managed to cut a few records with instrumental hits under Life Records in 1965. 


The young Terry Thaddeus (left) during his teenage years.
Note: "Merwill" is the combination of the name of Thaddeus' parents, Mearle and Willie Thaddeus. 
Following the success of these recordings, the band was assigned to accompany other singers, particularly during the pop yeh yeh era. Since members of the band has become young adults by this time, they simply called themselves The Hunters. 


Among the recording work by Terry Thaddeus and The Hunters.
Translation:
"Sha La La Juwita" = "Sha La La Juwita"
"Puteri Kayangan" = "A Princess from The Heaven"
"Sejak Bertemu" = "Since We Met"
"Chari Ganti" = "Finding A Replacement"
"Gelisah" = "Anxious"
"Ayam Didek" = "Young Chicks"
"Mari Ke Mari" = "Come Here"
"Duniaku" = "My World (Il Mondo)"
In the early 1970s, Thaddeus began to join other bands and began a series of performances in both overseas nightclubs, including Singapore, Thailand and Australia. Due to his superb guitar skills, he was given the moniker Jimmy Hendrix of Asia. On of the bands which he joined was another Malaysian multiracial band called The Strollers. In 1973, he recorded his own singing for the first time with them.


Terry Thaddeus (squatting) with The Strollers in this 1973 EP.
With his experience in the entertainment industry, he played multiple roles, including as composer for advertisement jingles and album producer.


A 1996 album by a Malay heavy metal band called Search, featuring Terry Thaddeus as a co-producer.
Nevertheless, he continued to perform onstage and record songs, mostly for charity causes.
Terry Thaddeus died in 2003 of cancer. His son, Mark, inherited the former’s talent in guitar playing.


Terry Thaddeus in his golden age.
The pop yeh yeh music, while being filled with Malay lyrics and vocals, was also being played by non-Malay musicians. This shows that Malaysians, regardless of their race and faith of beliefs, remain united in preserving the quality of music to be enjoyed by all listeners. It is evident that music is a universal language that continues to unite mankind, as P. Ramlee (1929-1973) used to say, “The work of art is the work of God.”
Ghaz, KL
Credit to:
1.    Radio & Television of Malaysia
2.    Merdeka Film Studio
3.    Life Record
4.    Sputnik Rekordz
5.    BMG/Go Search
6.    The Star
7.    John Thaddeus
8.    Mark Thaddeus
9.    Billy Ong
10. Imran Ibrahim
11. Nostalgia Hassny
12. Madey Radio Klasik
13. Geronimo
14. The rest who contributed their materials on Terry Thaddeus online.
Posted by DJ Carl Hamm at 6:48 AM 0 comments

THE MODS – THE FIRST POP YEH YEH BAND ON RECORD - - written by Ghaz

 



The Mods and Wan Intan alias A. Wani, one of the pop yeh yeh singers that they accompanied with.
Listening to M. Osman’s 1965 debut hit titled Suzana, one may wonder which band accompanied it. Based on the record sleeve, it was revealed that the band was named The Mods.
The band originally consisted of A. R. Jailani as the leader, Ady Yus, Harris Osman and M. Husny. In 1965, they were admitted by Teo Kwang Records under the Eagle label and for their first record, they accompanied M. Osman for songs Suzana (Suzana) and Risau (Worried), his wife Afida Es for the song Selintas Kesan (At A Glance) and his sister-in-law Enna Es for the song Kechewa Kaseh (Disappointment of Love). Suzana, with both music and lyrics composed by Kamalsjah under his pseudonym Scorpio, became an instant hit, which then sparked a new musical genre called Pop Yeh Yeh.


The Mods accompanied M. Osman, Afida Es and Enna Es in their debut EP released in 1965.
M. Osman & The Mods – Suzana (1965) M. Osman & The Mods - Suzana (Scorpio) - 1965
M. Osman & The Mods – Risau (Worried) (1965) M. Osman dgn The Mods - Risau (Scorpio) - 1965
Afida Es & The Mods – Selintas Kesan (At A Glance) (1965) Afida Es & The Mods - Selintas Kesan (Scorpio) - 1965
Enna Es & The Mods – Kechewa Kaseh (Disappointment of Love) (1965) Enna Es & The Mods - Kecewa Kasih (A.R. Jailani - M. Osman) - 1965
 The success of Suzana had provided more recording opportunities for the band itself as well as M. Osman, Afida Es and Enna Es in the following years. M. Osman, who had already carved an acting career in films and TV shows in Singapore, continued to record with other bands under various labels, and so was sisters Afida Es and Enna Es.
In 1966, The Mods accompanied Enna Es on another EP under Roxy, together with a new singer, M. Y. Eunos, on the same record.


Enna Es & The Mods – Rela (Relented) (1966) (*a cover version of I Know)
Enna Es & The Mods – Ku kan Tunggu Jua (I’ll Still Wait for You) (1966)
[To search for audio]
M. Y. Eunos & The Mods – Restu-Ku (My Blessings) (1966)
M. Y. Eunos & The Mods – Oh Dewi Manja (Oh My Pampered Angel) (1966)
 The popularity of The Mods had became the word of mouth. Eventually, the band was invited to perform on the Shaw Brothers’ film A-Go-Go ’67 (1967) together with Wan Intan alias A. Wani for the Ku-Mohon Do’a (I Beg for Prayers).
OST A GO GO 67 1967 - Ku Mohon Doa - Wan Intan & The Mods



 
The Mods accompanied Wan Intan alias A. Wani in the film A-Go-Go ’67 (1967). A soundtrack SP of their performance was released by EMI in the same year.
Besides their exposure in the said film, A. Wani and The Mods also recorded a full EP in 1967.



The full EP of A. Wani and The Mods, issued in 1967.
A. Wani & The Mods – Pesanan-ku (My Reminder) (1967)
A. Wani & The Mods – Antara Aku Dan Bintang (Between Me and the Stars) (1967)
A. Wani & The Mods – Hanya Aku Berdo’a (I Can Only Pray) (1967)
A. Wani & The Mods – Ratapan Hati (Lamentation of the Heart) (1967)
Unfortunately, The Mods had no longer appeared in Malay show business after the release of the above EP for unknown reasons. Nevertheless, their short-term involvement did shape the Malay music of the 1960s and made history as the first pop yeh yeh band that ever cut an album, recording songs that had managed to hit the radio charts.
Ghaz, KL
Credit to:
1.     EMI (Singapore)
2.     Roxy Records
3.     Teo Kwang Records
4.     Shaw Brothers’ Malay Film Production
5.     Yudhie
6.     Imran Ibrahim
7.     Hassny Hussin
8.     Discog


Posted by DJ Carl Hamm at 6:34 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, January 17, 2024

A Tribute to R. Ismail “GELOMBANG” (THE WAVE) - written by Ghaz

 

R. ISMAIL – “GELOMBANG” (THE WAVE)

In memoriam of R. Ismail (1937 – 2020)

 

One of the songs that inspires me to remain strong in facing life challenges is the one titled “Gelombang” (The Wave), sung by the late R. Ismail (1937 – 2020).  It was jointly written by Kassim Masdor and S. Sudarmaji for a television film by TV Singapura of the same title, produced in 1966.

R. Ismail accompanied by John Lee Orchestra: “Gelombang” (The Wave) (1966)

R. Ismail "Gelombang" (1966) - MuzikNusantara - YouTube

 

Born Ismail Abdul Rahman in Singapore on October 1, 1937, he followed the footstep of his father A. Rahman, a popular Malay singer in 1940s – 1950s. His recording career began as early as in 1948 when, at the small age of 11, he recorded his first song called “Setangkai Bunga Raya” (The Hibiscus) on record. As a child singer, he also performed in shows organized by an art group called Sriwana and on Radio Singapura. Beginning early 1960s, he became a playback singer for films produced by Cathay Keris studio and later on, Shaw Brothers’ Malay Film Production studio, both located in Singapore. His voice was borrowed by a Cathay Keris actor, the late Noordin Ahmad (1932 – 1971), due to their voice resemblance.



Among the classic Malay films in which R. Ismail was the playback singer: “Laila Majnun” (1962), “Jula Juli Bintang Tujoh” (1962), “Bidasari” (1965), “Gurindam Jiwa” (1966) and “Anak Buloh Betong” (1966).

 

R. Ismail & Rosiah Chik – “Menanti” (Waiting) – from the film “Laila Majnun” (1962)

R. Ismail & Rosiah Chik - Menanti (Official Audio) - YouTube

 

R. Ismail – “Nasib Malang” (Being Unfortunate) – from the film “Jula Juli Bintang Tujoh” (Jula Juli, The Seven Stars) (1962) R Ismail ~ Nasib Malang (youtube.com)

R. Ismail & Rahimah Simin – “Arti Chinta” (The Meaning of Love) from the film “Bidasari” (1965)*

Kini Dah Tiba - R Ismail, Rahimah Simin (youtube.com)

*In 1966, this song was re-recorded as “Kini Dah Tiba” (The Time Has Come) by Ahmad Daud and Saloma, accompanied by John Lee Orchestra on EMI/Parlophone. Then, A. Ramlie and Maria Bachok re-recorded this song as “Saat Bahagia” (The Moment of Happiness) in their LP titled “Kasih Berbunga Sepanjang Musim” (The Love Blossoms Throughout the Season) on Senada in 1976.

 

R. Ismail & Rafeah Buang – “Gurindam Jiwa” (Sonnettes for My Soul) from the film of the same title (1966) Rafeah Buang & R. Ismail "Gurindam Jiwa" Daripada Filem Gurindam Jiwa (1966) - MuzikNusantara (youtube.com)

R. Ismail & Rafeah Buang – “Dari Hati Ke Hati” (From Heart to Heart) from the film “Anak Buloh Betong” (The Magic Bamboo’s Son) (1966) Rafeah Buang & R. Ismail "Dari Hati Ke Hati" (1966) - MuzikNusantara (youtube.com)

 

Due to the popularity of his songs on the said films, many recording companies invited R. Ismail to record songs in their respective studios. From a playback singer, he became a recording artist and remained active in this field between 1963 and 1973. During the pop yeh yeh craze, he also managed to cut an album of the said genre with The Pretenders.

 

Studio recordings made by R. Ismail from 1963 to 1973.

 

Rosiah Chik & R. Ismail accompanied by Megawati Orchestra – “Lagu2 Melayu Asli” (Malay Asli Songs), Mega Records (1963)

Songs:

(1) “Kaseh Dan Rindu” (Love and Kindness) sung by R. Ismail & Rosiah Chik

R.Ismail & Rosiah Chik - Kasih dan Rindu (youtube.com)

(2) “Joget Kenangan Budi” (Joget of Memories on Kindness) sung by R.Ismail & Rosiah Chik

JOGET MENGENANG BUDI - R.ISMAIL, ROSIAH CHIK (youtube.com)

(3)“Gunong Panti” (Mount Panti) sung by R. Ismail

rosiah chik & r ismail _ gunong panti (youtube.com)

 

R. Ismail & John Lee Orchestra – “Chemburu” (Jealousy) – EMI/Parlophone, 1966

Songs:

(1) “Ilham Penchipta” (A Creator’s Ideas),

(2) “Chemburu” (Jealousy),

(3) “Budi Dan Chita “A Deed and an Ambition”,

(4) “Di-Ambang Senja” (In the Brink of an Evening)

R. Ismail "R. Ismail (Chemburu)" 1966 FULL EP (youtube.com)

 

R. Ismail Dengan Pancharagam The Pretenders – Philips, 1967

Songs:

(1)   “Tinggal Kenangan” (Only Memories)

(2)   “Harapan Tinggi Menggunong” (A Mountain-High Hope),

(3)   “Hayalan-Ku” (My Dream)**,

(4)   “Ku Pergi Ta’-Kan Lama” (I Won’t Be Away That Long)

R. Ismail & The Pretenders “R. Ismail Dengan Pancharagam The Pretenders” (1967) - FULL EP Remastered (youtube.com)

**The song “Hayalan-Ku” was also recorded by Rahmah Ali and The Pretenders for the 1967 Cathay Keris film “Dosa Wanita” (A Woman’s Sins).

 

The Times dengan R. Ismail dan Afidah Es – Olympic, 1969

Songs:

(1)   “Seloka Budi” (The Gutter of Kindness) sung by R. Ismail & Afidah Es

R. Ismail & Afida Es - Seloka Budi (R. Ismail) - 1969 (youtube.com)

(2)   “Berpadu Chita” (Integrating Ambitions) sung by R. Ismail & Afidah Es

R. Ismail & Afida Es - Berpadu Chinta (Nani Sajang) - 1969 (youtube.com)

 

 

The Times dengan Bintang2 Radio dan TV: Zaleha Hamid, Jamal Awang, R. Ismail, Sulaiman Idros – Olympic, 1970

Song:

“Tiada Jaoh” (Not That far Away) performed by R. Ismail & The Times

R. Ismail dgn. The Times - Tiada Jauh (R. Ismail) - 1970 (youtube.com)

 

The Times dengan R. Ismail dan Maria B. – Oscar/Olympic, 1970

Songs:

(1)   “Semarak Hati” sung by R. Ismail & Maria Bachok***

r ismail & maria b _ semarak hati (1970) (2nd upload) (youtube.com)

*** This song was originally sung by P. Ramlee and Rubiah for the film “Juwita” (1951).

(2)   “Sudah Takdir” (It Has Already Been Destined) sung by R. Ismail

R Ismail dgn. The Times - Sudah Takdir (R. Ismail) - Mac 1970 (youtube.com)

 

R. Ismail dan Siti Aishah – EMI/Parlophone, 1973

Songs:

(1)   “Bulan Dan Juga Angin” (The Moon and the Wind)**** sung by R. Ismail & Siti Aishah,

(2)   “Wanita Dan Teruna” (A Woman and a Man)***** sung by R. Ismail & Siti Aishah,

(3)   “Tidurlah Permaisuri”(Go to Sleep, My Queen)******

(4)   “Gunong Banang” (Mount Banang) sung by R. Ismail.

**** Originally sung by P. Ramlee & Noormadiah for the film “Panggilan Pulau” (The Call from the Island) (1954)

***** Originally sung by Jasni & Lena for the film “Iman” (Faith) (1954)

****** Originally sung by P. Ramlee for the film “Putus Harapan” (The Lost Hope) (1953)

R. Ismail & Siti Aishah "R. Ismail Dan Siti Aishah" 1973 FULL EP (youtube.com)

 

After the above recording work, R. Ismail took a break from the entertainment circuit to focus on his job in the field of transportation. Nevertheless, in 1990 and 1992, he was invited by Life Records to record some traditional songs and re-record some hits from classic Malay films.

 


R. Ismail featured on the above albums by Life Records in the early 1990s.

 

R. Ismail – “Direnjis-renjis” (Being Sprinkled) (1990)********

R. Ismail - Di Renjis Renjis (Official Audio) (youtube.com)

******** Originally sung by P. Ramlee for the film “Taqdir Illahi” (The Act of God) (1950)

 

R. Ismail & Maznah Ali – “Inai Pengantin” (Henna Leaves for The Bride and The Groom) (1990)

Maznah Ali & R. Ismail - Inang Pengantin (Official Audio) (youtube.com)

 

R. Ismail – “Pengantin Bersanding” (The Bride and The Groom on the Dais) (1990)*********

R. Ismail - Pengantin Bersanding (Official Audio) (youtube.com)

******** Originally sung by Jasni for the film “Bujang Lapok” (The Old Bachelors) (1957). In 1977, it was re-recorded by Sanisah Huri on Senada’s LP “Namamu Nyanyian Hidupku” (Your Name is the Song of My Life).

 

R. Ismail – “Gunung Payung” (Mount Umbrella) (1992)**********

R. Ismail - Gunung Payung (Official Audio) (youtube.com)

********** Originally sung by P. Ramlee & Saloma for the film “Batu Belah Batu Bertangkup” (The Devouring Rock) (1959). In 1976, it was re-recorded by Suara Perindu on Senada.

 

R. Ismail – “Selamat Pengantin Baru” (Best Wishes for the Just-Married Couple) (1992)

R. Ismail - Selamat Pengantin Baru (Official Audio) (youtube.com)

 

The establishment of Klasik Nasional (then renamed Radio Klasik) by RTM in 2006 has indeed brought back the light to R. Ismail’s singing career after years of hiatus. He then appeared more frequently on TV and stage shows both in Malaysia and Singapore. To facilitate this arrangement, he had also resided in Kuala Lumpur, while at the same time, continued to visit his children and undergoing medical check-ups in Singapore.

 

R. Ismail performing “Gelombang” live onstage at the grand finale of Bintang Klasik Nasional 2008 singing competition organized by RTM. R.ISMAIL - GELOMBANG (youtube.com)

 

However, his health had begun to deteriorate, hence forcing him to return to the republic for good. Eventually, on September 13, 2020, R. Ismail passed away at the age of 83 in Sengkang Hospital, Singapore due to heart, lung and kidney failures. 

 

Three of his children – Elfee, Iskandar and Aslina – had followed his footstep in the rendition of Malay traditional songs. In 2023, they performed together in memoriam of their late father at Singapore’s National Library Board.

 

R. Ismail and his son Elfee singing together a traditional Malay song called “Pak Ngah Balik” (The Middle Uncle Returns). R.Ismail dan Anak Elfee Ismail lagu Pak Ngah Balik - YouTube 

 

Ku hadapi dengan tenang (I face the challenges calmly) ….

Ku tempuh juga gelombang (I still fight the strong wave) ….

Biar hanya tinggal tulang (Even though only my skeleton remains intact) ….

Aku tak akan tumbang (I will never fall down to surrender)!

 

Alfatihah to R. Ismail (1937 – 2020), may he rest in peace … Ameen!

 

Ghaz, KL

 

Note:

 

I wish to put on credit the providers of inputs whom I referred to in writing this article, particularly:

 

Radio & Television of Malaysia (RTM); Radio & Television of Singapore (RTS); National Library Board, Singapore;

Shaw Brothers’ Malay Film Production, Singapore; Cathay Keris Film Production, Singapore; EMI Records, Singapore; Life Records, Singapore and Malaysia; Olympic Records, Singapore (now defunct, copyright subject to current owners); Berita Harian (Malaysia); Berita Mediacorp; Hamlau Lahabau of Muzik Nusantara; Cikgu Hj. Hassny of Nostalgia Hassny; Pop OK Clasical; Yudhie (ud) from Sarawak; Discog; and other contributors of R. Ismail’s songs (names as mentioned on respective YouTube Channels).

Posted by DJ Carl Hamm at 6:49 AM 0 comments
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