Music
American Troops. Singapore Bands. The Vietnam War
Lured by the prospects of money and adventure, local performers braved the dangers of the Vietnam War to provide entertainment to American troops.
Singapore’s Got Talent: When Talentime Ruled the Airwaves
Although Talentime has been replaced by reality talent contests, it will be remembered as a show that launched the musical careers of many Singaporeans.
Professor Yu Chun Yee Plays on NLB’s Heritage Piano
Professor Yu, who used to teach at the Royal College of Music in London, plays on the refurbished Chappell grand at the National Library.
A Grand Piano’s Chequered History
A grand piano that was to be the pride of Singapore failed to silence its critics. The odds, however, were always against it.
The Process of Restoring the Chappell Concert Grand
Repairing the National Library’s Chappell concert grand was no easy task. Zhivko Girginov describes the challenges he faced.
Local Music Reaches a Crescendo: The Singapore Record Industry in the 1960s
In this extract from the book From Keroncong to Xinyao, the author looks at why the record industry in Singapore took off in the 1960s.
When Disco Fever Raged
Pulsating music, strobe lights and postage-stamp dance floors packed with shimmying bodies. Tan Chui Hua gives you the lowdown on the history of the disco scene in Singapore.
Singapore Stopover: The Entertainment Circuit 1920–1940
The city was a major pit stop for visiting entertainers and sportsmen in the early 20th century, according to the writer Paul French.
The Guitar Man: Alex Abisheganaden
Hailed as the “Father of the Guitar”, Alex Abisheganaden, who died on 17 March, 2023, spent the last five decades championing the classical guitar. Joy Loh charts his illustrious career.
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The Music, Madness and Magic of Dick Lee
The “Mad Chinaman” was probably the first to push the boundaries of popular music in Singapore. Joy Loh profiles the enfant terrible of entertainment.
MusicSG: A Repository of Singapore’s Musical Heritage
The Unlikely Composer: Tsao Chieh
Despite his untimely death at the age of 43, Singaporean composer Tsao Chieh’s legacy lives on — immortalised through his small but significant body of experimental works. Jun Zubillaga-Pow traces the life of this underrated artist.
