YOUNG, Fernando
Performing Arts in Singapore (Music),
Accession Number 003024
- Oral History Centre
Source
- 2
Total Reels
- Joseph C Pereira
Interviewer
- 01:46:13
Total Running Time
- English
Language
Copyright Notice
All rights to the recordings and transcripts on this website, including the rights to copy, publish, broadcast and perform, are reserved. Written permission is required for any use. If you have any queries, please contact nas@nlb.gov.sg
Reel/Disc 1 of 2
Metadata
- 23 Feb 2006
Recording Date
- 00:57:54
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Details on his early life and school days. Left school after secondary four in 1962 because he had to work. Got interested in pop music through his older brother, Richard Young, who was playing in a band. At first, Interviewee was the singer of his brother’s band. The band then teamed up with Bobby Lambert, who was the winner of a talent time contest. Interviewee became the band’s manager after Lambert became the front-man of the band. Places where the band performed. Went into full time band and artiste management. Names of the bands that he managed. The tea-dance scene in Singapore. How be became a booking agent for bands. Freddy Eu gave him office space in Shaw House.
The different singers and bands that the Dukes worked with. The Dukes was the first band to be featured on the front cover of Her World magazine. Did a photo shoot dressed in psychedelic costumes at Botanical Gardens. The success of The Dukes came from the ability to play a variety of music. Difference between bands then (1960s) and now (2006). Dressing styles of the Dukes. Emerging sounds that influenced the band. Ventured into renting out of musical equipment and studios to bands. How the ban on live music affect him and rental of equipment. Filipino bands came around late 1970s
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
Reel/Disc 2 of 2
Metadata
- 23 Feb 2006
Recording Date
- 00:48:19
Running Time
- MP3
Format
- Open Access
Conditions Governing Access
Synopsis
*Difference between Singaporean and Filipino bands. About his music studios and equipment. The Dukes switched to one-night stand gigs. Dukes disbanded in the 1980s because the advent of discos and mobile discos caused a sharp drop in the demand for live bands. Recession in 1985/1986 hit his business badly, joined insurance in 1986. Recounts how he managed his band business. Bands were also disbanding in the 1980s; was the downhill period for local bands. His opinions of the future of bands as a profession in Singapore. Sold and gave away equipment, gave up studios.
Went into life insurance as his brother Robert was in the profession. Felt his time in show business prepared him for his insurance career. Musicians’ perception of life insurance. Recollections of the music industry in the past. Views of the viability of the music industry and show business. How he perceives the Singapore music scene. Recollections of his life and the high points of his life. Created a new record by selling 300 insurance policies in a year and how he became a public speaker. Giving back to the society and about helping others.
We will get back to your request within 5 working days
