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Singaporean musicians died at 70

Here are 5 famous musicians from Singapore died at 70:

Song Ong Siang

Song Ong Siang (June 14, 1871 Singapore-September 29, 1941) was a Singaporean lawyer.

He was also a politician, historian, and a notable public figure in Singapore. Song Ong Siang came from a prominent Peranakan family and went to study law in London. After returning to Singapore, he began his illustrious career as a lawyer and went on to become the first Asian member of the Legislative Council. He played a significant role in the political and social development of Singapore and was well-known for his extensive knowledge of its history. Song Ong Siang wrote several books on Singapore's past, including "One Hundred Years' History of the Chinese in Singapore," which is still considered an important reference today. He was also a philanthropist and was involved in various charitable causes throughout his life. Despite facing discrimination as a non-European, he remained committed to serving his community and advocating for their rights.

In addition to his political and historical accomplishments, Song Ong Siang was also a lover of music and a skilled pianist. He opened his home to musicians in the local community, hosting concerts and social gatherings. He was also a supporter of education and served as the president of the Singapore Chinese Girls' School. In recognition of his contributions, he was awarded the Order of the British Empire in 1930. Song Ong Siang's legacy continues to be celebrated in Singapore, where his name is attached to a major road and a building at the National University of Singapore.

Read more about Song Ong Siang on Wikipedia »

Lim Yew Hock

Lim Yew Hock (October 15, 1914 Singapore-November 30, 1984 Mecca) was a Singaporean politician.

He served as the second Chief Minister of Singapore from 1956 to 1959, during a crucial time in Singapore's history as it was preparing for self-governance. Before becoming Chief Minister, Lim Yew Hock was a member of the Legislative Council and fought for worker's rights. During his time as Chief Minister, he introduced various policies to tackle issues such as unemployment, housing, and education. However, he is also known for his controversial decision to suppress anti-colonial rallies and demonstrations, leading to criticism and protests from the public. After his term as Chief Minister ended, Lim Yew Hock continued to serve in public office, as a member of parliament and a diplomat. In 1984, he passed away in Mecca while on a pilgrimage.

In addition to his political career, Lim Yew Hock was also a strong advocate for education. He believed that education was crucial to the success and progress of Singapore, and worked towards improving access to education for all. He played a key role in establishing the University of Malaya in Singapore, which later became the National University of Singapore. In recognition of his contributions, the Lim Yew Hock Endowment Fund was established to provide financial assistance to needy Singaporean students pursuing higher education. Outside of politics, Lim Yew Hock was an avid bird enthusiast and was known to have a collection of over 500 birds in his home. Despite his controversial legacy, Lim Yew Hock is remembered as a dedicated public servant who worked tirelessly for the betterment of Singapore.

Read more about Lim Yew Hock on Wikipedia »

Della Butcher

Della Butcher (April 24, 1922 London-January 11, 1993) was a Singaporean personality.

Della Butcher was a prominent figure in the entertainment industry in Singapore during the mid-twentieth century. She was known for her versatility as an actress and singer, and for her ability to connect with audiences.

Born in London in 1922, Butcher moved to Singapore with her family when she was still a child. She began performing in local clubs and theaters in her early twenties, and quickly gained a following thanks to her lively personality and soulful voice.

Throughout the 1940s and 1950s, Butcher worked tirelessly to establish herself as one of the most popular performers in Singapore. She appeared in a number of films and stage productions, and also hosted her own radio show.

Despite her success, Butcher never forgot her roots, and remained a passionate advocate for the arts throughout her life. She continued to perform and mentor young artists right up until her death from natural causes in 1993. Today, she is remembered as a trailblazer and icon in the world of Singaporean entertainment.

In addition to her work as an actress and singer, Della Butcher was also a strong supporter of social causes. She was an active member of the Singapore Red Cross and often participated in fundraising events for various charitable organizations. Butcher was also a champion for women's rights and empowerment, and used her platform to advocate for gender equality.

Butcher's impact on Singaporean entertainment was recognized by the government, and she was awarded the prestigious Cultural Medallion in 1986. This award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to the country's arts and culture scene.

Even after her death, Butcher's influence on Singaporean entertainment continued. In 2013, a musical based on her life and career, titled "Della: A Musical Tribute", was staged to critical acclaim. The production showcased Butcher's unique talent and enduring legacy, cementing her status as one of Singapore's most beloved entertainers.

She died caused by natural causes.

Read more about Della Butcher on Wikipedia »

Goh Soon Tioe

Goh Soon Tioe (October 18, 1911 Padang-February 27, 1982) was a Singaporean conductor, teacher and violinist.

His related genres: Classical music.

Read more about Goh Soon Tioe on Wikipedia »

Thamizhavel G. Sarangapani

Thamizhavel G. Sarangapani (April 19, 1903 Thiruvarur-March 16, 1974) also known as Thamizhavel Sarangapani was a Singaporean journalist, writer and publisher.

He was born in Thiruvarur, India and later moved to Singapore in 1928. In Singapore, he started his career as a journalist and worked for various Tamil newspapers. He became the editor of a Tamil newspaper called "Tamil Murasu" in 1944 and under his leadership, the newspaper became very popular among the Tamil-speaking community in Singapore and Malaysia.

Apart from journalism, Thamizhavel Sarangapani was also a prolific writer and published several books on various topics including politics, history, and culture. He was a strong advocate for Tamil language and culture and worked tirelessly to promote it in Singapore and the surrounding regions.

Thamizhavel Sarangapani also played an important role in the Indian independence movement and was a close associate of Indian nationalist leader Subhash Chandra Bose. He was also a founding member and the first president of the Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

He was a highly respected figure in the Tamil-speaking community in Singapore and his contributions to Tamil language and culture were widely recognized. In recognition of his contributions, the Singapore government posthumously awarded him the Meritorious Service Medal in 2018.

Thamizhavel Sarangapani was not only a journalist, writer, and publisher, but also a prominent social activist in Singapore. He worked hard to improve the lives of the South Indian community in the country by setting up various organizations and advocating for their rights. He founded the Singapore Indian Association in 1947 which became a platform for Indians in Singapore to voice their concerns and grievances. His efforts towards social reform continued even after Singapore gained independence and he was appointed as a member of the Social Welfare Advisory Board in 1956.

Thamizhavel Sarangapani was a multi-faceted personality and was also actively involved in the arts scene in Singapore. He founded the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society in 1949 to promote Indian classical music and dance in Singapore. He was also a philanthropist and established the Sarangapani Trust which benefited many Indian students in Singapore by providing them with scholarships and financial assistance.

Thamizhavel Sarangapani's legacy continues to live on in Singapore and he is remembered as one of the most influential Tamil personalities in the country's history. He has the rare distinction of being immortalized with a road named after him in Singapore - Thamizhavel Gooch Road.