Kong Ling

Kong Ling was a popular 1960s Hong Kong based singing star and recording artist who sang Jazz, Cha cha, Rock and roll and Pop music She had also recorded with popular Hong Kong pop group The Fabulous Echoes.

Kong Ling
Birth nameKong Yan Lai
BornHong Kong
GenresJazz, Cha cha, Rock and roll, Pop music
Occupation(s)singer
LabelsDiamond
Associated actsThe Celso Carillo band, Vic Chrisobel, The Diamond Music Co. Studio Orchestra, The Fabulous Echoes

Background

Kong Ling's real name is Kong Yan Lai. In 1951, singing "Congratulations" she won an inter school competition. She started her professional career in 1954 which led to her touring Singapore for nine months. Due to the success from that she returned to Kong Kong and was in demand.[1][2]

Along with the Celso Carrillo band, she recorded an album for the Diamond label. The name of the album was Hong Kong Presents ..... Off-Beat Cha Cha. The album was a Jazz / Cha Cha type of record with Carrillo playing piano, conga and cow bell on various tracks.[3] Carrillo who was Hong Kong's leading pianist[4] would later work on Mona Fong's album for the same label.[5]

In 1961, she was a guest on the Arthur Godfrey show.[6] The show that aired in May 1961 featured Kong Ling, Johnny Nash, The McGuire Sisters, Erroll Garner and Buddy Hackett.[7] In October of that year she was in New York as part of a six-month contract to do radio and television appearances. She was contracted to the Columbia Broadcasting System.[8] Along with Rebecca Pam she had recorded for the Diamond Music Company.[9] Backed by the Fabulous Echoes, her version of "Al Di La" and by September 22, 1962 it had been leading on the Hong Kong best selling charts for three weeks.[10] Prior to that her first album that she cut for the Diamond label had been a best seller in Hong Kong and the far East.[11]

Discography (selective)
  • "I Love You Baby" / ? - Diamond D.76
  • "Let's Twist Again" / "Why Not Now" - Diamond D 178 - (1964)[12]
  • "I've Told Every Little Star" / "Al Di La" - Diamond

EP
  • Kong Ling Sings Your Favorites - Diamond DEP 001 - (1964)
  • Kong Ling - Diamond DEP 005 - (1965)
  • Kong Ling Vol. 3 - Diamond DEP 011[13]

Album
  • Hong Kong Presents ..... Off-Beat Cha Cha - Diamond SLP 1000[14]
Kong Ling with The Diamond Music Co. Studio Orchestra
  • Theme For A Dream - Diamond LP 1005[15]
Kong Ling & The Fabulous Echoes
  • Kong Ling & The Fabulous Echoes Vol. 2 - Diamond LP 1011
  • Kong Ling & The Fabulous Echoes Vol. 2 - Diamond 1781340 - (2008) (Compact Disc)[16]
Kong Ling + The Fabulous Echoes & Vic Christobel
  • Dynamite - Diamond SLP 1008

References
  1. m.review33.com Kong Ling - More than I can say
  2. Popsike Off-Beat Cha Cha - Kong Ling / RARE HONG KONG IMPORT / DIAMOND STEREO EXOTICA
  3. Discogs Kong Ling* – Hong Kong Presents Off-Beat Cha Cha
  4. Mabuhay jazz: jazz in postwar Philippines Richie C. Quirino Page 74
  5. Muzikland June 30, 2006 Mona Fong - Mona Fong Meets Carding Cruz Archived 2015-12-08 at the Wayback Machine
  6. St. Petersburg Times July 16, 1961 Godfrey: No Network Plans
  7. The Hour May 13, 1961 TV-EIGHT Friday Television Program
  8. Billboard October 23, 1961 Page 42 Hong Kong, Comings & Goings
  9. Billboard December 15, 1962 Page 30 Trade Talk
  10. Billboard September 22, 1962 Page 80 International News, Hong Kong, New 'Al Di La Overtakes Old by Karl Myatt
  11. Billboard October 16, 1961 Hong Kong
  12. Discogs Kong Ling, Discography
  13. Discogs Kong Ling, Discography
  14. Discogs Kong Ling, Discography
  15. Discogs Kong Ling, Discography
  16. Discogs Kong Ling, Discography
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