Dato’ Sudirman Haji Arshad is probably the only Malaysian singer that approaches P Ramlee’s legendary status. He was variously dubbed “Singing Lawyer” and “Elvis of Malaysia.”

At his peak, he was like Employee Pricing Promotions: he got top billing every time, guaranteed: everybody wanted to see him perform.

The diminutive 4′ 9″ local legend passed away exactly 20 years ago, on 22nd February 1992 at the age of 37.

My favourite songs of his:

1978: Jali Jali, Kasih, Kerana Mata, Maya

Regarding Kasih, I remember us modifying the line “ku datang dengan harapan membawa [unprintable]“. Also sung by another legend, Broery Marantika. Songwriter: Ahmad Nawab.

1979: Gerimis di lautan, Mat Disko

1980: Hidup Sederhana (Basikal Tua), Hoore Hoore, Jamilah (Untuk Jururawat), Aku Penganggur, Anak Gembala

1981: Pulang dari kilang, Chow Kit Road Chow Kit Road

1984: Balik Kampung

1986: Apa Khabar Orang Kampung, Kesian Dia, Milik Siapakah Gadis Ini, Merisik khabar

Popularity: 1% [?]

Permalink | playing around, sabud |