Lily Chao

Taiwanese singer who made many records. She came to Singapore several times for engagements (1967–1971). Revived her singing career in the 1980s.

“Three short months in Singapore, and singer Leli Chao has won enthusiastic approval from her audiences and those who have worked with her. ‘She’s great – a singer who manages to put real feeling into her songs,’ was one comment from a satisfied show producer. Nineteen-year-old Leli’s career began a year ago in Taiwan, her home. Due to unforeseen circumstances she had to leave off university studies, and since singing has always been a favourite pastime of her’s, Leli turned towards the mike. She came to Singapore specially to fulfil a contract at the Carpark Nightclub, and there she was ‘spotted’ as likely talent for television’s Mandarin Mixture which is to be telecast on March 17 and 24. Leli’s background is a singularly unmusical one, but her family approves of her chosen career. In halting English (she has made remarkable progress in three months of learning the language), Leli said: ‘I’d like to go back to Taiwan to see my family when my contract is over, but I will be back soon in Singapore. I like this place very much – it’s so nice and clean!’ Asked what she does in spare moments, Leli replied, ‘Read, write and listen to records.’ She is a Patti Page fan herself, and loves all sentimental songs. Before she leaves Singapore in two months’ time, Leli would like to cut a disc… Perhaps an English/Mandarin disc will launch Leli Chao in Singapore’s recording circles?” [Radio Weekly, March 6, 1967, 6]

Appeared at the Carpark Niteclub [March 1967 onwards]; Top of Top Stars Variety Show (National Theatre) [October 30 & 31, 1971].

Made many records in Taiwan, plus a few in Singapore as noted below. “One of Henry Foo’s talented discoveries, Lily Chao (she also spells her name Leli) has joined the ranks of the recording artists under the EMI label. Lily’s first EP in Singapore features the songs ‘Edelweiss,’ ‘Ding Dong Song,’ the tune from the Chinese film Blue and Black and one A-Go-Go number.” [Radio Weekly, May 29, 1967, 7]

AND THE SINGERS… “Lily Chao, 24, is one of the numerous Taiwanese singers currently performing in Singapore. Lily said: ‘Singing abroad means that I have to work harder. Any poor performance will reflect badly on my country. Besides the local people regard us highly, so we have to work extra hard to keep up the good image and not disappoint them.’ Lily is on her third visit to the Republic and is now singing at the Singapore Top Tunes. She was at first reluctant to discuss the standards of local singers on the grounds that she has not been here very long. But from what she has seen, she had this to say, ‘I somehow get the impression that some of the local singers have a bit of inferiority complex and they are not as confident as they should be. Many of them are good if they learn to be more confident on stage. We Taiwanese have an advantage singing in Mandarin because it is our mother tongue. But if Singaporeans make an effort, I’m sure they can sing just as well.’ This petite singer with the powerful voice revealed that she has had no formal singing lessons. She said: ‘I liked singing since I was very young, and I sang practically all day when I was at home.’” [New Nation, October 13, 1971, 9]

“SONGSTRESS LILY CHAO IS ALL FOR A POLLUTION FREE S’PORE – You can’t sing away pollution. But lending a voice to a show to mark the successful close of the month-long campaign to keep Singapore pollution free is as good a way as any to express support. Singer Lily Chao, 24, is among some 30 local and foreign artistes who will be appearing in the Top of Top Stars variety show to be held at the National Theatre on Oct. 30 & 31. The Taiwanese singer, who has appeared in other local shows and over TV, is here for her third singing engagement. Lily, currently singing at a local nightspot, said today: ‘I’m very pleased I can do something for Singapore – I like it here.’ Among the artistes will be Hong Kong star Jimmy Lin Chong and Taiwanese singer Yao Su Jung.” [The Straits Times, October 20, 1971, 9]