Paul Cheong, veteran musician and Rediffusion deejay, dies at 75
Cheong's death was announced by his younger brother, fashion designer Francis Cheong, on the latter's social media pages.
Paul Cheong was best remembered for being a deejay at Rediffusion – Singapore's first cable-transmitted radio station. (Photos: Facebook/Francis Cheong, Jerry Fernandez)
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Veteran musician and former deejay Paul Cheong died on Saturday (Jul 6). He was 75.
Cheong's death was announced on social media by his younger brother, fashion designer Francis Cheong, who called him "a resplendent luminary, a virtuosic spirit, and a paragon of compassion".
Paul Cheong is best known for being a deejay at Rediffusion – Singapore's first cable-transmitted radio station. Praised for his articulate and distinctive voice, which fans likened to British singer Cliff Richard, Cheong later pursued a career in music and recorded a few albums in Hong Kong.
He also played alongside famous bands of his era including The Silver Strings and The Firebyrds.
Francis Cheong said of his older brother: "With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Paul navigated the odyssey of life with grace, humility, and an unshakeable faith in the human spirit. His life was a testament to the transformative power of love, a paean to the indomitable human will, and a shining exemplar of the triumph of hope over adversity.
"Paul's remarkable journey, though truncated by the capricious hand of fate, was a kaleidoscope of accomplishments, a symphony of laughter, and a tapestry of unforgettable moments, woven with the golden threads of his unwavering generosity, his unbridled enthusiasm, and his unrelenting passion for life."
Tributes have also poured in from many of Cheong's contemporaries including radio presenter Mark van Cuylenburg, aka The Flying Dutchman, jazz pianist Jeremy Monteiro and Jerry And The NeuFaces frontman Jerry Fernandez.
The Flying Dutchman called Cheong "a true entertainer" and credited him for starting his career.
"Without you I would never have started this career. You saw something in me and convinced me that the entertainment industry was where I was supposed to be.
"I thank you a million times for starting me on this journey which has been incredible. You will be greatly missed, my friend."
Jeremy Monteiro, on the other hand, called Cheong kind and someone who tolerated his "youthful arrogance" with a knowing smile.
In a heartfelt post on his Facebook page, Jerry Fernandez spoke about his memories of Cheong from their 60-year-long friendship which included Cheong driving him to school and hosting his wedding anniversary.
Paul Cheong's wake is currently being held at St Joseph's Church, with his funeral mass taking place at 11.30am on Jul 9.
