Ep12: 1960s icon Henry Chua of The Quests!

The Quests have been labelled as Singapore's version of The Beatles. Not only did they knock The Beatles off the top spot with their song, Shanty; they couldn't go anywhere without being recognised, they were always on TV and radio or in the news, and yes, screaming fans would flock to their gigs. They were legends in their own right.

So we were thrilled to speak to Henry Chua, The Quests' bass player and composer of Shanty, among other hits. 

During our chat, Henry shared how The Quests got started, how they recorded all their hits, why singer Keith Locke was pursued by the military police across Malaysia, and what concerts in those days were really like. Oh, and he also revealed how Shanty – which is still covered by musicians around the world – came about.

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Listen to the original version of The Quests' No.1 hit Shanty as well as Gallopin', the first song written by guitarist Reggie Verghese and the B-side of Shanty.

Listen to The Quests' version of Don't Play That Song For Me (You Lied); as well as Keith Locke and Henry's version.

Find out where you can read Henry's book, Call It Shanty.

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