The Malay Mail - 9th Aug 1995

ALFRED HO ON STAGE
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The Actors Studio Theatre opens at Plaza Putra, Dataran Merdeka with a performance by singer Alfred Ho, who will be accompanied by The Gig Dancers.

Ho, who hails from Perak, has been crooning evergreens in the pub circuit for more than two decades. "I chose evergreens as my signature songs because they appeal to everyone. You'll find even the younger generation listening to oldies because not only are they soothing, they are meaningful as well," he says.

Ho, who became blind after an attack of measles at the age of three, has not let his handicap stand in the way of his aspirations. His passion for music goes back to his days at St. Nicholas School for the blind in Penang, where he learned to play the guitar. Unable to find a teacher to guide him, he decided to play the guitar on his own. He later formed a four-piece band called The Sharks which performed in pubs and at private functions.

After leaving the Gurney Training Centre where he received vocational training, he remained jobless for five years. Choosing not to sit back and depend on others, Ho kept himself busy working on songs which were later featured in his performances.

It was not easy for him to get a break. After years of struggle, he was finally auditioned by a local commercial broadcasting station which gave him the opportunity to do a show called Take Five. Those who heard Ho encouraged him to pursue a career in music.

Ho is thankful to friends and family who have given him support and encouragement which he describes as a boost to his singing career. The encouragement he received led him on to other achievements, among them, the chance to take part in the first series of the RTM singing contest in the early 70s, reaching the semi-finals.

It was also in the 1970s that Ho cut two EPs of his own compositions, including Train To Tennessee and Wendy's Love Song. After securing a full-time job with a local council, Ho continued singing part-time in pubs or entertaining at weddings and other functions. In 1984, he gave up his job as a telephone operator to go full swing into showbiz.

After many years in showbiz, Ho has no regrets. He says entertainment with all it's up and downs can be very fulfilling. Though going into business won't exactly be a breeze, he remains characteristically undeterred.

"I won't give up for as long as I have breath left in my body," he says.