Kong Ling 江玲 Off-Beat Cha Cha Hong Kong Diamond Records LP-1 Vinyl LP (CLP4608)

Kong Ling (江玲) — Off-Beat Cha Cha (Diamond Records, LP-1, Hong Kong)

An exceptionally rare early Hong Kong pop and lounge record by Kong Ling (江玲, real name Kong Yan Lai 江恩來), known as the “Sweetheart of Hong Kong”. Orchestra arranged and conducted by Celso Carrillo, released on the Diamond Records label (Diamond LP-1). One of the earliest long-play records produced and released exclusively in Hong Kong, pioneering the Off-Beat Cha Cha rhythm in the region.

Artist Notes

Kong Ling made her professional debut in 1954. After a series of local engagements she toured Singapore for nine months, becoming so successful that upon her return to Hong Kong she became the most sought-after stage singer in the Colony — featured at three separate nightclubs every evening. She was the first artist in Hong Kong to achieve this distinction. Her versatility and charm brought her to international attention: she appeared on Arthur Godfrey’s Television Show, and her recordings in English showcase her remarkable range. Celso Carrillo’s arrangements — incorporating piano, cow-bell, timbales, and conga drum — bring a vibrant Latin American swing to these twelve tracks.

Track Listing

Side One

1. China Night
2. One Way Ticket (To The Blues)
3. C’est Magnifique
4. Ciao Ciao Bambino
5. My Heart Is An Open Book
6. I Love You Baby

Side Two

7. The Voice Of Love
8. Seven Lonely Days
9. Tenderly
10. Let’s Go Off-Beat
11. Mona Lisa
12. Sayonara

Release Details

• Artist: Kong Ling (江玲)
• Title: Off-Beat Cha Cha
• Label: Diamond Records
• Cat No.: Diamond LP-1
• Orchestra: Arranged & conducted by Celso Carrillo
• Origin: Hong Kong
• Format: 12” LP Vinyl

Condition

• Cover: VG+ — ring mark, wrinkles, some dirt & minor tear
• Vinyl: VG+ — light hairline scratches on both sides

Ships from Singapore. One copy available.