KUALA LUMPUR: Looked upon by many as a source of inspiration, accomplished singer and Jingles Queen Salamiah Hassan today reveals who her long-time hero is.
It is Datin Paduka Julie Sudiro, a familiar face and voice on local radio and television, particularly from the 1960s through the 1980s. Many would remember Julie, who was often paired with another famous jazz singer, the late Zain Azman, for singing everything from jazz and blues to keroncong and pop.
Salamiah, 65 and Julie, 71 will be sharing the stage for a two-night performance on March 5 and 6 called “Malam Nada Biru” at Istana Budaya (IB), where they will be performing a jazz number.
“Just thinking about it makes me nervous. This is Julie Sudiro we are talking about. I have always looked up to her whom I regard as my mentor. She sings like Ella Fitzgerald!” said Salamiah, much to Julie’s surprise.
The two, along with Salamiah's daughter, organiser-singer Atilia Haron, Najwa Mahiaddin and Datuk Yusni Hamid were speaking to reporters at a Press conference held at IB here today.
The five artistes will be joined by Jaclyn Victor, Dina Nadzir and Adibah Noor on the performance nights.
Malam Nada Biru is organised in conjunction with International Women’s Day which falls on March 8.
Said Julie, “Salamiah, if you are nervous, I am even more so, as I’ve not sung in a long time. As you know, I’m already in my “seven series” so I hope you won’t mind if I sound a little pitchy."
"To be honest, I was truly surprised when Atilia called to invite me to sing, what more at a prestigious venue such as this. I’m excited and I hope we will have two great evenings,” said Julie, who entertained the Press with some impromptu singing of Hello Dolly with Salamiah.
The singers, who will be backed by a six-piece musician, are set to perform 25 songs in total. Among them are That’s What Friends Are For, Tan Sri P. Ramlee’s Tunggu Sekejap, You’ve Got A Friend and God Bless The Child.
For tickets, priced at RM80, RM180 and RM200, drop an email to tiaharon@gmail.com