Wiki.sg

Brian Richmond (Singapore DJ)

With a career spanning more than four decades, Brian Richmond (born 7 September 1947) is regarded as a veteran radio presenter, host and sports commentator in Singapore. He has two sons with Susanne Ong - Mark Richmond and Don Richmond. On 6 November 2022, Brian announced that he would be retiring after 51 years and concluding his stint at Gold 90.5FM.[1]

Brian Richmond
Brian Richmond 2022.png
Born7 September 1947
Alma materSt Patrick's School

Personal life

 
Brian Richmond and his wife Susanne Ong. Photo from Toggle.

Childhood

Brian Peter Richmond was born on 7 September 1947 to an English father and a Eurasian mother.[2] His father worked with the British Army and his mother was a secretary.[3] Following his parents’ divorce, his mother took custody of him.[4] Brian was raised by the Wahids, a Malay family with whom his mother was familiar with. To Brian, the Wahids were like his foster family. They were paid a monthly fee for taking care of him.[5][6] Brian’s primary caretaker was Wahid’s mother, who he had affectionately called “auntie”.[7]


At nine years old, Brian was sent to live at the boarding house of St Patrick’s School along East Coast Road for “a good Catholic upbringing”. However, he continued to spend his school holidays with his foster family. Brian did not complete his secondary school education. Midway through Secondary Four, Wahid passed away. Following the news, Brian left boarding school and stayed home to keep “auntie” company.[8] Brian completed his ‘A’ Levels at St Thomas School, a private institution.[9]

Marriage

Brian first met his wife, Susanne Ong, at a sarabat stall - a mini-coffeeshop - in Queenstown. According to a 2007 interview, Brian had noticed “this girl coming back from school, from River Valley Chinese Government Middle School” and wearing “this white-framed glasses”. While he had initially accompanied his friend to meet her, Ong eventually “fell for (him) more than (his friend)”. Brian and Sussane started dating when they were 15 and 14 years old respectively.[10]


Brian proposed to Sussane on her 21st birthday party that he had organised. They were married a year later.[11] They have two sons together, Mark and Don Richmond.

Background

During his youth, Brian was an avid sportsman. He reportedly started playing football at 11 years old and represented St Patrick's School in hockey and football. At 15 years old, he played as full back on the St Patrick's football team. His hockey team won the school championships in 1963.[12] Brian's early interest in sports paved the way for his future stint as a sports commentator.

National youth athlete

 
Brian Richmond (first row, far left) representing Singapore at an international tournament. Photo from All Singapore Stuff.

At 16 years old, Brian played for Singapore’s national youth football team after passing the selection trials in 1964. He represented Singapore in various tournaments including the King’s Cup tournament in Bangkok in 1968.[13]


In 1970, Brian fractured his right ankle during a local Division 1 game. His sporting career came to an abrupt end. Following the injury, Brian had a stint as the coach for the national youth team in 1973. Brian switched to sports commentary after the Football Association of Singapore was declared bankrupt.[14][15]

Career highlights

 
Brian Richmond presently hosts "The Vintage Showcase with Brian Richmond" show on Gold 90.5 FM.

In the 1970s, Brian Richmond was juggling freelance gigs in radio and television while deejaying on the side. On top of these part-time jobs, Brian held a full-time position at an advertising firm. In the mid-1980s, he started up BR Productions, a company that made corporate videos. Brian liquidated the business in 2014.[16] He officially announced his retirement from the radio industry in November 2022.[1]

Retirement (2022)

During his show The Vintage Showcase on 6 November 2022, Brian announced that he would be leaving Gold 90.5FM and retiring from the radio scene for personal reasons.[1] "It has been a long journey - 51 years, if you please. But, like they say, all good things must come to an end. The time to make my exit has arrived, and I've got so much to be grateful for," said Brian while he was on air according to ChannelNewsAsia.[17]

When asked by his listeners if he would be coming back, he clarified that this would be his “swansong” and said that he’s “not going on vacation. I’m going on a long, long journey.”[17]

The Vintage Showcase will be hosted by Phillip Chew from 13 November onwards.[18]

Radio (1971 - 2022)

In 1970, Brian answered an advertisement by Radio Television Singapore (RTS) for radio announcers. However, he had failed the audition at the time. With encouragement from his wife, Brian auditioned again the following year. He was successful this time around and began his radio career at Rediffusion in 1971.[19]

Years active Show segment Radio station Refs.
1998 - present day The Vintage Showcase Gold 90.5 FM [20]
Gold Breakfast Show with Brian and Mark Richmond [21]
Homestretch with Brian and Mark Richmond [22]
Vintage Sundays [23]
Gold Afternoons [24]
Sundays with Brian [25]
Pioneer Country Show [26]
Breakfast with Brian [27]
Let’s Go Country on Sundays [28]
1988 - 1998 Dunhill Music Magazine Radio 1 [29]
Teen Rendezvous [30]
Clean and Bright [31]
The Good Times [32]
Sunday Special [33]
1971 - late 1980s Good Music, Company and Me Rediffusion [34]
Pop Around [35]

TV sports commentator (1971)

Brian’s career as a sports commentator began in 1971 when he was assigned to cover the Southeast Asian Peninsular (SEAP) games. At the time, he anchored the live reports in Kuala Lumpur every night for two weeks. Subsequently, Brian was invited to present the weekly sports show with Fong Hoe Beng until 1974. The pair hosted the 1974 World Cup Finals which marked Singapore’s first colour programme.[36][37][38] In the 1970s, Brian also commentated for the Malaysia Cup football matches.[39]

Richmond Connection (1972)

 
Brian Richmond pictured in 1976. Photo from The Straits Times (Singapore Press Holdings).

In 1972, Brian set-up a mobile disco company called ‘Richmond Connection’.[40] Brian started freelancing as a DJ at The Boiler Room at Mandarin Hotel before moving to Lost Horizon at the Shangri-La Hotel in 1974.[41] Over the years, he has deejayed at various nightspots like The West End Club at Goodwood Park Hotel, Studio M, Club 5, Hearthrob and Connexions at King’s Hotel.[42][43]

Hosting

Television

 
Brian Richmond (right) hosting the 1978 Talentime television programme. Photo from Toggle.
Year Television Programme Refs.
1986 Miss Universe - Semi-final Show [44]
1985 Countdown ‘86 [45]
1978 Talentime television series [46]
Telefun [47]

Events

Brian has acted as a Master of Ceremonies at various functions, events and concerts, most of which are music-related.

Year Event Refs.
2017 Rocking Good Times [48]
2015 Stars of the Golden Venus [49]
2012 All Time Favourites [50]
Down Memory Lane 5 [51]
2009 Golden Memories Christmas Concert [52]
Down Memory Lane IV [53]
Eurasiana: A Musical Tribute [54]
2008 Song Stories 1: Heroes in Concert [55]
2007 My Life - Michael Issac Tribute [56]
2005 Asia Pacific Country Rock ‘N’ Roll Charity Music Festival [57]
2004 Rolling Good Times [58]
Down Memory Lane III [59]
2003 Bringing On Back The Good Times [60]
2002 Down Memory Lane II [61]
2001 Country Jamboree Cruise [62]
2000 Down Memory Lane [63]
1997 The Elvis Dance Party [64]
1993 Eurasian Extravaganza [65]
1990 Wishing Singapore Well [66]

Media appearances

 
Brian Richmond was featured in the opening scene of Singapore's 2019 NDP music video. Screengrab from YouTube video.
Year Event Role Refs.
2019 National Day Music Video Performer -
2017 National Day Parade Performer -
2004 President’s Star Charity Performer [67]
2001 The Necessary Stage - “Lovewave 96.6” Stage debut [68]

Awards & accolades

In 2005, Brian Richmond was awarded the 'Lifetime Achievement Award' at the Singapore Radio Awards for his 34 years in the radio industry.[69]

Year Event Title Awarding Organisation Refs.
2011 75 Years of Radio Gala Dinner Diamond Award - [70]
2010 Singapore Radio Awards Most Popular Radio Personality Mediacorp [71]
2007 Singapore Radio Awards Most Popular Radio Personality Mediacorp [72]
Carlsberg Friendliest Radio Personality
2005 Singapore Radio Awards Lifetime Achievement Award Mediacorp [73]

References / Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Chinnuswamy, Yamini. “Singapore veteran deejay Brian Richmond retires from radio.” The Straits Times. November 6, 2022. Accessed 7 November 2022.
  2. ↑ “School Days - Brian Richmond”. Toggle. December 11, 2017. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from toggle.sg.
  3. ↑ Our City, Our Home: Eurasians 1965-2015. Singapore: Eurasian Association, 2015.
  4. ↑ Leong, Sandra. “Love is in the air”. The Straits Times. November 21, 2005. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  5. ↑ Our City, Our Home: Eurasians 1965-2015. Singapore: Eurasian Association, 2015.
  6. ↑ “School Days - Brian Richmond”. Toggle. December 11, 2017. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from toggle.sg.
  7. ↑ “School Days - Brian Richmond”. Toggle. December 11, 2017. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from toggle.sg.
  8. ↑ “School Days - Brian Richmond”. Toggle. December 11, 2017. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from toggle.sg.
  9. ↑ Judith Helmberg. “Brian, grand-daddy of sports talk”. New Nation. July 20, 1981. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  10. ↑ Richmond, Brian. “Special project”. National Archives of Singapore. April 26, 2007. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from Archives Online.
  11. ↑ “School Days - Brian Richmond”. Toggle. December 11, 2017. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from toggle.sg.
  12. ↑ Judith Helmberg. “Brian, grand-daddy of sports talk”. New Nation. July 20, 1981. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  13. ↑ Our City, Our Home: Eurasians 1965-2015. Singapore: Eurasian Association, 2015.
  14. ↑ Judith Helmberg. “Brian, grand-daddy of sports talk”. New Nation. July 20, 1981. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  15. ↑ Chan, Rachel. “Sing50: 70s Then and Now”. The Straits Times. May 21, 2015. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  16. ↑ Chan, Rachel. “Sing50: 70s Then and Now”. The Straits Times. May 21, 2015. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 “Brian Richmond leaves GOLD 905 after 51 years on the airwaves.” Channel News Asia. November 6, 2022. Accessed 7 November 2022.
  18. ↑ Mediacorp GOLD 905. “Mediacorp GOLD 905 - Posts.” Facebook. November 6, 2022. Accessed 7 November 2022.
  19. ↑ Chan, Rachel. “Sing50: 70s Then and Now”. The Straits Times. May 21, 2015. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  20. ↑ Chan, Rachel. “Sing50: 70s Then and Now”. The Straits Times. May 21, 2015. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  21. ↑ Tan, Judith. “His No. 1 fan won’t be tuning in”. The New Paper. December 22, 2012. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  22. ↑ Tan, Judith. “His No. 1 fan won’t be tuning in”. The New Paper. December 22, 2012. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  23. ↑ Eddino Abdul Hadi. “Vets still rocking hard”. The Straits Times. May 29, 2009. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  24. ↑ Leong, Sandra. “Love is in the air”. The Straits Times. November 21, 2005. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  25. ↑ “Gold’s new slant”. The Straits Times. August 30, 2003. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  26. ↑ Arti Mulchand. “Putting her Faith in Twain”. The Straits Times. June 11, 2000. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  27. ↑ Lim, Rebecca. “One FM goes for news and gold”. The Straits Times. April 22, 1998. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  28. ↑ Lim, Rebecca. “One FM goes for news and gold”. The Straits Times. April 22, 1998. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  29. ↑ “Page 13 Miscellaneous Column 1”. New Paper. February 4, 1989. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  30. ↑ “Page 17 Miscellaneous Column 1”. New Paper. October 15, 1988. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  31. ↑ "Page 24 Miscellaneous Column 1”. New Paper. August 27, 1988. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  32. ↑ "Page 24 Miscellaneous Column 1”. New Paper. August 27, 1988. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG
  33. ↑ "Page 24 Miscellaneous Column 1”. New Paper. August 27, 1988. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  34. ↑ “Page 28 Miscellaneous Column 3”. New Paper. September 9, 1988. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  35. ↑ “Page 28 Miscellaneous Column 3”. New Paper. September 9, 1988. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  36. ↑ Lim, Rebecca. “Old pros - They are still top-draw DJs - Riding back on the block”. The Straits Times. April 22, 1998. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  37. ↑ Judith Helmberg. “Brian, grand-daddy of sports talk”. New Nation. July 20, 1981. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  38. ↑ Chan, Rachel. “Sing50: 70s Then and Now”. The Straits Times. May 21, 2015. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  39. ↑ Freeman, Bradley C and Yokanathan Ramakrishnan. “Singapore Radio: Then and Now”. April 26, 2016. Accessed 2 October 2019. Retrieved from Google Books.
  40. ↑ Long, Susan. “From father to son, Richmonds make their mark”. The Straits Times. September 28, 1997. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  41. ↑ Lim, Rebecca. “Old pros - They are still top-draw DJs - Riding back on the block”. The Straits Times. April 22, 1998. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  42. ↑ Chan, Rachel. “Sing50: 70s Then and Now”. The Straits Times. May 21, 2015. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  43. ↑ Lim, Rebecca. “Old pros - They are still top-draw DJs - Riding back on the block”. The Straits Times. April 22, 1998. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  44. ↑ Lim, Rebecca. “Old pros - They are still top-draw DJs - Riding back on the block”. The Straits Times. April 22, 1998. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  45. ↑ “Page 5 Miscellaneous Column 8”. The Straits Times. December 29, 1985. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  46. ↑ Lim, Rebecca. “Old pros - They are still top-draw DJs - Riding back on the block”. The Straits Times. April 22, 1998. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  47. ↑ Lim, Rebecca. “Old pros - They are still top-draw DJs - Riding back on the block”. The Straits Times. April 22, 1998. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  48. ↑ Tan, Dylan. “Dialect shows and more for senior citizens’ arts festival”. The Business Times. August 4, 2017. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  49. ↑ Toh, Christopher. “The Good Old Days”. Today. November 2, 2015. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  50. ↑ Lydia Vasko. “Local talents bear fruit”. The Straits Times. October 5, 2012. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  51. ↑ Eddino Abdul Hadi. “Musical trip Down Memory Lane”. The Straits Times. October 4, 2012. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  52. ↑ Tan, Tara. “Shows naughty and nice”. The Straits Times. December 6, 2009. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  53. ↑ Toh, Christopher. “Old gold”. Today. September 11, 2009. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  54. ↑ Toh, Christopher. “Variety, the spice of life…” Today. June 4, 2009. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  55. ↑ Jeremy Sharma. “Blast with the past”. The Straits Times. July 28, 2008. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  56. ↑ Hooi, Joyce. “Gigs in memory of Michael”. The Straits Times. June 8, 2007. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  57. ↑ “5 things to do”. The Straits Times. August 14, 2005. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  58. ↑ Loh Keng Fatt. “Rolling back the years”. The Straits Times. October 1, 2004. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  59. ↑ Loh Keng Fatt. “Music of the heart”. The Straits Times. July 29, 2004. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  60. ↑ Loh Keng Fatt. “Rolling back the years”. The Straits Times. October 1, 2004. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  61. ↑ Wee, Tommy. “Retro-rock dinner show for charity”. The Straits Times. May 3, 2002. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  62. ↑ “Rock with Buddy”. The Straits Times. November 20, 2001. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  63. ↑ Arti Mulchand. “Charity gig to trip Down Memory Lane”. The Straits Times. August 28, 2000. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  64. ↑ Tong, Kelvin. “Are you lonesome tonight? Not anymore, say fans”. The Straits Times. August 18, 1997. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  65. ↑ “Eurasian stars help to raise funds for community”.  The Straits Times. October 5, 1993. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  66. ↑ “Live show at the Wishing Well this Saturday”. The Straits Times. May 31, 1990. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  67. ↑ “President’s Star Charity show raises over $2.8m on Sunday”. Channel News Asia. September 12, 2004. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperS.
  68. ↑ Oon, Clarissa. “Arts for the heartlanders”. The Straits Times. July 31, 2001. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  69. ↑ Jill Alphonso. “Awards for Ong and Richmond”. The Straits Times. October 22, 2005. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  70. ↑ Tan Weizhen. “Radio celebrates 75 years with an eye on the future”. Today. July 27, 2011. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  71. ↑ Loh, Genevieve. “The winners”. Today. March 19, 2010. Accessed 1 October 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  72. ↑ Toh, Christopher. “A Soul Connection”. Today. December 1, 2007. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
  73. ↑ Jill Alphonso. “Awards for Ong and Richmond”. The Straits Times. October 22, 2005. Accessed 30 September 2019. Retrieved from NewspaperSG.
Retrieved from "https://wiki.sg/index.php?title=Brian_Richmond_(Singapore_DJ)&oldid=11725"