Gene Ang and Hawaiian Crackers of Taiping

Gene Ang and his Hawaiian Crackers: Taiping’s musical legends of the ’50s

Free Malaysia Today – 17 Nov 2024

Now 96, the former guitarist relives the glory days of his band that brought the small Perak town to life.

In the late 1950s, Taiping was a quiet town. But one band emerged amidst the humdrum, bringing Hawaiian melodies and rock ‘n’ roll to life. Gene Ang and his Hawaiian Crackers were an unlikely ensemble of postmen, bank tellers, storekeepers and government workers, each driven by a shared love for music.

By the time they played their last gig in 1976, Ang and his bandmates had become local legends. Today, 96-year-old Ang lives in an old folks’ home, where he fondly recounted stories of his past to FMT Lifestyle. Beside him sat his granddaughter-in-law, Karen Loh, who first brought his story to light through the “Museum Volunteers JMM” blog.

Born in 1929 to a Baba family in Ipoh, he was named Ang Leong Tooi, although he later adopted the name “Gene” after Gene Autry, the Singing Cowboy. Ang’s love for music began early – at age five, to be precise. It started with the violin, which he learnt from a local Ronggeng troupe of Javanese dancers. Later, he picked up additional skills from his father’s friend, a Chinese opera musician.