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by Prasad Gunewardene

Exactly four decades ago, young Clarence Wijewardene, who was never able to read or write music until the time of his early demise, was told by Sanghabo Corea to find a lead vocalist if he (Clarence) was to make his journey in music a success.

Clarence always held that some spiritual power from above gifted him the talent to be a lyricist, composer and a singer. Clarence sent his friend, Premasinghe Marambe from Batugedere, Ratnapura in search of a good male vocalist.

Magical combination

A Josephian school boy was on holiday in that town. He was Annesley Malawana. Marambe brought Annesley to Clarence. The school boy was asked to sing a song. Up went the thumb of Clarence. Sanghabo Corea was jubilant. He knew that the combination was inseparable in music. It was at this point that the "Moonstones" was born. That was the birth of Sinhala Pop music with the box guitar being replaced by the electric guitar.

The emergence of the Clarence/Annesley combination revolutionised the music scene in the country in 1966 with hits like Mango Nanda - Kalu Mama - Ruwan Pure setting the pace for the youth. Clarence by then had composed "Dilhani". He wanted Annesley to sing. But Annesley had an idea otherwise, to propose that it should be sung by a female vocalist.

This time Clarence entrusted Annesley to find a female voice. Indrani Perera was a friend of Annesley's cousin. Both Indrani and Annesley's cousin studied together at Stafford Ladies College.

Indrani was good at singing English numbers. She was brought before Clarence to try the song "Dilhani". For the second time, up went the thumb of Clarence. The trio fitted in like three fish in a net.

The friendship of Clarence and Annesley turned into brotherhood as years passed by. After a heavy session with the "Moonstones", Clarence decided to go solo but formed the "Golden Chimes". Annesley continued with the "Moonstones". As predicted by Sanghabo Corea the duo could not be separated in music.

They both realised that one had no future without the other. If Clarence was to make a name Annesley was a must. And if Annesley was to go ahead with his lilting voice, Clarence was a blessing. Then again they met, decided on another band.

That was the ever popular "Super Golden Chimes", the first Sinhala dance band that had a plethora of songs ranging from Udarata Niliya to Kanda Suriduni.

There is a vital point that only a few know. Who made Clarence a vocalist? Yes...the story is this. Clarence read a poem in the "Silumina" newspaper penned by veteran Karunaratne Abeysekere on the birth of his son, Dileepa. Clarence transformed it to a sweet melody. A vibrant interlude that touched his mind was composed. He sought permission from Karu to turn it to a song. Karu acceded to the request.

Clarence asked Annesley to record the song. But Annesley insisted that Clarence should at least sing one song with the "Moonstones". "I say Ana, I am a musician and not a vocalist. So you go ahead", Clarence quipped with a smile. But Annesley was unmoved by the request by his Master. Clarence was forced to adhere to the command of his friend. This is how Clarence the vocalist was born.

In life and death...

In life and death they were together. The success of both depended on each other. It was no secret. Annesley once became a good entrepreneur in the garment sector with the blessings of Clarence.

Annesley always stood by Clarence whenever Clarence needed his help, when he was sick towards the last lap of his life.On his final trip to California after a recovery of the many illnesses he had, Clarence told the audience there- 'If Annesley comes over here someday, treat him like a king. He is one man who had stood by me both in good and bad times'.

The demise of Clarence never put a stop to Annesley's affection for Clarence's family. When he fulfilled a wish of Clarence to stage the "Super Golden Chimes Re-Union" concert, Annesley respectfully offered the 'share' of Clarence to Shiela Wijewardene. She could not hold her tears at that moment. That gesture displayed that the bond between Clarence and Annesley was still alive, though Clarence was no more.

Unlike in the past, on the last birthday of Clarence before his death there were only a handful of friends to wish him. Since he was hospitalised time and again, many forgot him. But Annesley was there with him.

It was on this day that Clarence expressed two sentimental statements over his lifelong friendship with Annesley. He said, "Ana, I have given you a wealth of songs to earn till you die someday. You have the legitimate right for those songs.

You have a duty by me". Annesley asked what. "You must carry my coffin one day as I feel my days are numbered with this sickness". Annesley wished many more years for Clarence from the bottom of his heart. None of us knew that Clarence was only 100 days away from that sad day.

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