By Pocholo Concepcion
Inquirer
Last updated 04:39am (Mla time) 12/06/2006
Published on Page G1 of the December 6, 2006 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer
IN 1964, when Matthew Monro was born, his father was a top international act. A succession of hits—beginning with “Portrait of My Love” (1960), “Softly As I Leave You” (1962), “From Russia With Love” (1963), a cover of “Yesterday” (1965), and “Born Free” (1966), among many others—had made Matt Sr. as famous as Frank Sinatra. In fact, he was being referred to as “the British Sinatra.”
When he died of liver cancer in 1985, his third son, now called Matt Monro Jr., accidentally stepped into his shoes.
Eighteen years into a career that thrives on the legacy of his father, Matt Monro Jr. met the local press on Monday at the new Hyatt Hotel and Casino in Manila, to promote his forthcoming gigs, “Matt Sings Monro: One Story, A Thousand Memories.”
Did you mean to follow in your dad’s footsteps?
I had never sung in public until my father died. I was asked by charity groups to give short talks about him and maybe do a song, just one song. It became a full-time engagement.
What are your fondest memories?
I was in school at the height of his career, but later on I went on the road with him, fetching his water, minding his wardrobe and music sheets. I loved watching him perform. He was a superstar, but offstage he was just a humble, caring man.
Fame never went to his head?
Maybe in the beginning it had a bit of an effect on him. But he never acted like, “Hey, I’m a star, look at me.”
Your dad used to be a bus driver and really struggled to be a singer.
He recorded songs for different labels but at first he didn’t sell, so they dropped him. My mom had to work so he could go on singing.
Did he like being called the British Frank Sinatra?
I think his singing was much closer to Nat King Cole. But Sinatra once sent him a telegram saying, “You’re one of the greatest singers the world has ever seen.” That meant a great deal to my dad.
Do you know that every karaoke club in the Philippines should have Matt Monro tunes?
My dad considered the Philippines his second home. He came here so many times in the ’60s and ’70s, performing to about 40,000 each time. He told me he felt so much warmth towards the Filipino people. He even told me, “Son, if you really want to be happy, marry a lady from the Philippines!” If anyone out there is listening, I’m single!
(“Matt Sings Monro” goes onstage Dec. 6 at the New Pagcor Grand Theater, Parañaque and Dec. 9 at the Hard Rock Café, Makati.)