DESMOND KELLY

               “ADVICE FROM ELVIS” – by Des Kelly He was taken away far too early, but as my good friend Chris Lawton also knows, Elvis, like so many “Stars” of Show-biz., also started their careers  singing Gospel songs, giving the World around them sound advice on how to live their lives. This generally came from watching their own parents, grand-parents, etcetera, live life under much more strife than themselves, and still adhere to the words written in the Bible, commonly also referred to, as the Word of God.  Country Stars such as Merle Haggard, Johnny Cash, George Jones, and even “Rockers” like Jerry Lee Lewis, all started their careers by recording simple Gospel songs, and although Elvis was the exemption,ribute to Jesus Christ and the Holy Christian Family.  ...

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You and Me – by Lalith Paranavitana Introduction by Des Kelly      Listened to the song, a very difficult one to sing, and one that was possibly chosen by “The Voice”, himself. Many changes of key involved, plus lyrics that only experts like Sinatra could sing meaningfully. Lalith has produced an excellent cover version of this song, right down to the last note. He has a rich baritone voice, ideal for ballads of this sort, the backing track & production of the song was also very good, so, on behalf of e’Lanka, I would like to congratulate him 100%. If he can produce a video of this song c/w a picture of himself,  with his story as per his e’mail, I think that we would be very proud to publish it on e’Lanka. He will have to realize that there are no finances involved, but a donation to e’Lanka would ...

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“THE CITY OF GEMS”             Ratnapura has always been famous as the City of Gems, in the beautiful “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, and so, this story does not surprise me at all. I cannot even begin to describe the multiplicity of beautiful gems that are unearthed in Ratnapura. Suffice to say that the main Blue Sapphire in Queen Elizabeth’s “Coronatiin Crown” also came from Ceylon.  Now, let us enjoy this top story from the Daily Mirror, via my good friend Victor Melder. Thank you, Victor.           Desmond Kelly, (Editor-in-Chief)  e’Lanka. World’s largest star sapphire cluster found in backyard Experts say the gemstone has an estimated value of up to $ 100 million Source:FT BBC: Sri Lankan authorities say the world’s largest star sapphire cluster has been found in a backyard – by accident. A gem trader said the stone was ...

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“KELLY KLASSICS” FOR e’LANKA – by Des Kelly   “I’m glad for your sake, (but sorry for mine), DOUG. SAHM of the Sir Douglas Quintet sings this great song for you. He was found dead of natural causes, at the age of 58, so R.I.P. Doug. This is another one of those unforgettable songs, once heard, will always be remembered, as will this Vocalist, who started in Showbiz at the tender age of 4, played guitar, fiddle, steel guitar, and sang his songs with gusto, later joining the late, great Freddy Fender,, Aubrey Meyers, & superb Accordianist Flaco Jimenez to form The Texas Tornados who in turn, made Tehano/Mexican Music very cool, being the hot Entertainers they were. Right now, please enjoy the version of this song that I prefer, even as you enjoy reading  Our Website Extraordinaire, e’Lanka. The BEST VERSIONS of any song , you readers out there, ...

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     “HALFWAY TO A HUNDRED” – By Des Kelly Many of us have probably stopped, on our 50th birthday, to think about the significance of this particular day, and wonder what the following years have in store for us. Now, with longevity much more common, depending on the life lived, so far, we will quite possibly look forward to the years to come, and this story (Authoer unknown), unfortunately, provides a fascinating, whimsical look into the future.  It is a shame that we, of e’Lanka get so many “posts” with Authors unknown, but it does happen. So then, because our members and readers around the World deserve only the best factual or imaginary “stories”, I take it upon myself to provide a brief introduction, so here’s hoping you enjoy this particular one, which is very funny and interesting, depending on how you look at it, when YOU are halfway ...

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 “SPANISH FLU!! SO WHAT’S NEW” ??. Thank you, to Chris.Lawton, for this amazing collection of photographic memories. They say that “A picture is worth a thousand words”, well folks, here we go, with many thousands of words (in pictures), for us to reminisce on. Let us take the time to concentrate on this “post” and hopefully learn something from it.           Desmond Kelly. (Editor-in-Chief) e’Lanka. Nothing has changed much in 100 years–most of the same old practices still apply–amazing !!! 101 years ago, same world, same tragedy… photos preserved it in black and white! ...

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“BAILA, AT IT’S BEST” – By Des Kelly   La Bambas, who are proud to call themselves  Moratu-kollo”, now sadly minus their leader Brian Fernando who passed, on 6th November, 2013, would have to be, in the opinion of music- collector extraordinaire Jude Goonewardane, in London, and this writer, in Australia, the BEST exponents of what is termed Sri Lankas favourite Party-Music, BAILA.            I am proud to say that I started my Music-career in that famous Town of Moratuwa, myself, at the tender age of six, meeting the Original King of Baila, Wally Bastiensz himself, when I was around nine, (Wally was about 18 years older than me), but seeing this very young Lansi-kolla who was so interested in Music, decided to teach me how to sing some baila verses, a few of which were rather ribald, putting it mildly. I was proud to learn ...

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“KELLY KLASSICS” FOR eLANKA – By Des Kelly     A regular “Music-Break” anywhere has never hurt anyone at anytime, & so, especially for every member & reader of e”Lanka, scrolling through this great website, a piece of good music, picked at random, by e’Lanka’s Mr.Music will be just what is needed to enhance what is already very good reading, by thousands of good folk around the World. There is a superb English quote “If Music be the food of life, play on”!!.           Desmond Kelly.  (Editor-in-Chief). eLanka. Let’s begin with a BAILAndo by the Tehano-Style Texas Tornados. I cannot think of a better way to start.  D.K.  ...

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   “RHYTHMIC LANKA” – By Des Kelly A PICTURE SPEAKS A THOUSAND WORDS. HERE ARE MANY THOUSANDS OF THEM. PLEASE WATCH AND ENJOY. COMPLIMENTS OF GERREYN & KELLY.  Desmond Kelly. (Editor-in-Chief)  e’Lanka. Beautifully performed in Houston…worth watching… ...

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