Draft:Judy De Silva

• Comment: This is written like a Blog post, not an encyclopaedic article. Qcne (talk) 10:32, 22 November 2023 (UTC)

• Comment: Wikipedia cannot be used as a reference per WP:CIRCULAR. 331dot (talk) 10:59, 20 November 2023 (UTC)

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Tracy Judith de Silva, known professionally as Judy de Silva, is a versatile Sri Lankan artist originating from a lineage steeped in music and acting. Renowned for her multifaceted talents, Judy has captivated audiences in Sri Lanka and abroad through her musical performances.

Hailing from a family with a rich heritage in the realm of musicians and actors, Judy has established herself as a prominent entertainer within the Sri Lankan entertainment scene. Her musical prowess and captivating performances resonate with audiences both locally and internationally, solidifying her position as a celebrated artist in the industry... Judy was born in Kurana, Negombo, Sri Lanka. She attended The High School Primary, Katunayake, in her first year of schooling. From Grade 2 she attended Musaeus College, Colombo, a leading girls’ school in Sri Lanka. At the tender age of six Judy composed her first song for her pet kitten Cosy. “It was a very simple melody and lyrics,” says her mother, “yet I was surprised at this little girl composing tunes, playing the piano, and singing it for Cosy, who sat on the piano keys.” As a little girl Judy occasionally accompanied her mother, Kanthie de Silva, and sang a song or two at her mother’s musical performances. Judy’s first public appearance was at the age of seven, at a “Jazz Unlimited” (J.U.) session held at Lé Galadari Meridien Colombo. On the piano, she played “Take 5”, the famous jazz piece by the Dave Brubeck Quartet. At nine, Judy once again performed at J.U., singing the 1972 gospel hit “Day by Day”, in a jazzed-up version. Her first radio program, in 1984, was “Talent Corner” on Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation (SLBC)

Personal life

Looking back at Judy’s heritage, her maternal great-grandfather, Daniel L. de Silva, was one of the first students at Ananda College Colombo in 1888, under the first headmaster, the Theosophist C.W. Ledbeater. Mr de Silva was one of the pioneer Sri Lankan actors of Shakespearean dramas in the 1920s & 30s; (A Tower Hall Actor), he was also one of the first Sri Lankans to record on 78rpm gramophone records on the HMV label. Judy’s maternal grandfather, Edgar de Silva, a “Wesleyite” also known as Edgar de Bright, was an entertainer, who was referred to as the “weird muscle controller” because he moved his muscles to the rhythm of music. Edgar sang mostly in the style of Paul Robeson, the renowned bass baritone. He was also a physical culturist, journalist, vocal coach and a show- promoter who, together with the great impresario Mr Donovan Andre, was instrumental in facilitating visits of internationally famous classical artists such as

Gonzalo Soriano, Annaliese & Karl, Willy Hammer, Kenneth Spencer, and The Bogtman Quartet. Judy’s maternal grand-uncle Noel de Silva (Edgar’s brother), who was graded an “A” artiste (singer and pianist) by Radio Ceylon, was also a popular radio and concert performer. Grandfather Edgar’s first cousin was the legendary "Father of Baila in Sri Lanka", Wally Bastiansz. He was the singer and composer, who developed the style of chorus baila in Sri Lanka in the 1940s, and was an experienced guitar and banjo player, and violinist. (Wally's father Hinton and Edgar's mother Winifred were brother and sister). Judy’s maternal grandmother, Evelyn de Silva, who never had her voice trained, was an old girl of Clifton Girls’ School Colombo, and claimed to have come first in school singing competitions. Those who heard her sing say she had a pure “soprano leggiero” voice. She was also a radio artiste in the 1950s and sang with her brother-in-law, Noel de Silva, and tenor Freddy Xavier during the days of Mr Clifford R. Dodd (Director Commercial Service Radio Ceylon), Mr Livy Wijemanne and Tim Hoshington. Judy’s mother, Kanthie de Silva, is a famous jazz singer who also acted with Judy in the silver screen movie Sura Daruwo and tele- dramas Viyaru Prarthana & Udagira. Kanthie’s sister, Lilonga Fernando, who sang with her in the 60s and 70s, also acted with Judy as her mother in Mark Samson’s Ilakkaya tele- drama. Lilonga’s children (Judy’s cousins) Yohan and Sarith Fernando (Wesleyites) also have exceptionally good voices. Sarith sang bass in the school choir. Their father Mahinda Fernando was a producer of many popular radio programs at SLBC, a script writer and a stage actor. Judy’s father, Chesley Nugara, was a professional musician in the 60s & 70s, a guitarist and singer. His brother Condrad’s children (Judy’s cousins) are also talented artists: Sajini Fernando is a professional singer and Sidantha Fernando (owner and design director at SeaFoam & Coco) has also sung on stage with Judy.

Carreer

Judy, a versatile artist born in the 1970s, emerged as a prominent figure in Sri Lanka's entertainment industry. Her career, spanning several decades, encompasses achievements in singing, acting, and dance. Commencing in 1985, she steadily ascended to prominence, recognized for her multifaceted talents.

She gained early recognition by sharing the stage with renowned international acts such as The Brotherhood Of Man, George Baker Selection, LUV, Johnny Logan, and La Toya Jackson. Judy's musical journey began with compositions in Sinhala and English, earning significant airplay on the Sri Lanka Broadcasting Corporation and securing top spots on the Sri Lankan original Hit Parade.

Notably, Judy's performances catered to diverse audiences, encompassing various languages and musical genres. Collaborating with her mother, Kanthie de Silva, they delivered multilingual performances covering an extensive repertoire, including Sinhala, English, Tamil, Hindi, and numerous other languages.

Her early days included involvement in songwriting during school with a group named "The Wild Angels," resulting in several compositions, one of which, "Tears Behind My Eyes," found its place in Judy's debut collection, "With All Our Love," released in 1988.

Apart from her musical endeavors, Judy honed her skills as a classical ballet and tap dancer, undergoing extensive training under notable mentors in both disciplines. Her professional debut in the entertainment industry dates back to April 5th, 1985, marking the commencement of a successful career trajectory.

Over the years, Judy collaborated with various bands and artists, performing at prestigious venues and earning accolades. Her foray into acting began in 1993, landing her roles in several notable Sri Lankan and international productions, earning her the "SARASAVIYA" Silver Screen Award for "Best Emerging Actress 1996."

Continuing her musical journey, Judy launched her band "Judy with Eternal Soul" in 1996, producing original audio CDs and videos. She later ventured as a solo artist, embarking on international tours to the UK, Japan, Cyprus, Dubai, and India. Collaborations with different bands, including "Scintillate" and "Sign," showcased her versatility and enduring appeal in the music industry.

As of 2019, Judy continues to captivate audiences with solo performances and collaborations alongside her mother and the band "Scintillate," reaffirming her enduring influence and commitment to the world of entertainment.

Discography and achievements

1990: "Carnival"

1991: "Carnival Magic"

1992: "Swing The Mood"

1993: "Carnival 3"

1995: "Namaste non stop"

1995: Solo album "Sihina Lokaye" with session musicians

1997: "Sangeethe" by Judy with Eternal Soul (Audio Collection; CD)

2000: Audio CD release of "With All Our Love"

2009: "Waiting"

2016: "Adare Kiya"

2019: "A Gift Of Love" by Kanthie & Judy (Audio Collection; CD) musical arrangements and backing by Suresh de Silva (multi-instrumentalist)

2022: "Mulu Hadawathen"

External Links

• Judy De Silva Homepage

• Judy de Silva an interview with Dalrene Suby