The History of Koes Plus

The History of Koes Plus

Koes Plus, Senayan Stadium 1970 (pic. google.com)

koes plus @studio (pic. google.com)

Koes Plus is an Indonesian band formed in 1969 as a continuation of the Koes Bersaudara group. This famous 1970s Indonesian band is often regarded as the pioneer of pop and rock 'n roll music in Indonesia. Until now, the band still performs in the musical performances bringing their old songs, though only Yon, the original vocalist, who is still active.

"Never wanted to be famous. Just at first, when Ton (Tony Koeswoyo) was a teenager, he wanted to have a guitar ... "(Djon Koeswoyo)

pic. google.com Tony Koeswoyo

Tony is serious about learning music. He mastered various instruments well such as guitars, ukulele, piano, and flute. He always follows the activities in which there is a musical stage. Student activity or whatever, he always follow. Tony then teaches his younger siblings, Yon (Vocal & Rhythm) and Yok (Bassist), playing music. Nomo, who had just returned from traveling, also joined in.

Koes Bersaudara (pic. google.com)

In 1960, the Koes Brothers was formed. They practice every day. Musical instruments purchased from Tuban, East Java; His amplifier uses Robin from Jakarta. Their house on Jalan Melawai III, No. 14, Block C, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta was changed every day because people gathered to hear the beat of music. This is complained by their father, Koeswoyo, on the grounds that the music can not make people prosperous. But Tony and his brothers do not care. They just keep playing their music.

Koes Brothers practice by singing western songs that are hits from Everly Brothers, Harry Belafonte, Kalin Twin, and others. At that time, singing Indonesian songs was considered embarrassing. They then deepen their ability by singing on the streets or becoming entertainers at birthdays and other events. Pay is not important, we were quite happy to be able to process and get meals-drink free.

At the time, Koes Brothers had never competed in band festivals. They have not dared to compete with bands that have better equipment. One of them is Teenager's Voice who has a handsome vocalist: Sophan Sophiaan.

In 1962, came the idea in Tony's mind that Koes Brothers enter the recording. Requirement: Koes Brothers must create and sing their own songs. The 1960s were indeed a lot of famous singers but just by singing someone else's song, Koes Brothers wanted to change that habit.

Tony then concentrated on creating songs. Within a week, he managed to create two songs: Weni and Terpesona. Djon recorded it with a Grundig tape recorder that was as big as a plate. The recording was sent along with a letter of application to PT Irama, the famous record company at the time.

The recording was received by Jack lesmana and Suyoso, the boss of PT Irama. They then interested and gave a condition, "If you can create a song within two weeks, I will give you a chance to record." Two weeks later, Koes Brothers came with their songs.

In the evening, they immediately record. The band name Koes Brothers was changed to Koes Bersaudara (Brothres). Personnel: Djon (bass), Tony (melody / piano), Yon (vocals), Yok (Rythim / vocals), Jan (guitar), Nomo and Iskandar (drums). Nomo is assisted by Iskandar because he is not very good at playing drums. Jan and Iskandar are their neighbors.

Koes Bersaudara (pic. google.com)

In 1963, Koes Bersaudara's first record came out. Filled with 12 songs, including: Weni, Terpesona, Bis Sekolah, Senja, and Telaga Sunyi. Their songs circulate widely to the listeners through Radio Republik Indonesia (RRI) and Air Force radio.

Despite having recordings, welfare 'has not changed. Their pay is very small. Their songs that hits' do not give any effect. They remain street singers here and there and entertain at the wedding. Djon, the eldest, opted out and took his family to Tuban, where he worked as a fisherman. Jan, the guitarist, chose to continue his interior design school at the Jogjakarta Art Academy.

In 1964, the Soekarno government issued a policy to ban the development of western culture. One of them is the development of rock n'roll music, music which in the language of President Soekarno called ngak-ngik-ngok. Western culture is thought to be destructive to the eastern youth and eliminates the national culture.

The policy was violated several times by the Koes Bersaudara. They are still gigging here and there though several times banned. Finally, on Tuesday, June 19, 1965, Toni, Yon, Yok, and Nomo were arrested by the government after being interrogated by the AGO. Their songs are also banned. Fans can only hear their songs through Singapore and Malaysia radio.

Hidup di Bui (Live in Prison) 1965

On September 30, 1965, the Koes Brothers were released from prison. Although free, they are still banned from performing and must go through compulsory reporting. Their musical instruments are also confiscated, so they can not practice and perform. Several months Koes Brothers vacuum.

The miracle came in 1966, the Koes Brothers symbolized as a symbol of freedom over the authority of the old order government. They are occasionally invited to perform at events organized by students and organizations. Even in August 1966, the Koes brothers toured Java and Bali. The money from the tour is then used to buy a house of 500 square meters on the Pawan River Road 21, Block C, Kebayoran.

In 1967, the Koes Brothers released two albums: Make Me Your Sheep and To Tell So Called The Guilties, each containing 12 songs.

To Tell So Called The Guilties, 1967

In 1969, Nomo opted out and worked as a businessman for the cost of living after marriage. Murry came in to replace Nomo on Drum. Koes Bersaudara also changed their name to Koes Plus.

Koes Plus gradually gained popularity and became king among bands. The 1970s became theirs. Their songs hits on the Indonesian charts, sung all ages, such as Bujangan, Muda-Mudi, Kembali ke Jakarta, and others. They also became the advertisement star of several products: F&N soft drinks, Kijang cars, and book covers.

Koes Plus "Muda Mudi" (the Youngsters)

(from left to right: Yok, Tony, Yon, Murry)

Kembali Ke Jakarta (Back to Jakarta)

As the popularity, the welfare of Koes Plus personnel also increased. Once a gig, they werwe paid Rp 3 million, almost worth a Corona car at that time: Rp 3.6 million. If a gig outside Jakarta, their honor Rp 1 million, four times the price of Honda CB Bike: Rp 240 thousand.

Nomo briefly rejoined in 1984 and produced an album: Kembali, but then he decided to leave.

In 1987, Tonny died of complications from the disease. Koes Plus then suffered a total setback. Several times Koes Plus changed personnel. 'Soon, Yok also chose to leave and want to deepen the religion.

In 1992 Koes Plus was awarded the BASF Legend Awards. The award signifies their existence as an Indonesian music legend. During the career, they have created 953 songs in 89 albums: 203 songs in 17 albums at the time named Koes Bersaudara; 750 songs in 72 albums at the time named Koes Plus. Noteworthy: they create and sing their own songs with different genres of music: rock n'roll, pop, dangdut, keroncong, and melayu.


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