Cheryl Lau Sang: The Journey of Samantha Sang
Cheryl Lau Sang, known professionally as Samantha Sang, is a name that resonates with fans of 1970s pop music. Born on 5 August 1951 in Melbourne, Victoria, she has had a career that spans continents and decades, marked by her distinctive voice and memorable hits. From her early beginnings in local talent shows to her international success with the hit single “Emotion,” Samantha Sang’s journey is a testament to her talent and perseverance.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Cheryl Lau Sang was born into a musically inclined family. Her father, Reg Sang, was a professional singer who performed under the stage name Reg Gray, and her mother, Joan, was also a singer. Growing up in such an environment, it was no surprise that Cheryl developed a passion for music at a young age. She began her singing career at the age of eight, performing on local radio shows and entering talent contests, which she often won.
By the age of 15, Cheryl had released her first hit record in Australia, “You Made Me What I Am,” which earned her a “Best Female Vocalist” award. During this time, she performed under the stage name Cheryl Gray, adopting her father’s professional surname to avoid the potentially awkward introduction of “Here’s Reg Sang to sing the song”.
International Aspirations
Despite her success in Australia, Cheryl felt her career was limited if she remained in her home country. In 1969, she relocated to the United Kingdom, where she performed with notable groups such as Herman’s Hermits, The Hollies, and the Bee Gees. It was during this time that she first met Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees, a connection that would prove pivotal in her career.
Barry Gibb wrote “The Love of a Woman” for Cheryl, which became a hit in several European countries. This collaboration marked the beginning of a professional relationship that would later catapult her to international stardom.
Transformation to Samantha Sang
By the mid-1970s, Cheryl had changed her stage name to Samantha Sang and moved to the United States to further her career. In 1977, she reconnected with the Bee Gees, who were at the height of their popularity. Barry and Robin Gibb wrote a new song for her called “Emotion”.
The Success of “Emotion”
“Emotion” was recorded in Miami, Florida, with Barry Gibb providing harmony and background vocals in his signature falsetto. The song was produced as a duet, with Sang and Gibb each singing eight harmonies. Their voices blended so well that critics dubbed Samantha the “female Bee Gee,” a term she initially appreciated but later grew to resent.
Released in December 1977, “Emotion” became a massive international hit. It reached number three on the US Billboard Hot 100, number two in Australia, and number eleven in the UK. The single earned Sang a platinum record, selling over one million copies worldwide.
Challenges Post-“Emotion”
Determined to succeed on her own merits, Sang chose not to record another Gibb song to capitalize on her success. Instead, she released a disco track called “You Keep Me Dancing” as her next single. Unfortunately, the song did not achieve the same level of success, peaking at number 56 on the US charts.
Sang’s follow-up album, “From Dance to Love,” was released in 1979 but failed to make a significant impact. Despite her efforts, she struggled to replicate the success of “Emotion,” and her career in the international spotlight began to wane.
Later Years and Legacy
In 1999, Sang returned to Melbourne and made a brief return to live performing, often with her father Reg as a guest vocalist. In 2004, her three albums were released for the first time on CD as a compilation titled “The Ultimate Collection”.
In 2016, Sang was featured in the Go!! Show Spectacular lineup at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne, where her performance was warmly received by the audience.
Enduring Impact
While Samantha Sang may be best known for her one major international hit, her contribution to the music industry extends beyond “Emotion.” Her journey from a child performer in Australia to an international pop star showcases her versatility and determination.
The song “Emotion” has had a lasting impact, being covered by various artists over the years. Most notably, Destiny’s Child released a successful version of the song in 2001, introducing it to a new generation of listeners.
Samantha Sang’s story is one of talent, perseverance, and the unpredictable nature of the music industry. While she may not have sustained the level of international success she achieved with “Emotion,” her place in music history is secure, particularly in her home country, where she remains a respected figure in the Australian music scene.