Roy & Fran

Royston Sta Maria and Francissca Peter, better known as ‘Roy & Fran’ was an unbeatable duo act in the 1980s. They were at times, dubbed ‘The Carpenters’ of Malaysia. The pairing brought them immense popularity among Malaysians. Their natural chemistry and soothing voices were admired by many, culminating in the release of two LPS. They came from a musically talented family, with their own family members dabbling in music at some point in their lives. Roy’s dad, Cyril was an accomplished jazz musician. On the other hand, has a sister, Bibiana, who released an album in the 1980s and her brother Michael, is making waves in the US with his debut album. Right from their schooling days, both were active in the school choir and their interest in music started from a very early age. It was Malaysian pianist and composer, Michael Veerapen who suggested that Fran team up with Roy and they teamed up in 1979, when she was only 17. They were performing every night in Merlin Hotel in KL during the 1980s when S. Atan, a renowned music producer discovered them. Then EMI, a record company in Malaysia, with the urging from local music writers and critics, signed them on and the marketing department people were immediately planning the duo’s debut album, Siapa Dia Sebelum Daku in 1982. Roy and Fran then moved on to Genting Highlands, Kuantan and Johor Bahru. Fran had a break when Andy Williams sang at the Highlands resort and she was the Opening Act. During that time, Roy & Fran were performing at the Genting Highlands Resort Lounge and Bar. After the success of the first LP, this was followed by Bersama Pertemuan Ini in 1983. However, after the success of the second album, Fran decided to go separate ways and develop a solo career.