The Moonstones

Infobox musical artist
Name = The Moonstones


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Background = group_or_band
Origin = Ratnapura, Sri Lanka
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Genre = Sri Lankan music
Years_active = 1966–1970
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Current_members = Clarence Wijewardene
Annesley Malawana
Indrani Perera
Past_members =

The Moonstones was an influential Sri Lankan band, led by Clarence Wijewardene and Annesley Malewana. Originating in Ratnapura, the group was one of the most popular Sri Lankan bands during the 1960s.

History

Formation

Wijewardene formed the group in 1966 after finding a fitting lead vocalist in friend Annesley Malawana. His earlier choice for the position, another friend, had failed to please his manager Sri Sangabo Corea. Corea named the group "the Moonstones" after the leading export of the group's hometown and for how talented he considered the band. [http://www.sundaytimes.lk/061119/Plus/pls210.html "A rare gem that gave voice to Moostones"] . "Sunday Times". Retrieved December 17 2006.]

uccess and dissolution

With a lineup set, the Moonstone(s) began to dominate Sinhala popular music with hits like "'Mango Nenda", "Kalu Mama", "Ruwan Puraya", and "Gonwassa" among others. Indrani Perera joined in 1968, and sang on several of the group's subsquent hits like "Dilhani." [http://www.sundaytimes.lk/061112/TV/tv9.html "Annesley returns with 'Rewind'"] . "Sunday Times". Retrieved December 17 2006.] Wijewardene left in 1970. Annesley continued the group with Mike Gunesekera and had a hit single with "Dunhinda Manamali." The band eventually broke up; Malawana and Wijewardene reunited in a similar group, Super Golden Chimes.

Notes