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Prolific song-writer dies at 92
  • By Phan Anh - Nguyen Hang | dtinews.vn | January 29, 2013 08:37 AM

Singers have expressed their grief over the death of musician Pham Duy, Vietnam's most prolific song composers.

 

(left to right) Song-writer Pham Duy and singer Duc Tuan

He had passed away on January 27 in HCM City at the age of 92. Pham Duy, whose real name was Pham Duy Can, was born on October 5, 1921 in Hanoi. He was known as a music researcher and composer and had written over a thousand of original songs.

After leaving Vietnam for the US after 1975, in 2000, he returned many times, and in 2005 he officially settled in HCM City. Since then, many shows featuring Pham Duy’s works were held in both Hanoi and HCM City.

In 70 years, he had written and also adapted many poems into songs. From his first song Co Hai Mo (The Apricot Picking Girl) in 1942 to many well-known songs such as Tinh Ca (Love Song), Tieng Thu (The sound of Autumn), Dua Em Tim Dong Hoa Vang (With You I Search for the Yellow Flower Grotto) and Cay Dan Bo Quen (Forgotten Guitar).

His death came just more than a month after that of his eldest son, singer Duy Quang died of lung cancer.

Although Duy had gone through two heart operations, he looked in good health the last time he appeared in public. His death shocked many artists.

Singer Duc Tuan

I feel like I've lost a grandfather.

I worked with Duy after he had just returned to Vietnam. I also visited him when his house on Le Dai Hanh Street was still being built and worked with him on his show.

I promised that I'd sing his song this Tet yet he's gone. This is a huge loss to all of us.

Singer My Tam

He has been my idol. Sometimes I met him and felt really happy when he recognised me.

Life is really uncertain. I want to share my condolences to his family and his fans at the two deaths in his family.

Singer Anh Tuyet

My childhood is tied with Pham Duy's songs. I grew up with his music, with every melody. My brothers also love his music and they always asked me to sing when they played his songs.


Singer Anh Tuyet in a recent visit to composer Pham Duy

I met him recently because I'm completing an album of his songs. I learned many things during the meetings and he sounded so strong and in good health. I can't believe that he's gone.

I was only able to do an album after Tring Cong Son had died. I didn't want to have such regrets with Pham Duy but I was only halfway through the project.

Singer Phuong Thanh

I belong to a younger generation and didn’t have much opportunity to work with him, but I really admired his works and what he left for the music lovers.

I only sang one of his song. My impression of him was as a gentle old grandfather that smiled softly when he heard young singers on stage.

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