Few countries on the earth have as rich a musical history as China. Chinese musicians are well-known for delving into that past and fusing some of the most traditional elements with current music to create genres that continue to enrich the world. In this essay, we'll look at the incredible voices of ten of the greatest and most famous Chinese singers of all time.
1. Teresa Teng
Teresa Teng is the most recognizable singer in Chinese music. She established the sound of the Mandopop genre and had a 30-year career. Teng began singing at the age of three in Baozhong, Yunlin, Republic of China. Her family saw her brilliance and encouraged her as she ascended to stardom. Her professional journey is as distinct as her voice.
2. Cui Jian
He was born in Beijing to parents who were already involved in music. His father was a trumpet player, while his mother was a professional dancer. It's no surprise, then, that Jian matured into the trailblazing musician he is today. Jian studied classical music for several years before picking up a guitar at the age of 20.
3. Li Yuchun
Yuchun is widely regarded as the whole package. She composes her music, is a skilled DJ, and is a popular actor. Yuchun entered the Sichuan Conservatory of Music after finishing middle school and went on to win a popular singing competition named Super Girl. Yuchun became an overnight success after winning Super Girl.
4. Lu Han
He gained prominence by recording K-pop music but eventually quit the group to pursue a solo career singing Mandopop in China. He has been named one of the highest-paid celebrities in all of China, which is understandable given his apparent talent. In less than an hour, his most successful music video for the song Our Tomorrow surpassed one million views.
5. Sam Hui
Sam Hui was born in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China to a musical family. His father's traditional Chinese music and his mother's Chinese opera music impacted him from an early age. Given his upbringing, it's no surprise that Hui was able to merge traditional Chinese music genres with Western pop music, resulting in the Cantopop genre.
6. Jay Chou
He was born in Taipei to two professors who encouraged his musical abilities from a young age. Chou had planned to follow in his parent’s footsteps and become a teacher, but a friend entered him into a talent event when his musical skill was discovered. He was introduced to popular songwriter Vincent Fang, who assisted in propelling him to the next level.
7. Andy Lau
Andy Lau was born in Hong Kong during the colony's British control. He was born into an affluent family, but due to unknown circumstances, he found himself living with his family in the Hong Kong slums at the age of six. Lau began his career as an actor before switching to music in 1985.
8. Jacky Cheung
Cheung grew up in a seafaring family and worked in a variety of low-wage professions before winning a singing contest in 1984. Cheung was signed by Polygram Records after winning the contest, and his ascension into China's Cantopop culture began. He first struggled to outsell his competitors, but by 1985, he had already begun to accumulate honors for his songs.
9. Faye Wong
Faye Wong was born in Beijing, China to a working-class family. Her mother, a professional soprano singer, actively discouraged Wong from pursuing a musical career. Wong's love of singing, however, could not be dampened.
10. Jolin Tsai
Jolin Tsai, dubbed "The Queen of C-pop," was born in Hsinchuang City to a middle-class family. She began her musical career by studying the piano. Tsai entered and won an MTV Mandarin singing competition after graduating from high school, hoping to use the experience to boost her college applications.
