On her personal page, the singer garnered attention by posting a video of her performing at a party in 1993. At the time, the diva had shoulder-length hair and wore an orange dress. "This is a video of me performing at a birthday party, recorded by my family. That dress, bought on Tran Nhan Tong street, was quite cheap; it was my best outfit," My Linh noted. This simple image evoked many fond memories for her audience. Many people shared that they had followed My Linh since the early 1990s, through televised music programs and particularly SV96, a milestone that brought the singer closer to young audiences.

My Linh sings "Cho con" (composer Pham Trong Cau) at a birthday party in 1993.

Born into a working-class family, My Linh showed musical talent from an early age. In 1991, she competed in the National High School Singing Contest, where composer Duy Quang suggested she apply to the Hanoi Conservatory of Music. During her student years, the singer performed with the Hoa Sua band, participated in numerous student competitions, and took on part-time jobs to help her parents.

The singer shared that she once performed on a luxurious cruise ship on Ho Tay. Regardless of sun or rain, she regularly cycled about 10 km to arrive on time for her performances. The pay was not high, but occasionally, guests would give her extra money if she sang well. After some time, My Linh moved to performing as an opening act at a nightclub on Kim Lien street. Each day, she would arrive early to wait. She would only perform if the main singer was late. In return, the nightclub fee was quite high, approximately 30 USD in 1994.

Singer My Linh in the music video "Thi tham mua xuan" by Vietnam Television in 1993. Photo: *Archival footage*

At 18, the singer had her first career hits: "Thi tham mua xuan" and "Ngay tho" (composer Ngoc Chau). She recalled feeling "as stiff as a wooden log" during her first music video shoot for Vietnam Television.

At SV96, My Linh was initially an audience member cheering for the Hanoi Conservatory of Music's team but was invited onto the stage. When many people requested her to sing, she chose the song "Ha Noi dem tro gio" by composer Trong Dai.

Music video "Thi tham mua xuan" (1997). Video: *Phuong Nam Film*

Once she had established a foothold in Hanoi and earned a decent income from performing in nightclubs, My Linh moved to TP HCM to seek new development opportunities. This decision led to doubt and even ridicule from many friends. However, the singer believed that staying in Hanoi would hinder her career progression. "I cannot bury my life here. By the time I'm 30, no one will invite me to sing in places like this," My Linh once stated. She traveled from Hanoi by train, living with friends for several months. This move south brought important opportunities for the singer, including having composer Trinh Cong Son produce her VHS tape "Tieng hat My Linh," released by Phuong Nam.

In 1997, My Linh met composers Anh Quan and Huy Tuan, who had just returned from Europe, along with members of the Anh Em band. A year later, she released the album "Toc ngan," which achieved unexpected success and led to her first cross-Vietnam tour.

Singer My Linh in 1997. Photo: *Archival footage*

Regarding her signature short haircut, My Linh revealed it was a suggestion from singer Thanh Lam. During a shared salon visit, Thanh Lam showed her a picture of singer Toni Braxton, saying: "Her face resembles yours a lot; try this hairstyle, it might be good." In the early days, My Linh, unfamiliar with her new look, often wore a hat when going out.

At 51, the artist remains active in music. She lives happily with her husband, composer Anh Quan, after 28 years of marriage. Their daughter, My Anh, follows in her mother's footsteps and is a prominent Gen Z artist.

My Linh is considered a diva of light music, known for a series of songs such as "Huong ngoc lan" (Anh Quan) and "Tren dinh Phu Van" (Pho Duc Phuong). In 1993, she won the Most Impressive Young Singer award at the National Band Festival with the song "Thi tham mua xuan" (Ngoc Chau). In 1998, My Linh married composer Anh Quan, marking a shift in her musical style with albums like "Toc ngan," "Made in Vietnam," "Chat voi Mozart," "De tinh yeu hat," and "Toc ngan Acoustic - Mot ngay." In recent years, the singer has primarily focused on teaching and training. In 2023, My Linh gained audience favor on "Sisters Who Make Waves 2023" for her dynamic stage performances.

Ha Thu