The singer said that on 20/8, he was informed by The Hien's family that the musician had been diagnosed with terminal lung cancer that had metastasized to his brain. Despite a busy filming schedule, Ngoc Son immediately rearranged his work to visit him.
Ngoc Son considers The Hien a cornerstone of southern Vietnam's music scene, a significant influence during his early career. As a student, Ngoc Son frequently performed The Hien's signature song, "Nhanh lan rung", on stage to receptive audiences.
Although struggling with movement and communication, The Hien was visibly moved to see Ngoc Son, expressing his gratitude. Ngoc Son encouraged him to regain his strength and return to composing soon.
The Hien's health declined sharply in 9/2024. He was admitted to Military Hospital 175 in TP HCM for treatment. At the time, his family did not disclose the specifics of his condition. Poet Le Minh Quoc said that when he and some colleagues visited, The Hien was on oxygen support, unable to speak, and could only gently hold their hands.
Before his illness, The Hien had planned to celebrate the People's Artist title awarded to him by the State in late 3/2024. He also intended to hold a concert titled "The Hien and Contemporary Poets" and release new compositions.
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Musician The Hien. Photo: TP HCM Music Association |
The 70-year-old musician, originally from Nam Dinh, was born and raised in Saigon. Displaying musical talent from a young age, he participated in local art movements and studied vocal music at an intermediate level. In 1980, he became a singer with the Bong Sen Song and Dance Troupe, touring extensively throughout the country. He performed for soldiers on the northern border, which inspired many of his songs about soldiers.
Over his 40-year career, he composed numerous popular songs such as "Toc em duoi ga", "Chuyen lua doi", "Hoai niem dau yeu", "Doi cho trong con mua", "Chuyen doi xua - Chuyen doi nay", "Hanh khuc thanh nien tinh nguyen", "Hat tren nong truong xanh", and "Dau cham hoi." He is also known as the "soldiers' musician" because many of his songs depict military life, including "Hat ve anh", "Nhanh lan rung", "Tieng", "Vo oc bien", "Noi nho tu dao xa", and "Linh dao Truong Sa".
One of the songs that contributed to The Hien's popularity is "Toc em duoi ga", released in 1995. He once recounted that while driving on Nam Ky Khoi Nghia Street (TP HCM) near Marie Curie School, he encountered a girl cycling in the opposite direction who collided with something. Noticing her bicycle wheel bent into a figure 8, he helped her across the street and found someone to repair it.
During their conversation, he observed the girl's youthful energy and her ponytail, along with her white ao dai. The musician recalled his own high school days, and the melody of the song suddenly came to him: "Hey girl with the ponytail/ Cycling on the street, crowded with passersby...". Nearly 30 years after its release, the song has been performed by many generations of singers, but Quang Linh's version remains the most beloved by the public.
Ngoc Son, 57, was born in Hai Phong. In 1987, he and his family moved to TP HCM, where he attended the Theater Arts School. Two years later, he switched to studying traditional vocal music and embarked on his professional singing career. He quickly gained popularity with his own compositions like "Long me", "Gian hon", "Nho ve em", "Tinh cha", and "Vang trang co don". In recent years, in addition to performing, Ngoc Son has served as a judge in various bolero competitions.
Mai Nhat
