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Chinese music stars who deceased at age 70

Here are 8 famous musicians from China died at 70:

Hu Shih

Hu Shih (December 17, 1891 Shanghai-February 24, 1962 Taipei) a.k.a. Shih Hu or Shi Hu was a Chinese philosopher, essayist and diplomat.

Hu Shih was one of the most prominent figures of the May Fourth Movement, which aimed to modernize Chinese culture and promote science and democracy. He received his education in China and the United States, studying at Cornell University and later becoming a professor at several universities. Hu Shih was fluent in both Chinese and English, and wrote extensively in both languages, advocating for the use of vernacular Chinese instead of Classical Chinese.

In addition to his education and writing, Hu Shih served as an ambassador to the United States, Republic of China Minister of Education, and Vice President of Academia Sinica. His contributions to modern Chinese thought and culture earned him numerous accolades and honors, including the Order of Propitious Clouds from the Republic of China and the Lomonosov Gold Medal from the Soviet Academy of Sciences. Today, Hu Shih is remembered as a pioneer in the movement to modernize China, and his philosophical and literary works continue to be studied and celebrated in both China and the West.

Hu Shih was a leading advocate of pragmatism in Chinese philosophy, which emphasized the importance of practical action and experience over abstract theory. He believed that China could only modernize by embracing science, democracy, and individualism, rather than relying solely on tradition and Confucianism. Hu Shih also played a key role in promoting the use of the vernacular language in literature and education, encouraging Chinese writers to reject the formalities of Classical Chinese in favor of a more accessible style.

During his time as ambassador to the United States, Hu Shih worked to strengthen the relationship between the two countries, and was instrumental in securing support from the United States for the Nationalist government during the Chinese Civil War. In his role as Minister of Education, he introduced major reforms to the education system, including the expansion of primary and secondary education and the establishment of universities in rural areas.

In his later years, Hu Shih continued to write and advocate for cultural and educational reform in Taiwan. He passed away in 1962 at the age of 70, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most influential thinkers and writers of modern China.

Hu Shih was born to a wealthy and influential family in Shanghai in 1891. His father was a scholar and collector of antiquities, and his mother was the daughter of Li Hongzhang, a prominent statesman during the late Qing Dynasty. Growing up, Hu Shih was exposed to both traditional Chinese culture and Western ideas, which set him on a path of curiosity and intellectual exploration.

Hu Shih's education began in China, where he studied at the prestigious Nankai High School in Tianjin. In 1910, he traveled to the United States to further his studies, enrolling at Cornell University. There, he earned a degree in agriculture and went on to study philosophy at Columbia University. During his time in the United States, Hu Shih was exposed to the ideas of pragmatism, which would go on to influence his own philosophical and political views.

After completing his studies, Hu Shih returned to China to take up a teaching post at Peking University. He quickly became involved in the intellectual and political movements of the time, joining the New Culture Movement and advocating for the use of vernacular Chinese in literature and education. During the 1920s and 1930s, Hu Shih became one of China's most prominent thinkers and writers, penning influential essays and books on topics such as language, culture, and philosophy.

In addition to his intellectual pursuits, Hu Shih also served in several diplomatic and governmental roles. He was appointed ambassador to the United States in 1938, a position he held until 1942. During his tenure, Hu Shih worked to strengthen the relationship between the two countries, and was instrumental in securing support for China from the United States during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

After the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949, Hu Shih moved to Taiwan, where he continued to write and speak out on issues of culture and education. He served as Minister of Education from 1949 to 1958, and was instrumental in shaping Taiwan's education system during its formative years. Hu Shih passed away in 1962 at the age of 70, leaving behind a lasting legacy as one of China's most influential intellectuals and cultural figures.

Tian Han

Tian Han (March 12, 1898 Changsha-December 10, 1968 Changsha) also known as 田漢, Tián Hàn, 田汉, Han Tian, Han Immortal, 汉仙, 田寿昌, Uncle Great Wild Goose, Shuren, Hànxiān, 伯鸿, buó hóng, Tian Shouchang, Chen Yu or 漱人 was a Chinese screenwriter, poet, playwright and translator.

He is best known for writing the lyrics of the Chinese national anthem, "The March of the Volunteers". Tian Han is also credited for introducing modern drama to China and is considered one of the founding fathers of Chinese modern drama. However, his works were often scrutinized and censored by the Chinese government due to his political views. In 1951, during the Anti-Rightist Campaign, Tian Han was labeled as a rightist and was sent to a labor reform camp for eight years. Despite the setbacks, he continued writing and remained influential in the Chinese literary scene until his death in 1968. Today, Tian Han is revered as one of the greatest Chinese writers of the 20th century.

Throughout his career, Tian Han wrote over 60 plays, including "The Gemini", "The Dragon and the Phoenix", and "The Fisherman's Revenge". He also translated many Western works into Chinese, such as Shakespeare's plays and Edgar Allan Poe's "The Raven". In addition to his literary contributions, Tian Han was also involved in politics. He was a member of the Communist Party of China and served as a delegate for the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. Despite his political affiliations, Tian Han's outspokenness and criticism of government policies led to him being persecuted during the Cultural Revolution. He was posthumously rehabilitated in 1979, and his works have since been widely celebrated and studied in China. Tian Han remains a figure of great importance in Chinese culture and history, with many cultural institutions and events named in his honor.

Tian Han's interest in literature and theater began at an early age. He studied at several schools throughout China, including Tsinghua University and Peking University, where he studied literature and creative writing. He was heavily influenced by Western literature, particularly the works of William Shakespeare, which he translated into Chinese.

In addition to his literary and political pursuits, Tian Han was also an accomplished painter and calligrapher. He was known for his unique style, which blended modern and traditional techniques. His artwork was featured in several exhibitions and galleries throughout China.

After his release from the labor reform camp, Tian Han continued to write and publish his works, including several autobiographical pieces. His memoir "My Life and My Struggle" chronicles his experiences during the Anti-Rightist Campaign and his time in the labor reform camp.

Tian Han's legacy continues to be celebrated in China today. His home in Changsha has been turned into a museum dedicated to his life and works. In addition, several literary awards have been established in his honor, including the Tian Han Literary Award, which is presented annually to Chinese writers.

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Guan Pinghu

Guan Pinghu (April 5, 1897 Suzhou-April 5, 1967) also known as 管平湖 or Guan, Pinghu was a Chinese personality.

His albums include Qin.

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Shi Pei Pu

Shi Pei Pu (December 21, 1938 Shandong-June 30, 2009 Paris) was a Chinese personality.

Shi Pei Pu was a famous Chinese opera singer and performer known for his role in the "Madame Butterfly" scandal of the 1980s. He became infamous for his long-standing affair with a French diplomat, Bernard Boursicot, whom he convinced that he was a woman named "Shi Pei Pu." Their scandalous relationship eventually led to espionage charges against Boursicot and Shi's exposure as a male performer pretending to be female. After the debacle, Shi largely retreated from public life and passed away in Paris in 2009.

Shi Pei Pu was born in 1938 in Shandong Province, China. He was trained in the art of Chinese opera from a young age, and quickly rose to fame as a performer. Shi was known for his androgynous looks and his ability to play women's roles with exceptional skill.

In the 1960s, Shi met Bernard Boursicot, a French diplomat stationed in China. The two began a romantic relationship that would last for over twenty years. Shi convinced Boursicot that he was a woman named "Shi Pei Pu," and the two even had a child together, whom Boursicot believed was his biological son.

The couple's relationship began to unravel in the 1980s, when Boursicot was arrested on espionage charges. During the trial, it was revealed that Shi was actually a man who had been playing the role of a woman for years. The scandal made headlines around the world and brought unwanted attention to both Shi and Boursicot.

After the trial, Shi retreated from public life and spent his remaining years in Paris. He passed away in 2009 at the age of 70. Despite the controversy surrounding his life, Shi Pei Pu is remembered as a talented performer and an enigmatic personality.

Shi Pei Pu's life still remains largely shrouded in mystery, with many details of his personal and professional life still unknown. However, it is known that he was a master of the Beijing Opera, a traditional Chinese form of theater that combines music, singing, and acrobatics. He was particularly renowned for his performances of female roles, and his ability to express a wide range of emotions through his voice and movements.

In addition to his work as an opera performer, Shi was also an accomplished calligrapher and painter. He was deeply connected to Chinese culture and history, and often incorporated elements of traditional Chinese art into his performances.

Despite the scandal that ultimately engulfed his life, Shi Pei Pu is still admired by many for his artistry and unique perspective on gender and identity. His legacy continues to inspire artists and performers around the world.

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Li Han-hsiang

Li Han-hsiang (April 18, 1926 Huludao-December 17, 1996 Beijing) also known as Han Xiang Li, Hsiang Tzu, Lee Han Cheung, Richard Lee, Richard Li Han Hsiang or Han Hsiang Li was a Chinese film director, screenwriter, film producer and actor. He had two children, Tien-Lang Li and Li Yanping.

Li Han-hsiang was a prolific filmmaker with a career spanning over four decades. He directed and produced over 50 films that ranged from melodramas and romances to period dramas and martial arts movies. Some of his most notable films include "The Magnificent Concubine," "The Love Eterne," "Empress Wu Tse-Tien," and "The Dream of the Red Chamber." Li Han-hsiang was known for his visual style and his ability to bring out the best in his actors. He won numerous awards throughout his career, including the Best Director award at the Golden Horse Awards for "The Empress Dowager" and "Li Lianying: The Imperial Eunuch." Li Han-hsiang passed away in 1996 in Beijing at the age of 70.

In addition to his work in film, Li Han-hsiang was also a prolific writer. He penned several novels and short stories, including "The Golden Lotus," which is considered a classic of Chinese literature. Li Han-hsiang's contributions to the film industry earned him the nickname "King of Shaw Brothers," after the Hong Kong film studio where he spent a significant portion of his career. He was also known for his mentorship of up-and-coming filmmakers and actors, including Jackie Chan. Li Han-hsiang's legacy continues to influence Chinese cinema to this day, and his films are regarded as important works in the history of Chinese film.

Li Han-hsiang was born in Huludao, Liaoning province, China in 1926. He grew up in a family that was involved in the film industry, with his father owning a movie theater. Li Han-hsiang's early exposure to film sparked his interest in the industry, and he went on to study at the China Drama Academy in Shanghai.

In 1949, Li Han-hsiang moved to Hong Kong and began his career as a screenwriter and actor. He wrote scripts for several films before making his directorial debut with "The Kingdom and the Beauty" in 1959. The film was a critical and commercial success, launching Li Han-hsiang's career as a director.

Li Han-hsiang's films were known for their focus on Chinese history and culture, and their romantic themes. He was also known for his ability to work with large casts and his expertise in creating epic period dramas.

In addition to directing, Li Han-hsiang also produced several films, including "The Magic Blade" and "Mad Monkey Kung Fu." He was a pioneer in the Hong Kong film industry, and his work helped establish the region as a hub for Chinese-language cinema.

Li Han-hsiang's influence on Chinese cinema extended beyond his own work. He mentored several filmmakers and actors, including Hong Kong action star Jackie Chan. He was also involved in film education, teaching at the Beijing Film Academy and the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts.

Li Han-hsiang's contributions to Chinese cinema earned him numerous awards and accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hong Kong Film Awards in 1992. Today, he is remembered as one of the most important and influential filmmakers in the history of Chinese cinema.

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Kan Mukai

Kan Mukai (October 16, 1937 Dalian-June 9, 2008 Tokyo) also known as Ryû Inô, Hiroki Mukae, Patrick Kan or Hiroshi Mukai was a Chinese film producer, film director, screenwriter and cinematographer.

He was born in Dalian, which at the time was part of the Japanese puppet state of Manchukuo. Mukai began his career in the film industry in the 1950s as a cameraman for the Japanese film company Nikkatsu. He went on to work as a cinematographer on numerous films in Japan and Hong Kong, and later moved into producing and directing. One of his most notable works is the 1994 film "The Most Terrible Time in My Life," for which he received critical acclaim. In addition to his film work, Mukai was known for his work as a photographer and writer. He wrote several books about Chinese history and culture, as well as his experiences in the film industry. He passed away in Tokyo in 2008 at the age of 70.

Mukai was a highly-respected figure in the Japanese film industry, known for his unique style and eye for detail. He was also credited with helping to popularize the "yakuza film" genre in Japan, a type of crime drama that focuses on the Japanese mafia. Throughout his career, he worked with many of Japan's top actors and filmmakers, including Takeshi Kitano, Shohei Imamura, and Kinji Fukasaku. In addition to his work in film, Mukai was also a passionate advocate for Japanese-Chinese relations and worked to promote cultural exchange between the two countries. He was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, one of Japan's highest honors, in recognition of his contributions to Japanese culture.

Mukai's passion for the film industry began at an early age, and he attended film school at Nihon University in Japan. After graduation, he quickly made a name for himself as a talented cinematographer, known for his use of lighting and composition to create striking visual images on screen. He was also known for his ability to work quickly and efficiently, and he often took on multiple roles on set, including directing and writing.

Despite his success in Japan, Mukai remained connected to his Chinese heritage throughout his life. He frequently visited China and Hong Kong, both as a filmmaker and as a cultural ambassador, and he was a vocal advocate for improved relations between the two countries. He also served as a mentor and inspiration to many young Asian filmmakers, encouraging them to pursue their dreams and telling them to never give up on their passion.

In addition to his work in film and literature, Mukai was also a talented painter and calligrapher. His artwork often drew on traditional Chinese themes and motifs, and he was known for his ability to blend traditional and contemporary styles in his work.

Mukai's legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and artists around the world, and his contributions to Japanese and Chinese culture will not be forgotten.

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Liu Shaoqi

Liu Shaoqi (November 24, 1898 Ningxiang County-November 12, 1969 Kaifeng) a.k.a. Shaoqi Liu was a Chinese politician. He had two children, Liu Yuan and Liu Ting Ting.

Liu Shaoqi was known as a prominent figure in the Chinese Communist Party and served as its Chairman from 1959 to 1968. He played a crucial role in the successful implementation of agricultural and industrial reforms during his tenure. Liu was a close associate of Mao Zedong and was considered to be his successor until he fell out of favor with him during the Cultural Revolution. Liu was publicly criticized and humiliated during the revolution, and he died in prison in 1969. Despite his tragic end and period of political persecution, Liu was posthumously rehabilitated in 1980 by the Chinese government.

Liu Shaoqi began his political career in the May Fourth Movement and joined the Communist Party of China in 1922. He actively participated in the organization and leadership of labor movements and led the Autumn Harvest Uprising in 1927. When the Communist Party was driven out of the cities by the Nationalist Party in the late 1920s and early 1930s, Liu was among those who organized the Rural Construction Movement.

During the Second Sino-Japanese War in the 1940s, Liu served as the Communist Party's representative to the Nationalist Party government in Chongqing. After the war, he played a leading role in the Chinese Civil War and was involved in negotiations with the Nationalist Party that led to the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

Liu was a key figure in China's early economic and political reforms, promoting the transition from a largely agrarian society to a modern industrial nation. He was instrumental in the development of China's first Five-Year Plan and helped to build the country's industrial infrastructure.

Despite his contributions to China, Mao Zedong saw Liu as a potential rival and launched the Cultural Revolution in 1966, aimed at purging his perceived enemies from the party. Liu was accused of being a traitor and a counter-revolutionary, and was publicly denounced and physically abused. He died in prison three years later.

In 1980, after Mao's death, the Chinese government posthumously rehabilitated Liu, recognizing his contributions to China's early socialist development. Today, Liu's legacy remains a subject of debate within China and his role in Chinese history is still being analyzed and evaluated.

Liu Shaoqi was born to a peasant family in Hunan Province, China. His parents were poor and he had to work on farms and in factories to pay for his education. Despite these hardships, Liu excelled in his studies and was eventually accepted into the prestigious Peking University.

During his time at Peking University, Liu became involved with the May Fourth Movement, a student-led protest against the conservative government of China. This experience sparked his interest in politics and he eventually joined the Communist Party of China.

Liu's early political career was marked by his involvement in the labor movement and his leadership of the Autumn Harvest Uprising. When the Communist Party was forced into hiding in the late 1920s and early 1930s, Liu was among those who organized the Rural Construction Movement, which aimed to build support for the Communist Party among peasants.

During the Second Sino-Japanese War, Liu served as the Communist Party's representative to the Nationalist Party government in Chongqing. After the war, he played a key role in the Chinese Civil War and helped to negotiate the establishment of the People's Republic of China in 1949.

As China's economy began to transition from an agrarian society to a modern industrial one, Liu was one of the chief architects of the country's early economic and political reforms. He helped to develop China's first Five-Year Plan and oversaw the building of the country's industrial infrastructure.

Despite his significant contributions to China, Liu fell out of favor with Mao Zedong during the Cultural Revolution, a period of intense political persecution in China. He was accused of being a traitor and a counter-revolutionary and was subjected to public denunciation and torture. Liu died in prison in 1969.

In 1980, the Chinese government posthumously rehabilitated Liu and recognized his contributions to China's early socialist development. Today, Liu is remembered as one of the key figures in China's early political and economic history, and his legacy is still the subject of much debate and analysis.

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Empress Dowager Bian

Empress Dowager Bian (December 30, 0159 Shandong-July 9, 0230) also known as Lady Bian, Empress Dowager of Cao Wei, Empress Wuxuan, Pien T'ai-hou or Biàn Tàihòu was a Chinese personality. Her children are Cao Zhang, Cao Pi, Cao Zhi and Cao Xiong.

Empress Dowager Bian was born in Shandong province in the year 159 AD. She was a member of the Bian clan which was one of the most respected clans in ancient China. After marrying the warlord Cao Cao, she became the Empress Dowager of Cao Wei, one of the Three Kingdoms of China.

Throughout her life, Empress Dowager Bian was known for her intelligence and political acumen. She played a key role in advising her husband and sons on matters of state, and was respected by many as a wise and just ruler.

After the death of Cao Cao, Empress Dowager Bian became an influential figure in the court of Cao Wei. She was known for her support of literature and the arts, and is said to have been a patron of many great writers and artists of the time.

Empress Dowager Bian passed away in the year 230 AD at the age of 71. She was remembered as a powerful and compassionate leader, and her descendants continued to hold positions of power in Chinese society for many centuries to come.

Empress Dowager Bian was known for her strong will and unwavering determination in the face of adversity. During the turbulent times of the Three Kingdoms period, she played a crucial role in maintaining stability and order in the court of Cao Wei. She was widely respected for her knowledge of the classics and her ability to make wise, informed decisions.

In addition to her political achievements, Empress Dowager Bian was also known for her compassion and generosity. She was known to have cared deeply for the welfare of her people, and was often personally involved in the management of relief efforts during times of natural disasters or other crises.

Empress Dowager Bian's legacy lives on to this day, and she is still revered in many parts of China as a symbol of strength, wisdom, and justice. Her influence on Chinese history and culture will continue to be felt for many centuries to come.

Empress Dowager Bian was not just a political and cultural figurehead but was also known for her personal life. She was a devoted wife to her husband, Cao Cao, and bore him four sons. Her sons, Cao Zhang, Cao Pi, Cao Zhi, and Cao Xiong, all went on to become prominent figures in Chinese history. She was particularly close to Cao Zhi, who was known for his literary talents and political ambitions. Bian, as a mother, encouraged all of her sons to pursue their passions and achieve their goals.

Empress Dowager Bian was also known for her adherence to Confucian principles in her personal life. She believed in the importance of filial piety and was known to be a dutiful daughter-in-law to her mother-in-law, Lady Zhen. She also set an example for others by leading a simple and humble life, often wearing plain clothing and living in modest quarters within the palace.

Despite the respect and admiration she garnered during her lifetime, Empress Dowager Bian's legacy was not entirely secure. Following her death, her family's power declined, and her descendants were subjected to persecution and political marginalization. It was not until much later that her contributions to Chinese history and culture were fully recognized and celebrated.

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