Chinese music stars who deceased at age 79
Here are 12 famous musicians from China died at 79:
Song Yingxing
Song Yingxing (April 5, 1587 Yichun, Jiangxi-April 5, 1666) a.k.a. Yingxing Song was a Chinese scientist.
He was best known for writing the Tiangong Kaiwu, a comprehensive encyclopedia of science and technology in the early 17th century. The book covered a wide range of topics, including agriculture, architecture, textile manufacturing, metallurgy, and weaponry. It was considered groundbreaking for its time and provided valuable insights into the technological advancements of the Ming dynasty. Aside from his work as a writer and scholar, Yingxing Song also held various administrative positions within the imperial government. He was widely respected in his lifetime and continues to be revered as a pioneer in the field of Chinese science and technology.
Yingxing Song was born into a family of scholar-officials during the Ming dynasty. He grew up in a highly educated environment and was thus exposed to various fields of knowledge from a young age. He later passed the imperial examination and held various government posts, including magistrate and supervisor. His work in government allowed him to gain practical experience in various fields and apply this knowledge in his encyclopedia.
In addition to his accomplishments in science and government, Song Yingxing was also a talented calligrapher and poet. His calligraphy was highly regarded in his time and he was often called upon to create inscriptions for important occasions. Some of his famous poems were included in the Tiangong Kaiwu.
Song Yingxing's legacy continues to be celebrated in modern-day China. He is seen as one of the pioneers of science and technology in Chinese history and his work in the Tiangong Kaiwu is still studied and referenced by scholars today.
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Szeto Wah
Szeto Wah (February 28, 1931 Hong Kong-January 2, 2011) was a Chinese politician and teacher.
Szeto Wah was best known for being a founding member and the chairman of The Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China. He was also a long-time member of the Hong Kong Legislative Council and a co-founder of the Democratic Party of Hong Kong.
Wah's political career began in the early 1980s when he became involved in the pro-democracy movements in Hong Kong. He was a key figure in the 1989 Tiananmen Square protests and played a significant role in the organization of Hong Kong's annual candlelight vigil commemorating the event.
Wah was also a respected educator and served as a teacher for over 30 years. He was the founding chairman of the Hong Kong Professional Teachers’ Union and was actively involved in advocating for education reform in Hong Kong.
In recognition of his contributions to democracy and education, Wah was awarded numerous honors, including the prestigious Human Rights Award from the Hong Kong government and the Peace Prize from the Japan-based Okinawa Times.
Despite his passing, Szeto Wah continues to be remembered as a prominent figure in Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement and a fierce advocate for the rights of the people.
Wah's dedication towards the betterment of Hong Kong was evident throughout his life, and he is known for his unwavering commitment and outspokenness. He was a regular speaker at political gatherings and rallies, and his fiery speeches inspired many. Wah was also a member of the Basic Law Consultative Committee, which played a significant role in shaping Hong Kong's post-colonial political system. He advocated for the democratic development of Hong Kong and was a vocal critic of the Chinese government's intervention in Hong Kong's affairs.
Besides, Szeto Wah was an accomplished scholar and author, having written extensively on philosophy, history, and literature. He was a strong advocate for the preservation of Hong Kong's cultural heritage and was involved in various initiatives to promote traditional Chinese culture.
After his death, tributes poured in from all corners of Hong Kong and beyond, with many praising him for his selflessness, integrity, and dedication to the people of Hong Kong. Today, Szeto Wah's legacy continues to inspire a new generation of pro-democracy activists in Hong Kong.
He died caused by lung cancer.
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Lan Ying
Lan Ying (April 5, 1585 China-April 5, 1664) was a Chinese artist, painter and visual artist.
He was born in the city of Jiaxing, in the Zhejiang province of China, during the Ming Dynasty. Lan Ying is known for his skillful use of color and his delicate brushwork, which allowed him to create exquisite paintings that captured the beauty of nature, landscape, and human emotions. He was greatly inspired by the works of the famous Chinese painters of the Tang and Song dynasties, and he incorporated their techniques and styles into his own painting. Lan Ying was also famous for his calligraphy, and he often included his own calligraphic inscriptions on his paintings. Today, his works are highly sought after by art collectors all over the world, and he is recognized as one of the greatest painters of the Ming Dynasty.
During his lifetime, Lan Ying became a prominent figure in the art world, and his works were collected by many imperial households, including that of the Ming and Qing dynasties. He was known for his attention to detail and his ability to capture subtle changes in mood and atmosphere in his paintings. Lan Ying was particularly skilled at depicting the natural world, and he often painted landscapes, flowers, and birds in lifelike detail. His paintings were also often imbued with a sense of drama and emotion, reflecting his own deep feelings and beliefs. Despite his fame, Lan Ying was known to be a humble and introspective man, who preferred to spend his time alone in his studio, working on his art. Today, his legacy lives on through his masterful works of art, which continue to inspire and delight art lovers around the world.
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Wang Jian
Wang Jian (April 5, 1598 Jiangsu-April 5, 1677) was a Chinese artist, painter and visual artist.
He was born in Jiangsu province and showed an interest in painting from an early age. He was known for his landscapes, which were highly detailed and realistic, and often featured vibrant colors and intricate brushwork.
Wang Jian was also a skilled calligrapher and wrote in a style known as "running script." He studied under a number of famous artists and became well-known in the art world during his lifetime.
In addition to his artistic pursuits, Wang Jian was also a scholar and spent much of his time studying philosophy, literature, and history. He was highly respected for his knowledge and wisdom, and his writings were widely read and admired.
Today, Wang Jian is considered one of the most important artists of the Ming and Qing dynasties, and his works are highly sought after by collectors around the world. His paintings and calligraphy are exhibited in museums and galleries throughout China and beyond.
During his lifetime, Wang Jian was also a government official and held various positions, including Director of the Lifan Academy, Chief of Officials in Huguang, and Director of Imperial Household. Despite his success, Wang Jian was known for his humility and preferred a simple lifestyle. He often donated his paintings to charity and was a patron of the arts, supporting young artists and scholars.
Wang Jian's work was influenced by the great masters of the past, including Li Cheng, Guo Xi, and Fan Kuan, but he also developed his own unique style. His landscapes were characterized by a sense of depth and distance, with mountains and mist often depicted in a dreamlike quality. His calligraphy was highly expressive, with a flowing energy that reflected his personality.
Today, Wang Jian's legacy lives on through his art, which continues to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. His contribution to the development of Chinese art has earned him a place among the great masters of the past, and his work remains a testament to his skill, creativity, and dedication to the arts.
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Chang Cheh
Chang Cheh (February 10, 1923 Hangzhou-June 22, 2002 Hong Kong) a.k.a. Yi Yang Chang, The Godfather of Hong Kong cinema, Cheuh Chang, Chang Chueh, Cheh Chiang, Che Zhang, Chang Yi Yang, 张彻, 張徹, Zhāng Chè, Cheh Chang or Chang Yi-yang was a Chinese film director, screenwriter, writer, film producer, actor, costume designer, production designer, composer and film score composer.
Chang Cheh is best known for his contributions to the martial arts genre, having directed and produced over 100 films in his career. He was a mentor to many actors, including Jimmy Wang Yu and David Chiang, and helped to launch the careers of several Hong Kong cinema legends, such as Ti Lung and Alexander Fu Sheng. Chang Cheh's films have been noted for their hyper-violent and stylized action sequences, as well as their exploration of themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and honor. He was a key figure in the Hong Kong New Wave movement of the 1960s and 1970s, which revolutionized the Chinese film industry and paved the way for the global success of martial arts films. In addition to his work in film, Chang Cheh was also an accomplished novelist and radio DJ.
Chang Cheh was born on February 10th, 1923 in Hangzhou, China. He studied at the National Chongqing University and later the Southwest United University in Kunming, where he graduated with a degree in Russian literature. Chang Cheh began his career in the film industry as a screenwriter and worked for various studios in Shanghai before moving to Hong Kong in the 1950s. He initially worked for Shaw Brothers Studio as a writer before eventually becoming a director in 1966.
Chang Cheh's early films were mainly melodramas and musicals, but he found critical and commercial success with his martial arts films, which often featured themes of brotherhood and heroic sacrifice. Some of his most well-known works include "One-Armed Swordsman," "Blood Brothers," and "The Five Venoms."
Aside from his contributions to the martial arts genre, Chang Cheh was also known for his work in costume and production design. He often collaborated with famed Shaw Brothers cinematographer Kung Mu-To to create highly stylized and visually striking films.
Chang Cheh was a prolific filmmaker, having directed over 100 films throughout his career. He was also a mentor to many actors and played a key role in launching the careers of some of Hong Kong cinema's biggest stars. In addition to his work in film, Chang Cheh was also an accomplished novelist and radio DJ.
Chang Cheh passed away on June 22nd, 2002 in Hong Kong from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He is widely regarded as one of the most important figures in Hong Kong cinema history and his contributions to the martial arts genre continue to influence filmmakers around the world.
He died caused by chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Runje Shaw
Runje Shaw (January 1, 1896 Ningbo-February 17, 1975 Shanghai) a.k.a. Shao Zuiweng or Renjie Shao was a Chinese lawyer, screenwriter, film producer and film director.
He graduated from Soochow University with a law degree in 1917 and later pursued further studies in France where he developed an interest in filmmaking. Upon his return to China, Shaw joined the Mingxing Film Company in Shanghai, where he wrote and directed some of the studio's most successful films. In 1931, he founded his own film studio, Tianyi Film Company, which became one of the most prominent and successful film companies in China. During his career, he directed over 70 films, many of which are now considered classics in Chinese cinema. In addition to his work in filmmaking, Shaw was also a prominent figure in the Chinese legal community, serving as a member of the Chinese legislative council and the National People's Congress. He is widely regarded as a pioneer of Chinese cinema and is often referred to as the "father of Chinese film".
Shaw was married to actress Qin Yi, who starred in many of his films. During the Japanese occupation of Shanghai in the 1940s, Shaw and his family were forced to flee to Hong Kong, where he continued to produce and direct films. After the war, he returned to Shanghai and continued to work in the film industry until his retirement in the early 1960s. Despite his many achievements, Shaw lived a simple and frugal life, often riding his bicycle to work and refusing to live in luxurious homes. He was also known for his philanthropy, supporting many charities and causes in his lifetime. Shaw passed away in 1975 at the age of 79 and is remembered as a trailblazer in Chinese cinema and a respected figure in both the film and legal communities.
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Kwan Shan
Kwan Shan (April 20, 1933 Shenyang-October 1, 2012 Hong Kong) also known as San Kuan, Kuan Shan, Shan Guan or Shan Kwan was a Chinese actor. He had one child, Rosamund Kwan.
Kwan Shan started his acting career in Taiwan in the 1950s, where he became known for his roles in martial arts films. He later moved to Hong Kong and acted in over 250 films, including several collaborations with renowned Hong Kong director John Woo. He was proficient in several martial arts, including kung fu and karate, and often performed his own stunts. Despite being known for his action roles, Kwan Shan also acted in comedies and dramas. He won the Best Actor award at the 19th Asia-Pacific Film Festival for his role in the film "The Empress Dowager." In addition to acting, Kwan Shan was also a singer and recorded several albums throughout his career. He was considered one of the most versatile actors in Hong Kong cinema and is remembered as a legend of Chinese cinema.
Kwan Shan's talent in acting was not limited to film. He was also a renowned TV actor, starring in the popular TV drama "The Bund" in 1980. He received critical acclaim for his performance in the drama, which was set in 1930s Shanghai. Kwan Shan's popularity skyrocketed after the success of "The Bund" and he became a household name in Hong Kong and throughout Asia. He also appeared in many TV series, including "The Return of the Condor Heroes" and "The Legend of the Condor Heroes," which were based on famous martial arts novels. Kwan Shan's contribution to Hong Kong cinema has been recognized with a star on the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong. His daughter Rosamund Kwan also followed in his footsteps and became a successful actress in her own right.
He died as a result of lung cancer.
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Terence Young
Terence Young (June 20, 1915 Shanghai-September 7, 1994 Cannes) otherwise known as Stewart Terence Herbert Young, Shaun Young or Shaun Terence Young was a Chinese screenwriter, film director and soldier.
Young grew up in France and Great Britain before serving in the British Army during World War II. After the war, he worked as a journalist and screenwriter before transitioning to directing in the 1950s. He is best known for directing several James Bond films, including Dr. No, From Russia with Love, and Thunderball. Young also directed other notable films such as Wait Until Dark, The Amorous Adventures of Moll Flanders, and Inchon. Throughout his career, he worked with a variety of actors, including Sean Connery, Audrey Hepburn, and Michael Caine. Young was awarded a CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in 1992 for his contributions to the film industry.
He was born to a British family in Shanghai, China and spent much of his childhood living in various places due to his father's occupation as an executive for Shell Oil Company. Young began his career as a screenwriter, writing scripts for films such as The Red Beret and Zarak. He then moved on to directing, becoming one of the most successful British film directors of the 1950s and 1960s. In addition to the James Bond films, he also directed other action films such as The Valiant, The Jigsaw Man, and The Klansman. Young was known for his attention to detail and his ability to shoot action sequences that were both thrilling and realistic. Young was married four times and had two daughters. He was also an accomplished sailor and owned a yacht named "Stardust". He passed away at the age of 79 while attending the Cannes Film Festival.
He died caused by myocardial infarction.
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Yip Man
Yip Man (October 1, 1893 Foshan-December 2, 1972 Mong Kok) also known as Ip Man, Yip Kai-man or Yeji Q was a Chinese martial artist, teacher and police officer. He had two children, Ip Chun and Ip Ching.
Yip Man is best known for being the master of the martial art Wing Chun and for being the teacher of Bruce Lee. He spent most of his life in Foshan, running a martial arts school and teaching Wing Chun to his students. During the Second Sino-Japanese War, he moved to Hong Kong and started teaching Wing Chun there. He was known for emphasizing the practical applications of Wing Chun, and for his skill in combat. Despite being a skilled martial artist, Yip Man was known for his humble and gentle nature, and he is still revered by many martial artists today.
Yip Man's training in Wing Chun started at a young age with Chan Wah-shun as his first teacher. Later on, he became a student of Ng Chung-sok and Leung Bik, who were both students of Chan Wah-shun. Eventually, Yip Man became the grandmaster of the Wing Chun style and continued teaching until his death. Besides Bruce Lee, some of his notable students included Wong Shun-leung, Leung Sheung, and Moy Yat. Yip Man's legacy continues to this day with Wing Chun being practiced all around the world. In addition to martial arts, he was also known for his love of calligraphy, having had a talent for it from a young age.
He died caused by head and neck cancer.
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Zeng Xianyi
Zeng Xianyi (January 31, 1936-April 5, 2015 Beijing) was a Chinese personality.
He was a writer, critic, and scholar who played an influential role in modern Chinese literature. Zeng Xianyi was born in the small town of Jiangning, in eastern China's Jiangsu province. He spent his early years studying at Nanjing University and eventually earned a degree in Chinese literature. He went on to become one of the leading figures in the Chinese literary scene, writing essays and critical works that explored the nature of modern Chinese identity and culture. Zeng Xianyi was also an avid traveler and spent time in many different parts of the world, which gave him a unique perspective on Chinese society and culture. He passed away in 2015 due to an illness.
In addition to his literary works and travels, Zeng Xianyi was also a key player in the political movement that sought freedom of speech and the protection of individual rights during the Chinese Cultural Revolution. He used his position and influence to advocate for greater freedom and democracy in China, risking his own safety in the process. Zeng Xianyi did not shy away from criticism or controversy, and his views often put him at odds with the government. Despite this, he remained committed to his ideals, and his work had a profound impact on the development of modern Chinese literature and culture. Today, Zeng Xianyi is remembered as a courageous and visionary writer whose contributions continue to inspire and enlighten readers around the world.
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Choui Khoua
Choui Khoua (November 23, 1916 Nanjing-December 16, 1995) also known as Hua Shui, Shuihua Zhang or Shui Hua was a Chinese film director and screenwriter.
He worked in the Chinese film industry for several decades and directed many successful films including "Song of the Fishermen" (Yulang tyaijiao) and "Sacrifice" (Jìniàn). He started his career as a stage actor and later shifted to filmmaking in the 1930s. During the war with Japan, he moved to Hong Kong where he continued to work in the film industry. He directed his first film in 1949 in Shanghai and quickly became known for his strong socialist and anti-imperialist themes in his movies. He was also known for his use of traditional Chinese music in his films. In addition to his work as a filmmaker, he was also a member of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and a professor at the Beijing Film Academy.
Choui Khoua was born in Nanjing, China and grew up in a family of educators. He studied theater at the Soochow University in Suzhou before moving to Shanghai to start his career in acting. During his time in Hong Kong, he worked as a screenwriter for various studios and developed his style of filmmaking which focused on social issues and the struggles of the working class.
After returning to mainland China in 1949, Choui continued to make politically charged films that reflected the values of the Communist Party. He was a pioneer in the use of music and sound in Chinese cinema and was known for collaborating with famous composers like Ding Shande and Zhou Youping.
Choui Khoua's legacy as a filmmaker is still felt today in Chinese cinema. He was a mentor to many young filmmakers, including Zhang Yimou, and his films have been studied and analyzed for their artistic and historical significance. Despite facing censorship and political pressure throughout his career, Choui continued to make films that challenged conventional ideas and celebrated the resilience of the human spirit.
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Ivan Desny
Ivan Desny (December 28, 1922 Beijing-April 13, 2002 Ascona) also known as Yvan Desny, Ivan Nikolai Desnitskij, Juan Desny, Ivan Nikolai Desnitzky, Иван Десни or Ivan Gums was a Chinese actor.
Desny was born in Beijing to Russian parents and grew up in China, where he attended the Russian Embassy School. He later moved to France, where he began his acting career in the 1940s. He appeared in over 180 films and television shows throughout his career, primarily in French and German productions. Some of his notable roles include "The Count of Monte Cristo" (1954), "The Marriage of Maria Braun" (1979), and "The Testament of Orpheus" (1960), which was directed by Jean Cocteau. Desny was also a prolific voice actor, lending his voice to numerous films and TV shows, including the French-dubbed version of "The Flintstones". In addition to his acting career, Desny was also a talented artist and sculptor.
Desny's career did not only revolve around acting. He was also an accomplished stage performer, appearing in numerous productions in Paris and Berlin throughout the 1950s and 1960s. Desny was also multilingual, speaking fluently in French, German, English, Russian, and Chinese.
In the late 1950s, Desny began to branch out into directing and producing, with a particular focus on theater productions. He directed and produced numerous plays in Germany and France, including productions of Shakespeare's "Hamlet" and Moliere's "Tartuffe."
Throughout his career, Desny was highly respected by his peers and was often referred to as a "gentleman of the stage and screen." He was known for his professionalism, dedication, and versatility as an actor and artist.
Desny was married three times and had three children. He spent his later years living in Switzerland, where he continued to work as an artist and sculptor. Desny's legacy as an actor and performer continues to be celebrated and remembered to this day.
He died in pneumonia.
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