Elvis Phuong and 6 Decades of Singing

To celebrate 63 years of singing, the renowned singer Elvis Phương released an album featuring songs by his two late close friends, Nguyễn Trung Cang and Lê Hựu Hà.

You can forget many things, but not music .

Legendary singer Elvis Phương stated that the Phượng Hoàng band was founded in 1968, but he officially joined shortly after. The core members of the band included Nguyễn Trung Cang, Lê Hựu Hà, Trung Vinh, Khiêm Bass, and Elvis Phương as the lead vocalist. The songs composed by the duo Nguyễn Trung Cang and Lê Hựu Hà have, arguably, lived on with listeners for generations.

Album commemorating 63 years of singing by the renowned singer Elvis Phương. (Photo provided by the subject)

The album commemorating 63 years of singing by the renowned singer Elvis Phương includes familiar songs such as: "Melancholy Afternoon at the Boarding School," "Loving You," "Still Loving You Forever," and lesser-known songs like: "Black Sun," "Evening," "Look Up at Life," "Winter Interlude," "Look Down at Your Feet"... This is Elvis Phương's third album, "Phoenix Love Songs." The two previous CDs were produced and released in the US, while this one is the first to be officially recorded, produced, and released in Vietnam.

Sharing his reasons for creating the album, Elvis Phương said: "I'm still captivated by the memories of my youth with my contemporaries and, most importantly, the songs that have accompanied Elvis Phương throughout his 63-year singing career. The album took quite a lot of time because I wanted to re-record these legendary songs and arrange them in a meaningful order. Every time I sing them, I always feel like I'm singing with Hà, Cang, and the other band members from back then."

"The 'youthful' music of our younger days. Who doesn't love and remember their youth? Even though time passes, the most important thing is the present. Elvis Phuong feels incredibly happy to still be loved by the audience and to still enjoy the songs of his two close friends," Elvis Phuong expressed.

Throughout Elvis Phương's musical career, there hasn't been a single show where the audience hasn't requested songs by Nguyễn Trung Cang and Lê Hựu Hà such as "Tôi muốn" (I Want), "Thương nhau ngày mưa" (Loving Each Other on a Rainy Day), "Huyền thoại người con gái" (Legend of the Girl)... Elvis Phương proudly shared: "I still perform regularly. Usually, when I go on stage, I have to perform at least 10 songs. Some shows I've sung up to 15 songs. A member of the band was surprised that I'm so 'energetic' and remember the lyrics so well. I can forget many things, but not music."

Choose the most enjoyable things.

For over six decades, Elvis Phương has been singing, yet he still dedicates much of his time to researching and reinventing songs. He says: "I perform French and Vietnamese music in many genres, including rock and roll. And I always have to innovate my songs. That's how I show respect to my audience and my work. When I cover other people's famous songs, I research how to divide the verses and pause the rhythm to create a climax. I think my efforts are rewarded when my performances in tea rooms always attract a supportive audience."

Having narrowly escaped death 36 years ago after heart surgery, singer Elvis Phuong prioritizes his health above all else. He says he is fortunate to always have his wife, Le Hoa, by his side, taking care of him in every aspect of his life, from meals to sleep.

"I exercise regularly, practice breathing exercises, and walk for more than an hour every day. I avoid fatty meats because I'm afraid of increasing my blood cholesterol; I only eat fish, chicken, and vegetables. Occasionally, people tell me they're surprised that Elvis Phuong's face and physique haven't changed at all compared to decades ago. I think it's thanks to my consistent efforts; nothing comes naturally," he said.

He confided that an artist's life includes both praise and criticism. We can't try to explain everything that happens around us. But we can choose the most positive things to focus on. And most importantly, as long as we "live right," that's enough.

"For over 63 years, I've sung non-stop because there are still people who want to listen. I accept every invitation, regardless of distance or the fee," Elvis Phuong revealed.

Source: https://nld.com.vn/elvis-phuong-va-6-thap-ky-hat-ca-196241023204050803.htm