What does Elvis Phương's memoir "The Flow of Life" contain?

Elvis Phương's more than 60 years of singing are recounted in "The Flow of Life."

Looking back on his arduous journey in the singing profession, from his early days to becoming a renowned singer, Elvis Phương has spent over 60 years singing. "This is also an opportunity for me to speak honestly about myself, about my life; and more accurately, to share my thoughts with all my friends and acquaintances, as well as audiences everywhere, as a spiritual gift I've cherished for so long and now finally have the chance to express," Elvis Phương wrote.

Elvis Phuong went through hardships, having to "beg for a guitar with a broken back and only one string left, spending hours standing in front of the bathroom mirror twisting and turning, mimicking and singing childhood songs," and became the wealthy man he is today.

"I have money, a house, a car; but who knows that I paid a very high price for those things, with extraordinary effort and tearful patience" - excerpt from memoir.

But above all, the book gives readers a glimpse into a more real Elvis Phuong, reflecting his own thoughts. He is a man of present-day experience, a culmination of the bitterness and mixed emotions of a young, impulsive yet ambitious man, and of a calm and steadfast middle-aged man pursuing his goals… Elvis Phuong likens himself to a "wild horse," so most of the titles in the 12 chapters are named after the life stages of a wild horse.

He called himself a "wild horse".

He confided in the opening section: "I likened myself to a wild horse. Does that mean I'm wild, dissolute, and a vagabond? No! Absolutely not!" Indeed, that "wild horse" wasn't entirely untamed or simply preoccupied with the music world. Love was the exception that forced the "wild horse" to retreat in chapter 10, "Tears of a Flower & That's Why I Love You." The woman who could do that was Le Hoa – his wife, whom he loved dearly and to whom he vowed to spend the rest of his life.

According to Elvis Phuong, the motivation that keeps him happy every day and allows him to continue his career for over 60 years is thanks to his wife's constant support, understanding, and care. It is this deep affection for his wife that inspired Elvis Phuong to write seven songs dedicated to her, the lyrics of which are included in the book: "The Promise," "Love," "A Song for You," "Still in Love with You," "Embarrassment," "Parisian Autumn Afternoon," and "The Pink Heels Have Stopped Wandering."

Elvis Phuong's "Life Story"

Before its release in Vietnam, Elvis Phuong's memoir "The Flow of Life" was embroiled in controversy regarding its authorship. According to the author himself, the memoir was written by Elvis Phuong and edited by his wife, Le Hoa, and was released on January 8, 2022.

However, Ms. Thu Huyen (wife of the late journalist and musician Truong Ky) has spoken out, claiming that Elvis Phuong illegally used the memoir "Wild Horse's Confessions" about Elvis Phuong, which her husband wrote 28 years ago, along with some related photographic materials, to print the memoir. According to information shared by the family of the late journalist and musician Truong Ky, Mr. Truong Ky wrote "Wild Horse's Confessions" for Elvis Phuong in 1995 (over 400 pages).

Some images in the book

Meanwhile, on singer Elvis Phương's side, his wife, Lệ Hoa, confirmed that Elvis Phương had asked journalist and musician Trường Kỳ to write his memoirs. According to her, Mr. Trường Kỳ flew to Elvis Phương and his wife's home to do so. All expenses for food, accommodation, and travel were covered by Elvis Phương and his wife.

In 1995, Mr. Truong Ky sent Elvis Phuong his memoirs. The famous singer also sent Mr. Truong Ky 3,000 USD. However, later, for various reasons, Elvis Phuong wrote a memoir with nearly 200 pages of content, plus an equivalent number of images, to be published as "The Flow of Life".

Source: https://nld.com.vn/giai-tri/hoi-ky-dong-doi-cua-elvis-phuong-co-gi-20230829080919922.htm