After "Mai Vang Tri An", many singers, artists and audiences visited To Thanh Phuong.

Sau — Mr. Bui Thanh Liem - Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper and journalist, director Thanh Hiep, Deputy Head of Culture - Sports Department of Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper, came to present the "Mai Vang gratitude" gift to singer To Thanh Phuong.

Singer To Thanh Phuong was touched by everyone's kindness.

Meeting singer To Thanh Phuong again in a small apartment in Ngo Gia Tu apartment building (HCMC), in a modest room, he shared "I didn't think I would be remembered by everyone... But in the past few days, people came to visit, singers and musicians sent gifts, I was very touched..." - singer To Thanh Phuong choked up, his eyes shining with gratitude and rare joy.

In particular, he was moved to express his deep gratitude to the "Mai Vang Tri An" program of the Lao Dong Newspaper for visiting, encouraging, giving gifts and supporting medical treatment at home. "The program's kindness warmed my heart and I was even more touched when later, many artists heard the news and asked for my address through journalist - director Thanh Hiep to visit, encourage and help me. There were people I had never met in real life, but they still remembered me, remembered "Song of the Southern Land" back then..." - he shared in a trembling voice.

At the age of 65, he no longer stands on stage, no longer sings the warm voice that once moved many people to tears when the melody of "Song of the Southern Land" resounds. Instead, there is a weak breath, a whisper of thanks, when someone visits.

Singer To Thanh Phuong, the person who brings the Southern accent into the public's mind

Singer To Thanh Phuong was born in Ca Mau - the land at the end of the Fatherland, where rivers and people blend together in songs imbued with Southern love. Perhaps that is why in each tone he sings there is always a hidden emotional undercurrent, both sincere and rustic, and also poignant and sorrowful.

Starting his career in 1976, he was one of the typical lyrical and revolutionary singers of the Minh Hai Song and Dance Troupe. Singer To Thanh Phuong won the National Gold Medal in 1985 with the song "Singing about my homeland", the National Light Music Star Award in 1989 with "Improvisation of a song across the bridge" - awards that proved his talent.

What is engraved in the public's mind is "Southern Song" - the theme song of the famous 1997 TV series.

Singer To Thanh Phuong with her own path

Not noisy, not following trends, singer To Thanh Phuong maintains his own path: singing as if talking to people's hearts, to the land where he was born and raised. He sings as if he is telling a story of everyday life, but each note resonates in the hearts of listeners with sincere, simple emotions that are heartbreaking.

Now, at 65, he no longer has the strength to walk alone. Parkinson’s disease, atherosclerosis, and heart valve disease have weakened his body. Tremors, shortness of breath, dizziness, eating, and personal hygiene all require someone to be by his side.

The couple lives on the help of relatives, colleagues and beloved audiences. Singers and artists such as Bich Phuong, Huu Quoc, Bich Thuy, Ha Chau, Hong Van, Phi Phung, Phuong Dung, Thuy Muoi, Quang Thinh... have visited him.

"The Song of the Southern Land" is still played again in many TV shows, on social networks, in videos commemorating the Mekong Delta. But few people know that the person who sang that immortal song is struggling every day in a small room, as quiet as his own artistic life.

Song of the Southern Land is not just a film soundtrack

That song is not just a film soundtrack, but the soul of an entire land, the memories of many generations. And singer To Thanh Phuong – an artist who does not need the spotlight, does not need a big stage – has contributed to creating an irreplaceable cultural icon.

"His story is not simply a difficult case, but also a reminder of community responsibility towards silent artists - those who have devoted their lives to leaving invaluable values for the country's culture and arts. So we still organize campaigns for artists and audiences to help him" - singer Bich Phuong shared.

Meritorious Artist and singer Hong Van - a close older sister in the singing profession - said: "To Thanh Phuong - the person who carried "Song of the Southern Land" through decades of singing, needs us to mention her name again, not with regretful words later, but with warm actions today. Because art does not only live in works, but also in the hearts of artists. The gratitude of the audience is the greatest reward that life can give. I hope she will recover soon."

Source: https://nld.com.vn/sau-mai-vang-tri-an-nhieu-dong-nghiep-khan-gia-den-tham-ca-si-to-thanh-phuong-196250713094317343.htm