VietNamNet Bridge – The newly released book Thuyen Khong Ben Do (A Ship without a Destination) features Vietnamese-American musician Lam Phuong’s 110 works, mostly romantic songs written in the 1960s and 70s.

The cover of the book Thuyen Khong Ben Do (A Ship without a Destination), containing the lyrics of 110 songs composed by Vietnamese-American Lam Phuong. — Photo courtesy of Ben Thanh Audio Video

The book, released by Ben Thanh Audio Video, includes songs Thanh Pho Buon (Sad City), Em Di Roi (You’re Gone), Duyen Kiep (Fate) and Bien Tinh (Sea of Love), performed by talented singers of different generations at home and abroad.

“Composer Phuong helped us collect and edit his book,” said Pham Quoc Thanh, director of Ben Thanh Audio Video, one of HCM City’s leading music producers and distributors.

Thanh’s company is the sole distributor of Phuong’s music in Viet Nam.

Phuong was born in 1937 in the Cuu Long (Mekong Delta) province of Kien Giang. He moved to Sai Gon (now HCM City) in 1947 and studied music with veteran artist Le Thuong.

He began composing when he was only 15 years old, later becoming known for songs such as Khuc Ca Ngay Mua (Song of the Harvest), Kiep Ngheo (The Poor) and Thanh Pho Buon.

Phuong composed music for leading drama troupes from the region, such as Kim Cuong Troupe and Song Troupe, owned by his wife, actress Tuy Hong.

After 1975, he lived in the US and then later moved to France. He now lives in California.

Many singers, including stars Bach Yen, Y Lan and Huong Lan, have performed some of his 200 songs.  

Last year, the Voice of Viet Nam’s VOV3 hosted a special music show featuring Phuong’s music to mark his 64-year career.

A series of shows featuring Phuong’s music will be organised by Ben Thanh Audio Video in the city in late September.

VNS