China mourns death of music legend Liu Huan, voice of 2008 Beijing Olympic theme song
Renowned Chinese singer and songwriter Liu Huan passed away in Shanghai on September 25 at the age of 63 due to illness, prompting widespread mourning among the mainland public. The University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, where Liu taught the History of Western Music for three decades, issued an obituary but did not disclose details about the illness. His death saddened…
Chinese music icon Liu Huan died on September 25 at 63 years old from illness, triggering widespread grief throughout mainland China. A respected figure in the nation, Liu taught Western music history for three decades at the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing, but the cause of his death remained undisclosed.
Liu was celebrated as one of China's most recognizable male singers, having performed the Olympic anthem "You and Me" alongside British soprano Sarah Brightman in 2008. British singer Brightman mourned Liu on social media, calling him an "amazing talent and true gentleman." Liu's appointment to perform the Olympic song was based on his "China's best male voice, with an effortless deep, resonant baritone and striking high notes," and his ability to blend Chinese and Western singing styles while maintaining a positive public image.
Born in Tianjin in 1963, Liu's family background was rooted in teaching. He had a brief stint in crosstalk with schoolmate Dai Zhicheng, but opted for a different path after being drawn to classical music in university. Liu's passion for popular music and songwriting blossomed during his academic years, leading him to compose hits for television dramas from the 1980s to 2010s.
Among his many works, Youthful Aspirations are Unburdened by Sorrow, Cannot Live Like This, Asking Ten Thousand Times, and Heroes' Song stand out. Liu also contributed music to notable TV series like A Native of Beijing in New York and Empresses in the Palace. Beyond his music career, he remained committed to teaching the history of Western music, even co-founding a program to support one million yuan (US$150,000) annually for an original singer-songwriter.
Liu's final performance was at a New Year's Eve gala, where he sang "Asking Ten Thousand Times" and "I Want to Become an Immortal." Following his passing, his wife, Lu Lu, shared a touching message on her private social media, describing him as her "forever love and forever pain." Their nine-day courtship led to 38 years of devotion, and they welcomed a daughter in 1991.
During her time in the US for secondary school, Liu chose to forgo numerous job offers to be by her side. Liu's influence transcended age, with many remembering him as a respected and approachable teacher to his students.
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