LookAtVietnam – Bao Phuc, one of HCM City’s most popular composers, passed away on Sunday at HCM City’s Cho Ray Hospital after suffering a stroke.

Prolific: Veteran composer Bao Phuc.

Born in 1958, Phuc’s love for music manifested at a very early age. He graduated in music from the National Music School in 1984 and later worked for the HCM City Music and Dance Research Centre.

In 1992, he moved to work for Bong Sen and Thang Tam, two leading dance and music troupes in the city.

Although Phuc played 25 different instruments well, composing was his passion. He began his music-producing career in 1997 and immediately made a mark with his talent.

He worked with many State-owned and private film companies in Ha Noi and HCM City, scoring music for more than 300 films and TV serials.

Many of his most famous romantic songs, like Nhung Neo Duong Phu Sa (Alluvial Roads), Tinh Mai Xanh (Love Forever) and Nu Hong Le Loi (Lonely Rose), were produced for films and TV serials but expanded beyond the celluloid boundaries, capturing the hearts of thousands of music fans.

Many young fans have said that Phuc sang his songs with more emotion than any professional singer including pop stars like Lam Truong - who attained fame by performing Phuc’s music.

Phuc was also renowned as one of the city’s very few professional music mixers.

In 2005, Viet Nam Television (VTV)’s Con Duong Am Nhac (The Music Road), a programme that introduced and honoured talented Vietnamese musicians and singers, featured Phuc and his music in a 60-minute live show.

Phuc also participated in many charity shows to raise funds for helping disadvantaged children.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News