Hùng Cường 1936-1996

An early promotional portrait of Hùng Cường.

 

                 May 1st, 2016, marked twenty years since the death of one of the most popular singers associated with the Republic of Vietnam, Hùng Cường. Born on December 21st, 1936, Hùng Cường first achieved fame in Vietnam in the 1950s, and would continue to perform until his death on May 1st, 1996. Many of his songs covered the subject of soldiers in the military, and he often performed in military uniforms, most frequently dressed as a ranger.

 

Records and promotional material featuring the music of Hùng Cường,

1960s-70s, RVNHS Archive.

 

                 Many of his most well-known songs were performed as a duet with Mai Lệ Huyền. Some of his music hits where he contributed vocals include "100 phần trăm," "Cưới Em," and "Hờn anh giận em." Hùng Cường also appeared as an actor in films and television in the Republic of Vietnam, and traveled the country performing for the entertainment of soldiers and civilians alike. After April of 1975, Hùng Cường was eventually arrested and held in prison by the Communist authorities. He immigrated to the United States in 1980, settling in Garden Grove, California, where remained until his death in 1996. Thousands of his fans attended his funeral, and his music continues to remain popular. In this post, we would like to honor his memory on the twentieth anniversary of his passing.

 

A record cover of Hùng Cường and Mai Lệ Huyền, featuring the song "Hờn anh giận em,"

1960s, RVNHS Archive.

 

Please view our Facebook page to listen to some samples of Hùng Cường's music.