Growing Fame for Singer

Even though his voice has been beamed all over the world, including the Communist-held Chinese mainland, the name of singer Chin Shan (Tsan Tie-yueh is his real name) is not well-known outside Asia. His rise to prominence in his native land has been the result of hard work starting in his childhood.

As a 15-year-old, he studied at night at a commercial school in Taipei, even though he was both physically and mentally drained from the day's work. Despite his hectic lifestyle, Chin Shan still managed to set enough time aside to prepare for what he did not realize would be his future career--singing.

Although he had always been a talented singer, Chin Shan was denied his greatest ambition of attending the National Taiwan Academy of Arts because of his lack of formal musical training.

Fortunately, he was spotted by the leader of a musical group, who soon made him soloist. Records featuring Chin Shan's voice became popular, and he knew his first lucky break had arrived. After he was discharged from military service, he found many opportunities to perform on stage with bands in nightclubs and on television. In the end, he took up singing full-time.

Chin Shan's verve, sense of melody and emotional appeal soon endeared him to a wide audience. But outside Taiwan, overseas Chinese had only heard of him through newspaper reports. This was changed when Chin Shan made his international debut in 1969 during a performance by his group in Hong Kong. The audience fell in love with his voice, and hailed him as Taiwan's new singing star. Newspapers and magazines carried articles about him, and nightclubs, television stations and record companies all vied for his services. His fame even started to spread outside the Chinese community.

Chin Shan admits, however, that most of the acclaim he received in Asia came from overseas Chinese. "I share a common heritage with them, and a warm friendship has been kindled through the songs I sing," he said. "Now, people outside Taiwan recognize me. But I remember the situation in 1962 when overseas Chinese hardly knew anything about Taiwan. Once when I appeared in Indonesia, I was given a plate of fruit, and asked if such things grew in Taiwan."

With all his activity it seems that Chin Shan would have little time to start a family. Today, apart from when professional engagements demand it, he rarely leaves home. He spends all his spare time with his family--his wife, five-year-old daughter and his parents. He is proud of the fact that he is a family man. When he performs in Taipei, his wife rarely waits for him backstage, and she even less often makes a public appearance. "Singing is his career. But I do not feel the need to accompany him in his work," she says. Chin Shan concurs: "I am subject to constant attention during my work. I wouldn't want to sacrifice my family's privacy by parading them in front of the public."

Chin Shan always maintains a simple and unostentatious lifestyle. He is a devoted worker who regards highly the opinions of his family and others concerning his reputation.

During the course of his career, he has produced 25 records, appeared in concerts all over the world, including Europe and the United States, and has starred in quite a few movies.

Chin Shan is now 36-years-old, but is still dedicated to his work. Contemporaries who started out with him in the singing profession have long since turned to other jobs. Asked about his motivation in staying in the field, he says: "The most important thing is that I enjoy my work. I love being on stage with the musicians, and get a tremendous lift out of performing."

Asked if he will retire soon, Chin Shan laughs and shakes his head: "So far, I have no plans to do so. I'll probably remain a singer unless, of course, I find an even more attractive profession."

[Picture Caption]

Left: Chin Shan, has become one of the most famous singers in the Republic of China in a career stretching over 14 years. Despite all the attention he has received, he remains reticent in his social life. Right: Apart from those connected with his work, Chin Shan eschews social engagements, so he can spend more time with his family.

1. "I've been married nearly 10 years!" 2. Wherever he goes, Chin Shan always has fans asking for his autograph. 3. At 36, Chin Shan has no plans to retire.

Apart from those connected with his work, Chin Shan eschews social engagements, so he can spend more time with his family.

"I've been married nearly 10 years!".

Wherever he goes, Chin Shan always has fans asking for his autograph.

At 36, Chin Shan has no plans to retire.