Chau Thanh: From a boy who loved vọng cổ to a 67-year-old cải lương icon who still maintains his form

After nearly 50 years on stage, Cai Luong artist Chau Thanh still maintains his passion at the age of 67. Coming from the poor countryside of Tay Ninh, he has risen to become a unique long-winded singer, leaving a strong impression in the hearts of many generations of audiences.

Coming from a poor countryside and a passion for vọng cổ

Born in 1958 in Tay Ninh, Chau Thanh grew up in a context where Cai Luong was a familiar spiritual food for the people of the South. Since childhood, he was fascinated by the vọng cổ melodies broadcast on the radio and old tapes that the adults in the neighborhood often listened to every night. His family was not very wealthy but was rich in artistic spirit, creating conditions for young Chau Thanh to nurture his love of the stage. From then on, the dream of standing in the bright lights of the Cai Luong stage gradually took shape in his mind.

When he entered his youth, his path to the profession was not easy. Like many artists of his time, he started by singing at fairs and communal houses, where the stage was simple and the audience was only villagers. The performances that lasted until dawn, the long trips by old motorbike, or the small salary did not make him falter. It was those difficult days that built his perseverance, forging in him a deep and sincere love for the profession.

Forming a unique style and a rare long-lasting voice mark

When mentioning Chau Thanh, cai luong audiences immediately think of his unique long-breathed voice — the trademark that made his name. Right from his first roles, he demonstrated his skill in singing vọng cổ with a long, strong and resonant breath, an element that not only requires technique but also physical strength and hard work. Thanks to that ability, he soon gained attention among countless artists of the same time and gradually built his own color.

Famous plays such as The Horse Case marked an important turning point in Chau Thanh's career. He not only performed the role properly but also made the audience remember him forever by singing long, powerful but still emotional songs. His special voice helped him receive great applause from the audience every time he sang. Many audiences admitted that they came to the stage just to hear him "run his breath" - a skill that is still rare for young artists to recreate.

Nearly half a century living with the stage and the audience

Having spent nearly 50 years in the profession, Chau Thanh is not only a performer but also a person who keeps the rhythm of Cai Luong alive during many turbulent periods. During his heyday, he performed 2-3 shows a day, traveling between provinces and cities to serve people everywhere. Regardless of whether it was a big stage or a small fair, he always appeared with completeness and seriousness towards his profession.

Cai Luong once fell into a period of stagnation, with the number of performances sharply decreasing. However, unlike many artists who chose to withdraw, Chau Thanh continued to contribute by performing at small stages, festivals, or family parties. For him, singing for the audience was more important than the salary. He once shared that only when the audience no longer wanted to listen would he think about retiring.

Current life: simple, quiet but full of peace

At the age of 67, instead of living in the spotlight of a veteran artist, Chau Thanh chooses a simple life with his family. He spends most of his time at home with his wife and daughter - singer Chau Ngoc Tien. While his youth was filled with gatherings with friends, now he enjoys meditating, chanting and taking care of his mental health.

What many people admire is that even though he is over 60 years old, his voice is still strong and full. Thanks to a healthy lifestyle, no drinking, and little staying up late, he maintains a stable performance. Many young colleagues when recording with him are often surprised because his breathing and voice resonance are still as strong as in his prime.

Artistic expansion and spirit of updating the times

Not only confined to Cai Luong, Chau Thanh has also tried his hand at cinema. He appeared in a number of film projects and considered this a way to broaden his experience and reach more young audiences. Recently, he and his family attended the premiere of the film Phong Lo Ma Bau, showing his interest in the modern entertainment market as well as his support for the young generation of artists.

In the era of digital platforms, Chau Thanh believes that it is a good thing that cai luong artists appear on online platforms or participate in other art fields. He believes that this is a way for the traditional art form to continue to exist and reach out to young people – those who may not have been exposed to cai luong in the traditional way.

Heart for the profession and the audience - what creates respect

One of the things that makes Chau Thanh loved by his colleagues is his kindness and sharing spirit. When performing at fairs, his salary sometimes depends on revenue, but he is willing to accept less to support young artists or troupes in difficulty. Towards the audience, he always maintains respect and gratitude, from the way he greets to each bow at the end of a role.

He shared that as long as the audience still wants to listen, he will continue to stand on stage. That is not an empty saying but the spirit that has been consistent throughout his nearly 50 years of career. For Chau Thanh, the stage is not just a job, but a place where he can live his passion and connect with people who have loved his voice for decades.

Aspirations of U.70 and legacy left behind

Even though he has reached 70 years old, Chau Thanh's desire to contribute has not diminished. What he desires most is simply to stay healthy so that he can continue singing and meeting audiences. He understands that Cai Luong is facing many challenges in the digital age, but he believes in the love that the public has for this art form. It is this belief that keeps him energized and persistent.

Looking back on his long journey, Chau Thanh is not only a famous Cai Luong artist but also a part of the memories of many generations. His unique long voice has become a legacy, passed down through the voice of his daughter – singer Chau Ngoc Tien – and through tapes and performances that audiences still listen to whenever they remember the golden age.

The greatest legacy he left behind was not awards or titles, but the image of a dedicated artist, living fully for his profession and for his audience. At the age of 67, Chau Thanh continues to be the warm flame of Vietnamese reformed opera – a flame that has never been extinguished.

Dieu Hien made controversial statements about Tai Linh, saying "luck" and mentioning Phuong Lien. Thảo Mai14:41:22 17/11/2025However, when talking about People's Artist Bach Tuyet, Dieu Hien gave many compliments. She emphasized that Bach Tuyet's acting and singing style is storytelling, creating the feeling that the audience is listening to a fairy tale.