Musician An Thuyen: Refusing the title of People's Artist, made Son Tung remember it for life

The late musician An Thuyen is one of the most famous names in Vietnamese music. At the time when Son Tung caused controversy when "Chac ai do se ve" was accused of plagiarism, he received timely encouragement and support from the musician "Ca dao em va toi".

Refusing the title of People's Artist, once defended Son Tung M-TP

The two brothers, musician An Hieu and talented singer and director Bong Mai, come from a respectable family. Their talent seems to come not only from their artistic genes, but also from the love, sacrifice and serious principles of their father - musician, Major General Nguyen An Thuyen.

Major General, musician Nguyen An Thuyen (1949 - 2015) was born in Ke Day village, Quynh Luu, Nghe An, in a family with an artistic tradition - his parents and siblings were all Cheo actors. From the age of 11, he knew how to play the flute, play the two-stringed fiddle and traveled with his family's troupe to perform everywhere. After graduating from the Hanoi Conservatory of Music in 1988, he served in the military arts sector.

Not only is he a Major General of the Vietnam People's Army, musician An Thuyen is also the former Principal of the Military University of Culture and Arts, and Permanent Vice President of the Vietnam Musicians Association, 7th term. He is the first Vietnamese musician to be awarded the rank of General.

Musician An Thuyen is the author of famous songs such as Neo dau ben que, Ca dao em va toi, Tho tinh cua nui, Em chon luong nay, Dem nghe hat do dua nho Bac... He has received many noble awards and medals. In 2007, he was specially considered for the title of People's Artist (NSND) even though he had never been awarded the title of Meritorious Artist before - a rare case that has never happened in the history of awarding titles to artists. Many people were surprised because musician An Thuyen was also a member of the Council for considering awarding titles at the ministerial level. However, he withdrew his application and refused to accept the title.

His daughter, director Bong Mai, once shared: "My father is not a person who is interested in titles. Before he passed away, he was Vice President of the Vietnam Musicians Association but he asked to step down so that younger people could take over." His modesty and respect for his profession are exemplary images that many generations of students admire.

He is the beloved teacher of many famous singers such as Ho Quynh Huong, Pham Phuong Thao, Ngoc Anh, Vuong Dung - all of whom praised him as a kind, close and never distant teacher. Musician An Thuyen is not only a multi-talented teacher, but also a friend, a father who respects the younger generation. His reputation is also due to his approach to contemporary music, even allowing young singers to experiment with his works such as Ca dao em va toi, although they were initially hesitant.

Son Tung M-TP was once touched by the generosity of musician An Thuyen. When surrounded by negative controversies surrounding the song "Surely someone will come back" in 2014, Son Tung recalled: "At that time, I didn't know if I was right or wrong. At that time, musician An Thuyen sent me words of encouragement through Quang Huy. It was like a ray of light that made me feel that I was not alone. I am very grateful to him for caring for me as a senior."

Not only that, he once spoke out to protect the young singer from community criticism: "In Son Tung's case, I'm sure there was something wrong, but I don't think it's right to call it 'plagiarism'. Because the mistakes of the children are individual mistakes in the whole."

That protection gave Son Tung the confidence to move forward, making him respect the musician for life. A year after musician An Thuyen passed away, Son Tung sent an emotional letter.

Previously, Son Tung had expressed his gratitude to musician An Thuyen for supporting him. At his birthday party, Son Tung even took a minute of silence to remember the veteran musician for giving him advice: "Kids like Tung, if needed, call him to teach him, don't hit him, support him."

Respected father in military family - art

The family of musician An Thuyen - Mrs. Huyen Lam is a true military and artistic family: Father is a Major General - musician, mother is a Lieutenant Colonel - director, son - musician An Hieu is a Lieutenant Colonel, daughter - director Bong Mai used to be a vocal lecturer at the Military University of Culture and Arts, at the age of 26 she was a Captain but later went out to work as an editor. All family members are attached to the arts, have worked or are working in the military environment.

The love between him and his wife - director Ngo Huyen Lam also has its own unique features, gentle and strong. Mrs. Huyen Lam once confided that that difference made her nag him all her life and also... love him all her life. They got married in the summer of 1974 in Vinh City (Nghe An). At that time, he was still working at the Nghe An Song and Dance Troupe. The wedding was held in the hall of the Nghe An Song and Dance Troupe, in the harsh summer sun of the Central region. Everything was simple, not elaborate, but filled with joy and affection.

Over the years, musician An Thuyen and his wife moved more than 20 times in Hanoi, so their original marriage certificate was lost. It was not until December 2013 that they re-registered. On the day they received their second marriage certificate, daughter Bong Mai recorded this special moment. When handing over the certificate, the ward leader also wished the couple "to live together until they are old and gray". At that time, musician An Thuyen wittily replied: If they live another 40 years, they will celebrate their diamond wedding anniversary.

His family lives in a "military" style: the house is clean and tidy, all items are arranged scientifically to the point that "the owner can find what he needs with his eyes closed", from music records, antique gramophone collection, cameras... all are carefully preserved as precious souvenirs.

In 2015, he passed away suddenly. His wife once choked up and shared: "That's how he was, never bothering anyone... leaving peacefully, not wanting anyone to worry." His passing left behind deep sorrow. Mrs. Lam said that the assets he left behind were his virtuous deeds, and the love that millions of people had for him.

His two artist children have also built their own careers. Musician An Hieu is the author of Letter from Home, Tet of Soldiers, Phien Gac Dem, Guitar Linh, Chien Si That Dau Yeu... He used to feel pressured by his father's "shadow". Meanwhile, Bong Mai left the military environment to follow her own passions.

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