POP PRINCE: Vietnamese-American singer Elvis Phương, known as Pop Prince in the 1970s in Việt Nam, has released his biography called Dòng Đời (My Way) in HCM City. The book celebrates his 60-year career. Photo courtesy of Phương Nam Book

HCM CITY The biography of Vietnamese-American singer Elvis Phương, known as Pop Prince in Việt Nam in the 1970s, was released in HCM City.

The work, Dòng Đời (My Way), written by the 77-year-old singer in cooperation with his friends, celebrates his 60-year career.

Apart from featuring the artist’s life and career from a personal perspective, the book also outlines the development of Vietnamese music between the 1960s and 1970s.

Many black-and-white and colour photos are also included.

The 376-page book has 12 chapters featuring Phương’s career and his memories of famous singers and musicians in Sài Gòn (now Hồ Chí Minh City) including late composers Lê Hựu Hà and Trúc Phương, who were pioneers in contemporary Vietnamese music.

“My book, Dòng Đời, tells my fans about the challenges and sacrifices that I have made in pursuing my art,” Phương wrote in his book.

CELEBRATED SINGER: Vietnamese-American singer Elvis Phương (left), known as Pop Prince in the 1970s, works to spread Vietnamese music to the world. Photo courtesy of the producer

Elvis Phương, whose real name is Phạm Ngọc Phương, began his career in 1962 in Sài Gòn. He performed in popular music bands Rockin’s Stars, Les Vampires and Phượng Hoàng, and sang songs by US pop star Elvis Presley.

He achieved success almost as soon as he embarked on a career singing rock'n'roll, pop, and Vietnamese folk songs.

He performed Vietnamese songs by talented musicians such as Nguyễn Vũ, Lam Phương and Phạm Duy, who played a role in developing modern Vietnamese music.

His hits include Bài Thánh Ca Buồn (The Sad Hymn), Bài Tango Cho Em (A Tango for You) and Kỷ Vật Cho Em (Memorabilia for You), which are still fresh today.

After 1975, he moved to live in the US and work with leading entertainment agencies and studios. He is popular for his strong voice and bold, distinctive style.

In 1996, he released two music videos, Giọt Nắng Bên Thềm (Sunlight on the Veranda) and Quê Hương (Motherland), in Việt Nam.

In 2000, his first live concert attracted 5,000 fans in HCM City. He has performed in mini shows and concerts in HCM City, Hà Nội, Đà Nẵng and Đà Lạt.

“I always sing with my heart and soul,” said the singer, who lives in HCM City now. VNS