DistantNews
Support us
🇹🇼 Taiwan /Culture & Society

Golden Melody Award Winner Lin Huang-kun Wants to Write Songs for Jolin Tsai, Compares Actress to Brigitte Lin

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

Interview Sources not specified New plan
  • Lin Huang-kun, a recipient of the Golden Melody Special Contribution Award, has penned over a thousand classic song lyrics and written scripts for 48 films.
  • He attributes his writing prowess to extensive reading in libraries during his impoverished youth, absorbing a wide range of literature.
  • Lin expressed a desire to write songs for contemporary artists like Jolin Tsai, JJ Lin, and A-mei, and will celebrate his 80th birthday with a concert featuring his works.

Lin Huang-kun, a celebrated lyricist and screenwriter, recently received the Golden Melody Special Contribution Award, marking a significant milestone as he approaches his 80th birthday. Known for penning timeless classics such as "Past Can Only Be Recalled" and contributing lyrics to over a thousand songs, Lin has also demonstrated his versatility by writing scripts for 48 films and working as a screenwriter for television dramas.

Half the books in the library were almost read by you!

— Library staffDescribing Lin Huang-kun's extensive reading habits during his youth.

Lin shared that his exceptional writing skills were honed during his youth in rural Tainan. Due to his family's financial struggles, he spent his free time immersed in libraries rather than attending movies or social events. This dedication to reading exposed him to a vast array of ancient and modern literature from both Chinese and foreign sources, which he effectively integrated into his creative work.

Reflecting on his extensive catalog of hits, including "A Drink of Wine with Coffee" and "Love of Maple Leaves," Lin likened choosing a favorite song to choosing a favorite child – an impossible task, as he cherishes them all equally. He also recalled his collaborations with prominent figures of the 1970s and 80s entertainment scene, such as the "Double Qin, Double Lin" stars, noting his admiration for actresses like Hu Yin-meng and Tien Niu, whose talents he felt were overshadowed by the immense popularity of Brigitte Lin and Sylvia Chang.

Every child is cute, how can I choose my favorite?

— Lin Huang-kunWhen asked to name his favorite song among the many he has written.

Lin fondly remembered his experiences working with variety show legends Chu Ke-liang and Bai Bing-bing, describing Chu Ke-liang as a "natural comedic genius" whose ideas he could expand upon. He praised Bai Bing-bing for her wit and ability to enhance any material she was given. Looking towards the current music scene, Lin stays updated by listening to popular artists like Jay Chou, Jolin Tsai, and A-mei. He expressed enthusiasm for the possibility of writing songs for artists such as Jolin Tsai, JJ Lin, A-mei, or Crowd Lu.

The Double Qin and Double Lin were the most popular at the time, but I thought Hu Yin-meng was the most beautiful.

— Lin Huang-kunComparing the popularity of stars in the 1970s and 80s.

To commemorate his 80th birthday on July 11th, Lin Huang-kun will be honored with a "Past Can Only Be Recalled" concert at the PLAYground Air Force Museum Theater. The event will feature performances of his classic songs by various artists, including host Lang Tsu-yun, Lai Pei-hsia, Tang Chi-yang, and Wang Po-sen, with tickets available on the udn ticketing website.

He was a genius, he played his ideas very well. You give him a small idea, and he doesn't stop at that, but expands on it. He is a natural comedic master.

— Lin Huang-kunDescribing his experience working with variety show host Chu Ke-liang.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

More Stories

From Our Blog