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Zhou Xuan

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Zhou Xuan was a famous singer and actress from China.

Zhou Xuan by C.H.Wong Photo Studio
Zhou Xuan by C.H.Wong Photo Studio

People called her the "Golden Voice." This nickname came from her beautiful high-pitched melodies. She was one of the Seven Great Singing Stars in her time. Her music helped define the gramophone era in China. Many people loved her songs and her movie performances. She was a very important part of Chinese popular culture.

Zhouxuan
Zhouxuan

Zhou Xuan had a very busy career in music and film. She recorded more than 200 different songs. She also appeared in over 40 movies during her life. One of her most famous movies was called Street Angel.

Poster of the film Meng Lijun 1940 China
Poster of the film Meng Lijun 1940 China

In that 1937 film, she sang the "Four Seasons Song." She also sang "The Wandering Songstress" in that same movie. Other famous songs of hers include "Shanghai Nights" and "Yellow Leaves Dancing in the Autumn Wind."

Her life began with many changes. She was born Su Pu on August 1, 1920, in Wujin. Her father was a teacher and a pastor named Su Diaofu. Her mother was Gu Meizhen. When she was young, she was taken to Jintang County. At age six, she was adopted by the Zhou family in Shanghai. Her new parents were Zhou Wending and Ye Fengmei. She chose the stage name Zhou Xuan, which means "beautiful jade."

Zhou Xuan's personal life was often very difficult. She married a composer named Yan Hua in 1938. They held their wedding at the Spring Garden Hotel in Beijing. However, they divorced in 1941 after only three years. She had two sons named Zhou Min and Zhou Wei. Her life included many struggles with her health and her relationships. She died in a Shanghai hospital in 1957 at age 37. A possible cause of death was encephalitis.

Today, people still remember her work very well. Her songs are often found in collections of old Mandarin music. Her life has been shown in television shows like Song Bird.

Poster of the film Meng Lijun 1940 China
Poster of the film Meng Lijun 1940 China

Her family members have even written books about her life. Her son Zhou Wei is a musician who plays the flute. His daughters are also musicians, including a classical pianist. Her legacy lives on through her music and her family.

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Zhou Xuan by C.H.Wong Photo Studio.jpg
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File:Poster_of_the_film_Meng_Lijun_1940_China.jpg
Poster_of_the_film_Meng_Lijun_1940_China.jpg
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