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Zhou Xuan

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Zhou Xuan was a legendary Chinese singer and film actress.

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

She was a central figure in the gramophone era of Chinese popular music. By the 1940s, she was recognized as one of China's Seven Great Singing Stars. Among these stars, she was the most famous. People often called her the "Golden Voice." This nickname reflected her ability to sing effortless, high-pitched melodies. Her career spanned both the recording studio and the movie screen.

Zhouxuan
Zhouxuan

Her professional life involved a massive amount of creative work. She recorded more than 200 different songs throughout her career. In addition to her music, she appeared in over 40 films. Many of her most popular songs were actually featured in the movies she starred in. This connection between film and music helped her reach a massive audience. Her stardom was cemented by her ability to market herself as a popular singer. She became a household name across the region.

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

Zhou Xuan's rise to fame followed a very difficult childhood. She was born Su Pu on August 1, 1920, in Wujin. Her biological parents were Su Diaofu and Gu Meizhen. Her father was a teacher and a pastor. Her mother was a graduate of Jinling Women's University. As a young child, she was abducted to Jintang County by her uncle. This event separated her from her biological family. At age six, she was adopted by the Zhou family in Shanghai. Her adoptive parents were Zhou Wending and Ye Fengmei. At age 13, she chose the stage name Zhou Xuan, which means "beautiful jade."

Her acting career began in 1932 with the Bright Moon Song and Dance Troupe. She won second prize in a Shanghai singing contest at age 12. A major turning point occurred in 1937. Director Yuan Muzhi cast her as a lead in the film *Street Angel*. This film made her a star. The movie included two of her most enduring theme songs. These were "Four Seasons Song" and "The Wandering Songstress." These songs remained popular for a very long time.

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

Between 1946 and 1950, Zhou Xuan traveled to Hong Kong frequently. There, she made several films, including *All-Consuming Love* and *Sorrows of the Forbidden City*. In 1949, she introduced the famous song "Shanghai Nights." After this, she returned to Shanghai to continue her work. However, her later years were marked by significant personal struggles. She faced complicated relationships and failed marriages. She also experienced frequent mental health breakdowns. These challenges led her to spend time in mental institutions.

Zhouxuan
Zhouxuan

Her personal history included several high-profile relationships. She married the composer Yan Hua in 1938 at the Spring Garden Hotel in Beijing. They divorced in 1941 after three years of marriage. She later had relationships with Shi Hui and a silk merchant named Zhu Huaide. She also had a relationship with an artist named Tang Di. Zhou Xuan had two sons, Zhou Min and Zhou Wei. Her life was often difficult due to these complicated social and romantic ties. She died in a Shanghai mental asylum in 1957 at the age of 37. A possible cause of death was encephalitis, or inflammation of the brain.

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

Today, Zhou Xuan's cultural legacy remains very strong. Her songs are staples in Mandarin "Golden Oldies" music collections. Her life has been adapted into television series like *Song Bird*. Her family has also preserved her story through books. Her son Zhou Wei wrote *My Mother Zhou Xuan*. Her other son, Zhou Min, wrote the *Zhou Xuan Diary*. Her grandchildren continue the musical tradition. One granddaughter is a classical pianist, and another is an actress. Her influence on Chinese popular music continues to be felt.

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