Pham Duy Biography

Considered by many as one of Vietnam's most brilliant songwriters, Phạm Duy was born in Hanoi, and nurtured in the care of his eldest brother from a very young age. The youngest of five children in the household, this songwriter pursued his education in music from institutes in Vietnam and France. His songs documented the tempestuous political scenario of his homeland, Vietnam, during French occupation as well as after independence. This caused the communist regime of the country to ban his songs that mostly opposed the government. For a span of thirty years, this exceptional writer lived in exile in the United States, continuing to write songs with the same nationalist fervour. Even though his songs were restricted from being performed in Vietnam, they gained recognition in other parts of the world. When he finally returned to Vietnam, the government lifted all bans previously imposed, and the citizens of the country celebrated the songwriter's return. Despite major public recognition, there were a few who criticized Duy's decision to return. Composers Nguyễn Lưu and Tuyên in particular condemn the fact that though his songs are anti-communist in tone, his hypocrisy is forgiven by the government and media. Yet, despite being away for thirty long years, the songwriter’s death was mourned by majority in the country, owing to his brilliant lyrics that celebrated the Vietnamese nationalist sentiment.