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Danny Chan
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Danny Chan Pak-Keung (Chinese: 陳百強; 7 September 1958 – 25 October 1993) was a Hong Kong singer, songwriter and actor. One of the first Cantopop idols in Hong Kong, he gained fame alongside performers Alan Tam, Anita Mui, and Leslie Cheung, who were collectively known as "Three Kings and a Queen" (三王一后) or "Tam Cheung Mui Chan" (譚張梅陳) in the 1980s.[2] He is best remembered for such songs as "Waiting" (等), "Life Expectations" (一生何求), "Ripples" (漣漪), "Loving You Alone" (偏偏喜歡你) and "Cherish Tonight" (今宵多珍重).
Key Information
Early life and career
[edit]Chan was born on 7 September 1958 at Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam (薄扶林). His father, Chan Pang-Fee (Chinese: 陳鵬飛;[3] 1923 – 5 April 2019), a businessman in the watch industry, was fond of Cantonese opera and became one of his son's musical influences.[4]
During his childhood, Chan developed a passion for music and mostly learnt to play organ keyboard and piano by himself. He was an alumnus of St. Paul's Co-educational College and also a classmate of lyricist Andrew Lam Man Chung (林敏驄). [5]
Chan won third prize at the TVB "Hong Kong Pop Song Writing Invitation" in 1977 with his self-written English song "The Rocky Road". In 1978, he won first prize at the Hong Kong Yamaha Electone Festival by playing the theme music of the movie Close Encounters of the Third Kind. This earned him his singing contract with Hong Kong Television Broadcasts (TVB) and officially launched his entertainment career. In that same year, he made his acting debut with HK TVB through a TV drama called Sweet Babe (甜姐兒). [citation needed]
Chan's musical talent attracted the attention of artist manager Tam Kwok-Gei (譚國基). Tam signed Chan under his artist management agency, Hollywood Casting Agency (HCA), and subsequently had Chan sign a recording contract with EMI. Chan's first music album, First Love, was released in 1979. His self-composed song on the album, "Tears for You" (眼淚為你流), was an instant hit. [6]
Chan subsequently signed music contracts with Hong Kong EMI (1979),[1] WEA (1980), DMI (1986), and finally moved back to WEA (1989). His Cantopop romance ballads achieved high levels of public success and critical acclaim, some of which are still popular such as "Waiting" (等), "Life Expectations" (一生何求), "Ripples" (漣漪), "Loving You Alone" (偏偏喜歡你), "Cherish Tonight" (今宵多珍重), "Deeply in Love with You" (深愛著你), "Having You" (有了你), "Misty Rain" (煙雨悽迷), "Applause" (喝采), and "Minutes' Date" (幾分鐘的約會). [citation needed] The song "Remembrance on Parents' Love" (念親恩) is often played on radio stations and frequently chosen for karaoke. [7]
Chan's first five albums were produced by Tam Kwok-Gei, and the song concepts were mostly targeted towards youth. Chan composed a large quantity of songs during this period. From the sixth album, Pouring Out My Heart (傾訴), onward, Chan started to produce albums himself. He reached his first peak in his musical career with this album and the next one, Loving You Alone (偏偏喜歡你), where the album sales achieved five platinum certifications (250,000 copies) in Hong Kong.
In 1984, he sang an English duet "Tell Me What Can I Do" with American country music singer Crystal Gayle.[8][9] It was produced in the US and released in both the US and Japan, but was largely unknown due to lack of promotional budget.[10] Meanwhile, he also covered Jim Capaldi's ballad "Warm" with an improved music arrangement.
In the early 1980s, Chan was a host in the TV show Bang Bang Sound (Bang Bang咁嘅聲). His co-operation with Leslie Cheung and Paul Chung in the films Encore (1980) (喝采) and On Trial (1981) (失業生), received positive reception from the public and media. He is the main character in HK TVB TV series Breakthrough (1982) (突破) together with his favourite female partner Mary Jean Reimer (翁靜晶).[11] His sole comedy film Merry Christmas (1984) (聖誕快樂) was a huge box office success.[12] He is also one of the main characters in one of Hong Kong's the most famous romantic film from the 1980s, An Autumn's Tale (1987) (秋天的童話), as Vincent (Jennifer's ex-boyfriend), with Chow Yun-fat (as Samuel Pang) and Cherie Chung (as Jennifer).
During the span of his musical career, Chan held many music concerts in Hong Kong, China, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, Thailand, Canada and the United States. He held his first major local concert at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium in July 1982 (2 nights), and another concert in the newly developed Hong Kong Stadium in September 1983 (2 nights), both of which were organised by Brainchild Productions (富才制作). From this time on, all of his major concerts were held in Hong Kong Stadium. His avant-garde concept January 1985 concerts (3 nights) were organised by Capitol Artists Entertainment (華星娛樂), but was met with underwhelming feedback. Warm critical acclaims was received in the Dickson Entertainment (迪生娛樂) organised concerts in December 1986 (2 nights) and April 1988 (4 nights). His 10th anniversary concerts in September/October 1989 (6 nights), and the purple themed concerts in March 1991 (3 nights) were organised by Yiu Wing Entertainment (耀榮娛樂).[13]
Chan also participated and represented Hong Kong in various music festivals, such as the World Popular Song Festival 1984 in Tokyo, the Nagasaki Asia Music Festival 1988 in Japan, Peace Music Concert 1988 in Singapore,[14] Tokyo Music Festival 1989[15] and the Shanghai Music Festival Warner Music Special Concert 1991.[16] He was also invited to perform at the 1988 Seoul Summer Olympic Games opening ceremony.[17] In 1986, he performed in the presence of The Royal Thai princess in a Thai charity show.[18]
In 1991, Chan announced his decision to leave the Hong Kong music industry. He had planned to hold several farewell concerts in the US, Canada and Hong Kong,[citation needed] but his sudden descent into a coma in May 1992 halted such plans.
Death
[edit]Chan suffered from mild depression, which worsened during the late 1980s.[19]
On 18 May 1992, Chan was found unconscious and he was admitted to Queen Mary Hospital in Hong Kong. Chan had suffered from advanced brain damage. It was speculated that this was due to drug use.[20] He went into a coma for almost a year and a half and died on 25 October 1993 at the age of 35.[21] He was buried at Tseung Kwan O Chinese Permanent Cemetery.
Legacy
[edit]
On 26 October 1993, the day after Chan's passing, Commercial Radio organized a 90-minute memorial concert at Queen Elizabeth Stadium.[22] Those who attended the video concert included Kenny Bee, Elisa Chan, Liu Fong, Sam Tsang, Yu Sin-man, and members of the pop music group City Beat.[22] Sounds of weeping were heard throughout the performance, with the venue at some moments falling completely silent.[22] During the concert, Kenny Bee stated: "We have lost one of our best musicians. It is a show for Danny; but, he could not turn up tonight... I hope he could still feel our love."[22]
On 22 October 1995, Chan's father, Chan Pang-Fee, sponsored and built the Danny Commemoration Pavilion (陳百強紀念館) in his ancestoral hometown Sijiu Town, Taishan City, Guangdong Province, China (中國廣東省台山市四九鎮).
On 8 November 2005, the Hong Kong Post issued a set of special stamps featuring "Hong Kong Pop Singers".[23] This stamp set honoured five Hong Kong pop stars who have left their mark on Cantopop music history, with Chan being featured on the HK$1.80 stamp.
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Released | Label | Chan's compositions |
|---|---|---|---|
| First Love | September 1979 | EMI | "First Love" (English) "Rocky Road" (English) "Tears for You" (眼淚為你流) "Two in Love" (两心痴) (lyrics only) |
| Vanished Tears (不再流淚) |
March 1980 | EMI | "Vanished Tears" (不再流淚) "Dreamed About You Last Night" (昨夜夢見你) "First Love" (初戀) |
| Minutes' Date (幾分鐘的約會) |
December 1980 | WEA | "Applause" (喝采) "Flying Out" (飛出去) "I Love White Clouds" (我愛白雲) "Memory Book" (紀念冊) "A Cheerful Ugly Duck" (快樂的醜小鴨) |
| Having You (有了你) |
June 1981 | WEA | "Footprints on the Beach" (沙灘中的腳印) "Outside the School Gates" (校門外) "Sunflower" (太陽花) "A Happy Embrace" (快樂的擁抱) "An Excerpt" (片段) |
| Breakthrough Collections (突破精選) (with 2 new songs) |
May 1982 | WEA | "Ripples" (漣漪) |
| Pouring Out My Heart (傾訴) |
December 1982 | WEA | "Pouring Out My Heart" (傾訴) |
| Loving You Alone (偏偏喜歡你) |
August 1983 | WEA | "Loving You Alone" (偏偏喜歡你) "Wave" (浪潮) |
| Danny '84 (百強84) |
July 1984 | WEA | |
| Tell Me What Can I Do (English single) |
November 1984 | WEA | |
| Danny: The Greatest Hits (陳百強精選) (with 4 new songs) |
January 1985 | WEA | "Waiting" (等) |
| Deeply in Love with You (深愛著你) |
4 July 1985 | WEA | "Love Expectancy" (盼望的緣份) "Love Prediction" (戀愛預告) |
| When I Think of You (當我想起你) |
16 May 1986 | WEA | |
| Idol Danny's Remix (偶像陳百強Remix) |
30 July 1986 | WEA | |
| Gazing (凝望) |
12 September 1986 | DMI | "Gazing" (凝望) |
| Hidden Infatuation (痴心眼內藏) |
23 January 1987 | DMI | "Balderdash" (夢囈) |
| Dream Lover (夢裡人) |
10 August 1987 | DMI | "Dream Lover" (夢裡人) "My Story" (我的故事) |
| The Immortals' Migration (神仙也移民) |
2 February 1988 | DMI | "Endless Expectancy" (漫長盼望) |
| Silence Expresses More (無聲勝有聲) |
3 August 1988 | DMI | |
| Winter's Warmth (冬暖) |
13 December 1988 | DMI | "Lighting Up True Love" (燃點真愛) (co-composed with Dominic Chow Kai Sheng 周啟生) |
| Life Expectations (一生何求) |
7 June 1989 | WEA | |
| Waiting for You (等待您) |
January 1990 | WEA | "Singing with Wine" (對酒當歌) (transcribed from "12 Hours" 十二小時) |
| Danny's '90 Romance Ballads (陳百強90浪漫心曲經典) (with 1 new song) |
July 1990 | WEA | |
| Love in L.A. | 18 January 1991 | WEA | "Feelings of Loneliness" (寂寞的感覺) |
| Because I Love You (只因愛你) |
10 September 1991 | WEA | "A Vocalist's Love Song" (歌者戀歌) "Love Is Close" (而情是近) (co-composed with Alan Tsui Yat Kan 徐日勤) |
| My Dear: The Collections (親愛的您) (with 3 new songs) |
October 1992 | WEA |
Other compositions
[edit]- 1978, "The Sunrise" (English), unreleased
- 1980, "Tears in Tears" (淚中淚), a song by Wong Hoi Yan (黃愷欣)
- 1981, "Cherish Me" (為我珍重), a song by Blanche Tang Oi Lam (鄧藹霖)
- 1984, "Love Prediction" (戀愛預告), a song by Sandy Lamb (林姍姍)
- 1987, "Love Without Reasons" (愛不問為何), a song by Roman Tam (罗文)
- 1988, "12 Hours" (十二小時), a song by Samantha Lam (林志美)
Filmography
[edit]Films
[edit]- 1980, Encore (喝采)
- 1981, On Trial / Job Hunter (失業生)
- 1984, Merry Christmas (聖誕快樂)
- 1986, My Family (八喜臨門)
- 1987, An Autumn's Tale (秋天的童話) a.k.a. Chau tin tik tung wa (Hong Kong Cantonese title); a.k.a. Liumang daheng (流氓大亨) (Taiwan Mandarin title)
TV dramas
[edit]Concerts
[edit] |
Major concerts
[edit]| Title | Date | Night(s) | Venue | Organizer(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Danny '82 Concert (陳百強82演唱會) |
3–4 July 1982 | 2 | Queen Elizabeth Stadium | Brainchild Productions (富才制作) |
| Danny '83 Concert (陳百強83演唱會) |
10–11 September 1983 | 2 | Hong Kong Coliseum[24] | Brainchild Productions (富才制作) |
| Danny '85 Concert (陳百強85演唱會) |
12–14 January 1985 | 3 | Hong Kong Stadium | Capitol Artists Entertainment (華星娛樂) Yiu Wing Entertainment (耀榮娛樂) |
| Danny '86 Ongoing Concert (陳百強86前進演唱會) |
6–7 December 1986 | 2 | Hong Kong Stadium | Dickson Entertainment (迪生娛樂) |
| Danny '88 Keep True Concert (陳百強88存真演唱會) |
1–4 April 1988[25] | 4 | Hong Kong Coliseum[25] | Dickson Entertainment (迪生娛樂) |
| Danny '89 10th Anniversary Concert (陳百強89十週年紀念演唱會) |
29 September-8 October 1989 | 6 | Hong Kong Coliseum[26] | Yiu Wing Entertainment (耀榮娛樂) |
| Danny '91 Purple Individual Concert (陳百強91紫色個體演唱會) |
29–31 March 1991 | 3 | Hong Kong Coliseum[27] | Yiu Wing Entertainment (耀榮娛樂) Capitol Artists Entertainment (華星娛樂) |
Awards
[edit] |
Music awards
[edit]| Year | RTHK Top 10 Chinese Gold Songs Awards |
TVB Jade Solid Gold Best 10 Music Awards |
Other music contests |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | "Hong Kong Yamaha Electone Festival" 3rd TVB "Hong Kong Pop Song Writing Invitation" 3rd (The Rocky Road) | ||
| 1978 | "Hong Kong Yamaha Electone Festival" Champion TVB "Hong Kong Pop Song Writing Invitation" 3rd (The Sunrise) | ||
| 1979 | Tears for You (眼淚為你流) | ||
| 1982 | Ripples (漣漪) | Ripples (漣漪) (Yr 81-82) | |
| 1983 | Loving You Alone (偏偏喜歡你) | Cherish Tonight (今宵多珍重) [AGB Most Popular Song of the Year] |
|
| 1984 | Reaching for the Stars (摘星) | "World Popular Song Festival", Tokyo The Most Charming Award | |
| 1986 | Gazing (凝望) | ||
| 1987 | My Story (我的故事) | ||
| 1988 | Misty Rain (煙雨悽迷) | Misty Rain (煙雨悽迷) | CRHK "Most Popular Male Singer" Bronze |
| 1989 | Life Expectations (一生何求) | Life Expectations (一生何求) | CRHK "Most Popular Male Singer" Bronze "Tokyo Music Festival" TBS Award |
| 1991 | "Top 10 Most Popular Singers" Guangzhou, China | ||
| 1999 | "Best Commercial Song Award" Ripples (漣漪)▲ |
||
| 2009 | "Golden Needle Award" (lifetime achievement) |
▲ In 1999, the song "Ripples" (漣漪) was used by the Hong Kong Government in a commercial clip for Tracker Fund of Hong Kong IPO.
Other awards
[edit]1981, "Model Youth" in Wong Tai Sin District, Hong Kong
1986, "Hong Kong's Top 10 Most Popular Celebrities" by Radio Television Hong Kong
1987, "Hong Kong's Top 10 Best Dressed Personnel" by Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association
1989, "Hong Kong's Top 10 Good-Looking Personnel" by Commercial Radio Hong Kong
1990, "Hong Kong's Top 10 Best Dressed Personnel" by Hong Kong Fashion Designers Association
References
[edit]- ^ a b Hkgeocities Danny
- ^ "Log In or Sign Up to View". www.facebook.com. Retrieved 6 September 2021.
- ^ "Danny Chan's father – Chan Pang Fee – page 157" (PDF).
- ^ "陈百强父亲去世享年96岁 父子天堂再相遇 曾说儿子是自己的骄傲_手机搜狐网". Sohu.
- ^ "Profile | Hong Kong singer and actor Danny Chan, his rise to fame and death aged 35". South China Morning Post. 14 September 2023. Retrieved 19 November 2025.
- ^ "Profile | Hong Kong singer and actor Danny Chan, his rise to fame and death aged 35". South China Morning Post. 14 September 2023. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
- ^ "Canto-pop crooner Danny Chan's 7 most iconic songs remembered". South China Morning Post. 7 September 2020. Retrieved 24 May 2025.
- ^ ""Tell Me What Can I Do" EP (US/Australia Version) album database". Musicbrainz.org.
- ^ ""Tell Me What Can I Do" 7" Vinyl EP Photos". Dannychan.cn.
- ^ ""Tell Me What Can I Do" (Danny Chan, Crystal Gayle)". Youtube. WEA Records. 23 September 2019.
- ^ "TVB TV series "Breakthrough" (1982) (突破)".
- ^ "Film "Merry Christmas" (1984) (聖誕快樂)". hkmdb.com.
- ^ "Danny Chan's major local music concerts in his music career".
- ^ "Danny Chan in Peace Music Concert 1988". Youtube. 21 September 2021.
- ^ "Danny Chan in Tokyo Music Festival 1989". Youtube. 24 October 2020.
- ^ "Danny Chan in Shanghai Music Festival Warner Music Special Concert 1991".
- ^ "Danny Chan in Seoul Olympic Games 1988 opening ceremony concert". Youtube. 16 April 2021.
- ^ "Danny Chan performed in the presence on the Royal Thai Princess". 1986.
- ^ Winnie Chung (11 April 2003). "Danny Chan and depression illness". South China Morning Post.
- ^ "Death song". Time Out Hong Kong. 29 July 2008. Archived from the original on 12 January 2015.
- ^ "誰殺了大明星". ettoday (in Traditional Chinese). Eastern Broadcasting Company. 4 December 2003. Archived from the original on 7 October 2008. Retrieved 23 June 2007.
1992年5月18日陳百強在家昏迷被緊急送往醫院，在醫院躺了將近1年半，1993年10月25日病逝香港瑪麗醫院，死的那年他才35歲
- ^ a b c d "Weeping fans pay respects". South China Morning Post. 27 October 1993. ProQuest 1542480987.
- ^ HK post stamps Archived 7 November 2007 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ Course, Sally (11 September 1983). "See Fox flying at Cityplaza: Diary For The Week". South China Morning Post. p. 19. ProQuest 1553831963.
- ^ a b "URBAN COUNCIL ARENA EVENTS FOR APR. '88 AT". South China Morning Post. 4 April 1988. p. 13.
- ^ "The Week Ahead". South China Morning Post. 30 September 1989. p. 42. ProQuest 1539086195.
- ^ Tang, K. M. (31 March 1991). "Coliseum date for Danny Chan: What's on MUSIC". South China Sunday Morning Post. p. 56. ProQuest 1540917387.
External links
[edit]- The website dannyfans.com (离不开，陈百强) was created in January 2000, and welcome for all his loyal fans. The domain name lost in 2008. The actual working site (2015-current) is http://dannychan.cn/danny-library/
- The website (离不开，陈百强) domain was switched to dannychan.org temporarily, then switched to dannychan.cn in 2015. "离不开，陈百强" bbs data (2001-2017) was moved to http://dannychan.cn/dannybbs/
- dannychan.cn is the current "离不开，陈百强" website. "陈百强资料馆"(http://www.dannychan.cn/danny-library/) was built in 2015 for the upgrade of the old site "离不开".
- One of the Facebook discussion groups is "離不開 陳百強 Danny Chan Nest"
- Danny Chan in Memoriam
- Speech by Postmaster General at issue of "Hong Kong Pop Singers" special stamps
- Danny Chan Group in Youtube – with over 390 videos of Danny
| International | |
|---|---|
| National | |
| Artists | |
| Other | |
Danny Chan
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Danny Chan (Chinese: 陳百強; 7 September 1958 – 25 October 1993) was a Hong Kong singer, songwriter, composer, and actor, widely regarded as one of the pioneering superstars of Cantopop during the 1980s.[1][2][3] Born in Hong Kong to a family in the watch industry, with his father harboring a passion for Cantonese opera, Chan displayed early musical talent by self-teaching himself to play the organ, keyboard, and piano.[1]
Chan's entry into the entertainment industry began in 1976 with a supporting role in the film You Are Wonderful, followed by his television debut in 1978 in the TV drama Sweet Babe. That year, he also won first prize in the Hong Kong Yamaha Electone Festival, which secured him a contract with TVB, after placing third in 1977 at TVB's Hong Kong Pop Song Writing Invitation for his composition "The Rocky Road."[1][3] He released his debut album First Love in 1979, featuring the hit single "Tears for You."[1][4] Over the next decade, he rose to prominence as a multifaceted artist, composing and performing signature songs such as "Waiting," "Life Expectation," "Ripples," "Loving You Alone," and "Cherish Tonight," with his 1983 album Loving You Alone achieving five platinum certifications.[1] His success placed him among the elite of Cantopop, often mentioned alongside contemporaries like Leslie Cheung, Anita Mui, and Alan Tam as part of the genre's "Three Kings and a Queen."[2][1]
In addition to music, Chan appeared in seven films between 1976 and 1987, including notable roles in An Autumn's Tale (1987) and Merry Christmas (1984), often collaborating with Cheung and actor Paul Chung in youth-oriented productions dubbed the "Three Musketeers."[3] He also contributed as a composer and singer to soundtracks, such as for Encore (1980) and Final Victory (1987).[3] Despite his professional achievements, Chan's personal life drew media attention, including unsubstantiated rumors of a romance with Pansy Ho, to whom he was a close friend and whose 1991 wedding he attended.[1]
Chan's career was tragically cut short when he collapsed at home on 18 May 1992, reportedly from a mix of alcohol and sleeping pills leading to brain damage and a coma from which he never recovered.[1][3][5] He died on 25 October 1993 at the age of 35, leaving a lasting legacy in Hong Kong entertainment as a talented innovator whose work helped define the golden era of Cantopop.[1][2]
In addition to scripted roles, Chan made guest appearances on variety shows and specials, such as hosting the TVB program Bang Bang in the early 1980s and co-hosting the Easter Youth Special '83 with Andy Lau and Tony Leung Chiu-wai, often performing songs from his discography to promote his music releases.[26][30]
Early life
Family background
Danny Chan was born on 7 September 1958 at Queen Mary Hospital in Pok Fu Lam, British Hong Kong, into a supportive family headed by a prominent businessman father.[6][7] His father, Chan Pengfei (1923–2019), was a successful entrepreneur in the watch industry, which contributed to the family's affluent status in Hong Kong society.[1][8] Growing up in this privileged environment, Chan had early access to musical instruments, including the organ and piano, fostering his self-taught proficiency in them from a young age.[1] His father's passion for Cantonese opera further influenced this musical environment, exposing him to traditional performing arts during his formative years.[1] This early familial support in music set the stage for his subsequent development as a performer.[9]Education and early musical interests
Danny Chan attended St. Paul's Co-educational College in Hong Kong. For his senior secondary education, he was sent to the United States.[10] From a young age, Chan showed a strong interest in music and taught himself to play the piano, organ, and keyboard without formal lessons.[1] His family supported this pursuit by providing him with instruments at home. In the late 1970s, he briefly enrolled at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music but dropped out after one semester.[9] Chan's early creative endeavors included composing original pieces and performing at events, highlighting his natural aptitude for crafting melodies and lyrics. For instance, in 1977, he won third prize at TVB's Hong Kong Pop Song Writing Invitation with his English-language composition "The Rocky Road." The following year, he took first prize at the Hong Kong Yamaha Electone Festival by performing the theme music from Close Encounters of the Third Kind.[1]Career
Music debut and breakthrough
Danny Chan's entry into the music industry began in 1977 when he won third prize at TVB's Hong Kong Pop Song Writing Invitation for his self-composed song "The Rocky Road." In 1978, he secured first prize at the Hong Kong Yamaha Electone Festival by performing the theme from Close Encounters of the Third Kind, which led to a contract with TVB.[1] He signed a recording contract with EMI in 1979, marking his professional debut as a singer. His first album, First Love, was released that same year and featured a mix of pop and ballad tracks influenced by Western styles. The standout single from the album, the self-composed "Tears Dropping for You" (眼淚為你流), quickly became a breakout hit, topping charts and establishing Chan as a rising star in Cantopop with its emotional lyrics and melody.[11][12] In 1980, Chan transitioned to WEA Records, which allowed him to expand his romantic ballad style further.[13] His releases under the label included hits such as "Waiting" (等) and "Ripples" (漣漪), both from the early 1980s, which highlighted his smooth vocals and ability to blend Cantonese lyrics with accessible, heartfelt themes.[11] "Ripples," in particular, was one of his first self-composed tracks to achieve widespread chart success, demonstrating his growing songwriting prowess.[11] Chan's early songwriting credits, including those on First Love and subsequent WEA singles, reflected his self-taught musical background, enabling him to adapt Western influences like soft rock into Cantonese pop effectively.[14] This period solidified his reputation for romantic ballads that resonated with Hong Kong audiences, paving the way for his prominence in the genre.[12]Peak success in the 1980s
During the 1980s, Danny Chan solidified his position as one of Cantopop's leading figures, achieving widespread popularity through a series of hit albums and songs that captured the era's romantic sensibilities. Signing with WEA Records in 1980, he released numerous albums that showcased his songwriting talent and smooth vocal delivery, transitioning from youthful themes to more introspective explorations of love and loss. By the mid-1980s, his output expanded under DMI starting in 1986, culminating in over 15 albums across these labels by decade's end, establishing him alongside icons like Leslie Cheung, Alan Tam, and Anita Mui as part of Hong Kong's "Three Kings and a Queen of Cantopop."[15][1] Chan's peak commercial and artistic success was marked by iconic tracks such as "Just Loving You" (1983), a self-composed ballad that became one of the decade's most beloved songs from his album Loving You Alone (1984), which achieved five platinum certifications.[1] and "Wait" (1985), which gained enduring fame through covers by artists like Jacky Cheung and Eason Chan. Another standout, "Trailer of Love" (1985), highlighted his emotive range and drew attention to collaborator songwriter Sandy Lamb, further cementing his influence in the industry. These songs frequently served as themes for popular TV dramas, amplifying their reach and cultural impact, while Chan's collaborations with lyricists like Lamb allowed him to evolve toward mature narratives of longing and heartbreak.[11] His 1989 album Life Expectation, released under WEA, represented a career highlight, blending poignant lyrics with orchestral arrangements to address themes of aspiration and regret; it achieved significant commercial success and secured wins at the RTHK Top 10 Gold Songs Awards and Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards for best lyrics. This release, featuring the title track as the theme for TVB's drama Looking Back in Anger, underscored Chan's maturation as a Cantopop icon, with its songs later covered by subsequent generations of singers. By the late 1980s, Chan's discography had not only dominated charts but also shaped the genre's emphasis on emotional depth, rivaling the era's top stars in both sales and artistic legacy.[11][1]Artistic works
Discography
Danny Chan's discography encompasses more than 20 studio albums released primarily through EMI and WEA (later Warner Music) from 1979 to 1991, alongside numerous singles, EPs, and contributions to film and television soundtracks. His output focused on Cantopop ballads, with many self-composed tracks that became staples in Hong Kong music. Posthumous compilations have since preserved and reissued his work.Studio Albums
The following table lists key studio albums from 1979 to 1991, including release years and labels where available.| Year | Title (English/Chinese) | Label |
|---|---|---|
| 1979 | First Love / 初戀 | EMI |
| 1980 | A Date with You for a Few Minutes / 與你幾分鐘的約會 | WEA |
| 1980 | No More Tears / 不再流淚 | EMI |
| 1981 | Encore / 喝采 | WEA |
| 1982 | Breakthrough / 突破 | WEA |
| 1982 | Heart Talk / 傾訴 | WEA |
| 1983 | Just Loving You / 偏偏喜歡你 | WEA |
| 1984 | In Love with You / 愛在深秋 | WEA |
| 1985 | Hidden in the Eye of Sincerity / 痴心眼內藏 | WEA |
| 1985 | Wait / 等 | WEA |
| 1986 | Gaze / 凝望 | WEA |
| 1987 | In the Dream / 夢裡人 | WEA |
| 1988 | Warm Winter / 冬暖 | WEA |
| 1988 | Immortals Also Emigrate / 神仙也移民 | WEA |
| 1989 | Dreamed, Crazy, Tired / 夢了、瘋了、倦了 | WEA |
| 1989 | Life Expectation / 人生期待 | WEA |
| 1991 | What More Can One Ask For / 一生何求 | WEA |
Notable Singles and EPs
Chan released several standout singles and EPs, often serving as lead tracks from his albums. Key examples include:- "Tears for You" / 眼淚為你流 (1979, EMI) – Debut single from First Love, an early hit.[18]
- "Ripples" / 漣漪 (1982, WEA) – From Breakthrough.[18]
- "Just Loving You" / 偏偏喜歡你 (1983, WEA) – Title track from the 1983 album.[19]
- "Wait" / 等 (1985, WEA) – Released as a single and EP, featured on the Danny Chan Collection.
- Remembrance of a Parent’s Love / 父母恩 (1980s, WEA) – A poignant ballad single.[18]
Posthumous Compilations
Following Chan's death in 1993, several compilations were issued, aggregating his hits:- The Best of Danny Chan (1994, Warner Music) – Early retrospective of major tracks.[18]
- Best Memory of Danny Chan 1979-1992 (2000, Warner Music) – 3-disc set covering his career.[22]
- Danny Chan Collection (2002, Warner Music) – Includes remastered singles like "Wait" and "Journey".
- Danny - The True Legend (2008, Warner Music) – Comprehensive hits compilation.
- Danny Chan 24K Mastersonic Compilation (2005, Warner Music) – High-resolution remasters.[23]
Other Compositions for Films and TV
Chan composed and performed themes for various media, including:- "夢囈 / Mèng è (1987, WEA) – Original theme song composed for the film An Autumn's Tale, directed by Mabel Cheung.[24]"
- "深愛著你 / Deeply Loving You (1987, WEA) – Insert song for the film Final Victory.[25]"
- Contributions to TVB dramas, such as insert songs for series like The Bund (1980), featuring original compositions.[18]
Filmography
Danny Chan's acting career spanned films and television, beginning with his debut in the late 1970s and peaking in the 1980s, often featuring him in youthful, romantic roles alongside contemporaries like Leslie Cheung.[26]Films
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | You Are Wonderful | Chan Chi Keung | Supporting role; early appearance.[3] |
| 1980 | The Happenings | - | Actor credit.[3] |
| 1980 | Encore | Ken | Lead role; co-starred with Leslie Cheung.[3][26] |
| 1981 | Job Hunter (also known as On Trial) | Pao | Lead role.[3][9] |
| 1984 | Merry Christmas | Danny Mak | Supporting role.[3][9] |
| 1986 | My Family | Danny | Supporting role.[3][9] |
| 1987 | An Autumn's Tale | Sam | Supporting role; one of his final major film appearances.[3][9][27] |
Television
Chan's television work primarily consisted of TVB dramas where he played romantic leads, marking his acting debut and early career milestones. He also hosted variety programming tied to his music promotions.[26]| Year | Title | Role/Network | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Sweet Babe (甜姐兒) | Lead role/TVB | Acting debut in a romantic drama.[9][28] |
| 1980 | Take Turn (輪流轉) | /TVB | Drama appearance.[1] |
| 1982 | Breakthrough (突破) | Lead role/TVB | Romantic lead alongside Mary Jean Reimer.[29] |