Michael Wong (singer)
Michael Wong Kong Leong (Chinese: 王光良; pinyin: Wáng Guāngliáng; born 30 August 1970), also known mononymously by his Chinese name Guang Liang, is a Malaysian Chinese singer and composer who has sung and written many love-themed ballads and love songs, many of which have high popularity. He is popularly known in the Mandopop scene as the "Prince of Love Songs" (情歌王子).
Michael Wong | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | 30 August 1970 |
| Occupation | Singer, songwriter |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Musical career | |
| Also known as | Guang Liang (光良) |
| Origin | Malaysia |
| Genres | Mandopop |
| Instruments | Piano |
| Labels | Rock Records (1995–2005) Seed Music (2005–2009) Amusic (HK; 2006–2010) XYmusic (2010–present) |
| Associated acts | Vic Chou Show Luo Boran Jing Vanness Wu Michael & Victor |
| Website | michael |
Wong began his singing career in a duo with Victor Wong. The pair had attained notable success in Taiwan, but in a mutual agreement, the two split in 2000. Wong has released five solo albums since then, the third one being his breakthrough album, Fairy Tale.[1] He has achieved a great success in Taiwan, mainland China, Hong Kong and Malaysia where he is based. Wong has also helped several other successful singers by composing songs for them, including the ballad "Courage" (勇氣), which was originally sung by Fish Leong.
Biography
Born in Ipoh, Malaysia to a Hakka family, he is the elder of one children. He has a younger sister.
Wong, as a devoted Catholic, often sang in the church choir during his school days and was once a choir teacher at a church. Graduating from Sam Tet School in Ipoh, Wong often participated in musical performances in school and has been writing his own songs since secondary school. After he moved to Kuala Lumpur to pursue a course in computer engineering, his interest in the world of music and music composition began to grow.
Duo with Victor Wong
Entering from up to 30 singing competitions in town in a single year, where he managed to surface as the winner several times, were also the stepping stones to his successful singing career today. Finally noticed by Asia Pacific Music in the Pioneer karaoke contest, he started to learn Audio Engineering at Ocean Institute Of Audio Engineering during his contract with Asia Pacific Music as a recording artist. After his graduation, Michael produced his first album with two other college mates, Chan and Tan. With the joining of Victor Wong as a singer during that period, they submitted the album, with the theme song written by Michael, "掌心“ (The Palm) to Rock Records, which in turn, signed them up almost immediately. They then formed a duo group more commonly known in Malaysia as Michael & Victor or Guang Liang Pin Guan (光良品冠). In Taiwan and China, they were mostly known as Wu Yin Liang Pin (無印良品), a name given by their record label in Taiwan.
The split
The duo then arguably became the first Malaysians to attain much success in the music scene in Taiwan. Their albums managed to hit the top notch both locally and in Taiwan as their debut album went platinum in both Malaysia and Taiwan. After a few splendid and successful years together as a duo in the Chinese music scene, during which the pair secured countless awards for their success, Michael and Victor then decided it was time to part cordially and go their own ways in the music scene as solo singers in year 2000.[1]
Solo career
Not long after the announcement, Wong worked hard to compose and write new songs for his new solo album, Michael's First Album (第一次個人創作專輯; Dì Yī Cì Gè Rén Chuàng Zuò Zhuān Jí), which performed above expectation.[1] Although Wong's company promptly decided that he should produce his first solo album on his own, he did not agree straight away. This is because he was not confident that he was skilful enough to produce one whole album all by himself. However, after much contemplating, Wong finally accepted the challenge and was successful in breaking away from the Michael & Victor mould. Other than working on his own album, Wong also found time to co-produce other singers' albums like Rene Liu and Fish Leong.
Wong released his second album, Ray of Light (光芒; Guāng Máng), in November 2002. It then became the number one album, in sales, in Taiwan.[1]
Fairy Tale
After releasing two solo albums on his own, Wong's fans had to wait another two years before he finally launched his much-anticipated album, Fairy Tale (Tong Hua). The first single from this album, "Fairy Tale", Wong wrote and composed by himself. Wong, who is more of a composer and hardly wrote lyrics, asked about 30 lyricists for suggestions for this particular song. After finally adding a finishing touch to the song with lyrics he wrote himself, he then left it to be arranged and produced by the experienced Japanese producer Taichi Nakamura (producer). After rejecting the first few songs he short-listed himself for the album with his sense of perfection, Wong eventually re-selected some songs himself and finally rooted for his ten favourite songs to be cut into the album, of which six were co-written by himself. His two years of hard work finally paid off when this album immediately attained success; it is critically acclaimed to be Wong's best-selling album yet.[1]
"Fairy Tale" has proven to be his strongest single yet by shooting up to No. 1 immediately after it was released in January 2005, making it to the top of the download counter Baidu 500 for 15 weeks as Asia was swept by the "Fairy Tale Tornado". The single is arguably the most successful Chinese language song of the 21st century. As of 2012 it is still among the top in the karaoke charts.[1]
New contracts
Michael Wong's contract with Rock Records ended on 31 December 2004, but he decided to continue to promote for the album Fairy Tale, released in January 2005. After the promotion period finished, Wong has made the biggest decision in his singing career by announcing his departure from his longtime recording company, Rock Records, in July 2005. After 10 years being contracted with Rock Records, Wong is now officially signed to Amusic. The reason of his departure from Rock Records was because Rock Records believed that since his music was so simple, it was not music. Thus, they ignored him. On TV, someone had claimed that Wong's music was not music due to its simplicity, causing the singer grief. Wong's unstable relationship with Rock Records has encouraged his decision to leave for Amusic. When pressed for comments, Wong firmly and merely stated that he thanked Rock Records for giving him his big break.
Acting career
His talents and works in the music world aside, Wong also happens to be a worthy actor. Acting alongside Taiwanese singer Richie Ren, fellow Malaysian singer, Ah Niu and famous Cantonese singer/actress, Sammi Cheng, Wong made his debut in the big screen in movie Summer Holiday in year 2000. Next to that, Wong also acted in several TV drama series in Taiwan, such as White Romance (starring alongside Karena Lam), Wintry Night 2 where he speaks his native dialect Hakka, and several more. Besides that, Wong also did a stunning act in Taiwanese director Su Chaopin's debut comedy movie, BTS. Besides movies and drama series, Wong also starred in a musical stage drama in Taiwan, Mr. Wing, in August 2005.
Commitment
He has released his new fourth album, entitled 《約定》(Yue Ding / Commitment), which sold 1.5 million copies in less than one month. This is a best collection of many of his past works. There would be a total of approximately 17 tracks on this album. Three self-penned new songs are featured in this new album, which are titled 《約定》("Commitment"), 《都是你》(Dou Shi Ni / "It's You") and 《擁抱我》(Yong Bao Wo / "Embrace Me"). The rest of the album will be filled with songs which he wrote for other singers like 《勇氣》[(Yong Qi / "Courage")-original singer: Fish Leong)], 《我等你》[(Wo Deng Ni / "I'm Waiting For You")-original singer: Rene Liu)] and 《戀》[(Lian / "Love")-original singer: Angelica Lee)]. He also included the songs he wrote and sang when he was still part of the duo Michael and Victor.
Owing to the overwhelming success of "Tong Hua", some critics have expressed their concerns that "Tong Hua" might only be Wong's one-hit-wonder. His critics were proven wrong as the sales of his fourth album, Yue Ding, exceeded expectations by selling more than a million copies worldwide in a month's time. Wong's fanbase has grown tremendously and has gained much popularity globally. His success as a singer and songwriter has earned him countless awards from Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and Malaysia.
Further success
Wong's participation in A Music records label in Hong Kong has gained him more recognition in Asia. He appeared as a guest at the concert of famous Cantonese singer Leon Lai in October 2005.
On 6 June 2006, Wong made it into the Malaysia Book of Records as the Malaysian Chinese Male Composer with the highest number of awards and also for the Best Selling Chinese Album (Tong Hua). Wong has gathered 44 awards, 23 of them for his hit song "Tong Hua".
Wong has also managed to make it to the nominees' list of the 17th Golden Melody Awards, Taiwan's equivalent of the Grammys. Wong was holding up against fellow Taiwan-based Malaysian singer Penny Tai and other musical talents like Hu Defu, Chen Xiaoxia, and Yu Yang in the Best Composer Category. Although the award went to fellow Malaysian singer Penny Tai, Wong expresses that he feels very grateful and lucky to be nominated in this prestigious award ceremony.
Commitment: Fulfilled
In the past, Wong always felt puzzled and uncertain whenever his fans urged him with the question, "When are you finally having a concert?" Due to circumstances in the past, Wong had never held his own solo concert before and always tried to soothe his fans by making promises to them that he will, one day, finally stage his own solo concert some time soon. And therefore, in year 2006, he finally got the chance to fulfill the commitment between him and his fans.
With just half a year in the Hong Kong music scene, Wong, who gained more recognition in Hong Kong, was given a golden opportunity to stage his own solo concert. Not only that it was his first time, but it was also to be held in the famous Hong Kong Coliseum where almost every Chinese singer dreams to stage their own concert. Apparently, he is the first Malaysian singer to do so. Although he was worried about the turn up that night, Wong's anxiety was unfounded because his concert tickets were sold out after only being available for purchase for 5 days. Wong was deeply surprised and delighted and thanked his fans greatly for their utmost support to his music. Wong completed his much-anticipated first solo concert in the Hong Kong Coliseum on 29 March, and the success of the whole concert was undeniable. His concert was entitled "Michael's First Fairy Tale Concert 2006". Wong has managed to make his mark in everybody's heart with his love for music. After that, he would return to his homeland, Malaysia, in September, to stage a concert there as well.
His second concert, titled "Michael's Commitment Concert Malaysia 2006", was held on 1 September in the Putra Indoor Stadium in Malaysia. After about a few weeks of selling tickets, all were sold out. Due to the overwhelming response, Wong and his company decided to stage his concert there for two nights. Wong was very delighted and grateful that his fans were so supportive and stated that he hoped these two concerts would allow him to introduce his country, Malaysia, to his fans from other countries, playing the role as Tourism Malaysia's envoy. His two shows in Malaysia guaranteed a fun-filled night where fans enjoyed Wong's soothing, self-written songs.
Wong released a compilation called Michael 1996–2006 the greatest hits on 16 May 2007.[2]
On 9 November 2007, Wong released his 5th solo studio album, Never Apart.[3]
31 July 2009 he released his First Digital Single which contained 2 Cantonese songs called: 店小二 (Dian Xiao Er) and 清水 (Qing Shui). 右手邊 (You Shou Bian) and 美好時光 (Mei Hao Shi Guang) were also included.
In October 2010, Wong represented Malaysia and performed at the 7th Asia Song Festival, organised by Korea Foundation for International Culture Exchange, at the Seoul Olympic Stadium.[4]
On Christmas Eve 2012, he and Teresa Carpio sang at The Joint in Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas as a Christmas special and sang a song that was not recorded in any of his albums.
Tourism
In 2019, Wong was appointed tourism ambassador for Perak by Tourism Malaysia.[5]
It's a Small World
In 2008, he was asked to perform the Mandarin version of "It's a Small World" at the Grand Opening of It's a Small World in Hong Kong Disneyland but after strong demand from the crowd, sang "Tong Hua" instead.
Discography
Solo albums
- Michael's First Album (第一次個人創作專輯; Dì Yī Cì Gè Rén Chuàng Zuò Zhuān Jí) – 10 May 2001 3
- Ray of Light (光芒; Guāng Máng) – 8 November 2002
- Fairy Tale (童話; Tóng Huà) – 21 January 2005
- Commitment (約定; Yuē Dìng) – 3 March 2006
- Never Apart (不會分離; Bú Huì Fēn Lí) – 9 November 2007[3]
- Right Hand Side EP (右手邊; Yòu Shǒu Biān) – 19 September 2008
- First Digital Single – 31 July 2009
- So Naive (太天真; (Tai Tian Zhen ) – 9 September 2010
- Crazy Memories (回忆里的疯狂; Huí Yì Lǐ De Fēng Kuáng) – 8 July 2013
- These Unfinished EP (那些未完成的; Na Xie Wei Wan Cheng De) - 2 May 2015
- Nine Ways To Enjoy Loneliness (九种使用孤独的正确方式; Jiǔ Zhǒng Shǐ Yòng Gū Dú De Zhèng Què Fāng Shì) - 11 November 2017
Other
- I Believe (我要跟隨祂; Wǒ Yào Gēn Suí Tā), compilation of Christian music – Released 1994
- The World Shines Because of Love (世界因愛發光; Shì Jiè Yīn Ài Fā Guāng), EP album – December 1997
- "Michael 1996–2006 the greatest hits – 16 May 2007[2]
Filmography
Movies
- The Threesome Experience: The Movie (三人行音樂電影; Sān Rén Xíng Yin Yuè Diàn Ying) – 1998
- Summer Holiday (夏日麼麼茶; Xià Rì Me Me Chá)- 2000
- BTS (愛情靈藥; Ài Qíng Líng Yào) – 2001
- Like A Slave (英勇戰士俏姑娘; Yīng Yǒng Shì Zhan Shì Qiào Gū Niáng) – 2005
- Purple Mirage(紫色梦幻;"Zǐ Sè Mèng Huàn") – 2006
- Where's the Dragon? (2015)
Dramas
- White Love (白色戀曲; Báisè Liàn Qu) – 2001
- A Change of Fate (時來運轉; Shí Lái Yùn Zhuan) – 2001
- Good Luck,Angel (王牌天使; Wáng Pái Tiān Shi) – 2003
- Love Storm (狂愛龍捲風; Kuáng Ài Lóng Juǎn Fēng) – 2003
- Wintry Night 2 (寒夜續曲; Hán Yè Xù Qu) – 2003
- Love.18 – 2008
Musical Stage Drama :
- Mr. Wing ~ a romantic rhapsody (幸運兒; Xìng Yùn Ér) – 2005
References
- "Singer-songwriter Michael Wong enjoys huge popularity in China". Rock Records official site (in Japanese). 2007. Retrieved 11 August 2007.
- "New Album". Rock Records (in Japanese). 2007. Retrieved 11 August 2007.
- 光良2007年全新专辑《不会分离》11月9日 全亚洲同步发行! (in Chinese). Archived from the original on 30 October 2007. Retrieved 28 October 2007.
- KOFICE 7th Asia Song Festival Archived 12 June 2011 at the Wayback Machine 23 October 2010. Retrieved 12 October 2011
- Looi, Sylvia. "Malaysian singer Michael Wong not planning concert closer to home, will release new album next year". www.malaymail.com.
External links
- Official site
- Michael Wong at Rock Records Japan
- Michael Wong discography at MusicBrainz
