Today's playlist. This 22nd installment features "Carol Kim".
Carol Kim (real name: Hoàng Kim Hoa, born 1946) is a legendary singer from Tan Châu, An Giang Province, Vietnam, who made a name for herself in Saigon before 1975. Her songs, such as "Cái trâm em cài," "Xa lộ không đèn," and "Sài Gòn," are widely loved as representative works of Vietnamese music, characterized by their emotional richness and strong narrative. These songs share sentimental and dramatic elements with Japanese enka and kayokyoku, demonstrating an emotional connection between different cultures.
Early talent and the start of a career
Kim was born the seventh of eleven children and had a strong passion for art from a young age. Raised in a Muslim family, she aspired to become a singer, but her father initially opposed it. However, her talent and passion eventually convinced her family, and she was allowed to pursue a career in music.
Success in Vietnam on the international stage
In 1965, she won first place in a local singing contest by singing Đỗ Kim Bảng's "Bước chân chiều chủ nhật." Later, in 1967, she performed "Moon River" during a visit to Saigon, and her outstanding performance made her name known in the music industry. Her songs became popular not only in Vietnam but also among U.S. military personnel stationed in Vietnam.
Resonance with Japanese music
Carol Kim's songs, with their sentimental melodies and heartfelt lyrics, share similarities with Japanese enka and kayokyoku (traditional ballads). This similarity lies in their treatment of universal themes such as love, family, and nostalgia, making them a musical bridge between the two countries.
Present and Musical Heritage
Kim left her country with her family in 1975 and emigrated to the United States, but she continued to pursue her passion for music, making moving comeback performances in Vietnam in 2007 and 2009. Her musical journey has formed an important chapter in Vietnamese culture and music history, and her voice will continue to resonate in many hearts.
WAITER-U offers not only camping gear, but also a curated selection of music, books, and movies.
I've also created a playlist on Spotify, so please feel free to listen to it in the car on your way to a camping trip.
