Trinh Cong Son (February 28, 1939 April 1, 2001) was a Vietnamese composer, musician, and songwriter. He wrote over 600 songs.
He became one of South Vietnam's best-known singer-songwriters, after his first hit, Uot Mi (Tearing 'Lashes) in 1957. He was frequently under pressure from the government, which was interrupted by the pacifist's lyrics of such songs as Ngu di con (Lullaby, about a mother grieving for her soldier son). His songs were restricted by the South Vietnamese government. After the reunification in 1975, Son was sentenced by the new communist government, to "retraining" in a labour camp after his family fled to Canada. However, he was eventually honoured by the government and many officials sent their respects with floral tributes. His often melancholy songs about love and postwar reconciliation earned new acceptance and popularity in later years.
There are two singers' names often associated with Trinh Cong Son. One is Khanh Ly. The other one is Hong Nhung.
Khanh Ly, with her unique vocals, helped popularize Trinh Cong Son music in the early years. They often performed together in South Vietnam University Campuses. The voice and the music seemed to be inseparatable.
Later on in his life, Hong Nhung, many years his junior, replaced Khanh Ly's place until his death.
Thousands of people gathered at his funeral in Sai Gon (Ho Chi Minh City), for a spontaneous ad hoc funeral concert, making such a spectacle the largest in Vietnamese history, next to the funeral procession of Ho Chi Minh. His music remains very popular among Vietnamese, old and young.
