When the music starts playing, the haunting melody of “Wang-Zhaojun” still resonates in the hearts of numerous old music fans. The “Queen of Apple Blossoms” Yang Yan will return to the stage in Los Angeles on May 2nd to hold a charity concert. Despite being over 80 years old, Yang Yan appeared at the press conference full of energy and vitality, generating cheers and applause. For her, this performance is not just a revival of classics, but also a practice of “cherishing the moment and spreading happiness.”
Looking back at her journey, Yang Yan did not have an easy and prosperous life like a shining star from a young age. Born in Xi’an, she moved to Taiwan with her parents after 1949 and settled in the Fu Lian village. As the eldest daughter, she used to squat by the stove burning coal and fetch water by the well daily, which helped her cultivate a strong and healthy physique that she still possesses today.
“At that time, we had no electricity or running water at home, living under very limited conditions,” Yang Yan reminisced with a smile. However, poverty did not deprive her of happiness; instead, it became the fertile ground for her music. Singing by the water jar at home as a child, listening to the echoes coming from the jar, became her earliest pitch training.
This resilience of finding joy in hardship supported her from being the eldest daughter in the development village, to studying at the Political Warfare Academy (now the National Defense University Political Warfare School), winning singing competitions, and ultimately creating a legend in the Chinese music industry.
During the press conference, Yang Yan talked less about her past glory, but more about “family.” Even in her old age, Yang Yan remains a filial daughter. She mentioned her 106-year-old elderly mother at home, her face beaming with a gentle smile.
“The most important thing in life is peace and happiness, living in the moment,” Yang Yan shared, citing her mother’s longevity as her role model. Being filial to her mother, sharing laughter with family and friends, is her secret to keeping a young spirit. She admitted that as she sees many old friends passing away with the passage of time, she appreciates the preciousness of time. Now, she deliberately adjusts her style to look more “youthful,” discarding her old and mature dressing style from her debut, believing that “the right attitude makes people young naturally.”
When discussing the current Chinese pop music scene, Yang Yan showed the demeanor and humility of a seasoned elder. She openly praised the talent of Jay Chou, admiring his beautiful melodies and creativity. Although she had once pointed out pronunciation issues in his early works, which were blown out of proportion by the media, she is delighted to see the growth of her juniors. “One must accept advice to progress. I hope the audience can give me feedback after watching the performance; criticism leads to improvement,” she said.
Facing the changes of the times, she remains indifferent, believing that whether it’s Peking opera, nostalgic songs, or modern rap and short videos, they are all products of the times. And she firmly believes that the “sentiment” and “emotions” carried in classic songs will never disappear, as they are the most touching.
“Happiness is a day, so is unhappiness. Why not choose happiness?” This seemingly simple motto is the wisdom that Yang Yan has accumulated after weathering the storms of the past eighty years.
On May 2nd, Yang Yan will perform a series of classic songs on the stage at the Los Angeles Overseas Chinese Center. What the audience will witness is not just the legendary songstress singing “Wangzhaojun” and “Apple Blossoms,” but a graceful aging artist who loves life, always shows filial piety and gratitude.
For Yang Yan, as long as she can still sing, she wants to pass on the energy of “peace and happiness” to every family and friend present, stating, “Singing is a great exercise, a healing power. I hope everyone can sing more in their daily lives, and make themselves a little happier.”
In the passage of time, Yang Yan interprets life with her singing and expresses life with her smile. She sincerely wishes everyone to cherish the moment and live without regrets. ◇