Father of Cam Ly: Heard about Mother’s Illness, but it Took Him 8 Days to Get Home
Composer Tran Quang Hien is a familiar name to fans of melodies with rustic and sentimental influences. However, what makes him most well-known is probably the fact that he is the father of three famous singers: Cam Ly, Ha Phuong, and Minh Tuyet — three extremely successful sisters in the music industry, both domestically and overseas.
Despite being the father of these prominent singers, Composer Tran Quang Hien maintains a simple and humble lifestyle, steering clear of the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. He was born into a poor family in Quy Nhon, Binh Dinh, and his childhood was marked by hardship and deprivation.
Composer Tran Quang Hien and his three famous daughters.
He tearfully shared about his tragic childhood: “My mother passed away, and we couldn’t even afford a coffin for her. It was so difficult. Recalling those memories still breaks my heart.” The composer also revealed that he wrote the song Com Muoi Mo Cau (Rice with Salt in Areca Nut Leaves) to depict his own hardship: “I was only 10 years old at that time, and my family was extremely poor. Moreover, our house was far from school. Each time I went to school, I had to travel to the district school, so my mother would pack rice with salt in areca nut leaves for me to take with me. She would soak and clean the areca nut leaves, dry them, and then use them to wrap the rice. Along with the rice, she would add some fried salted peanuts to make it more delicious. Although it was a simple meal, I enjoyed it immensely.”
In 1965, when I heard that my mother was seriously ill in our hometown, I set out from Saigon to visit her, but I didn’t have any money. My wife was also pregnant at the time. Due to the lack of transportation options, it took me eight days to reach my hometown. By the time I arrived, my mother could no longer speak, so I had to borrow money to buy four doses of an invigorating medicine. I pried her mouth open and poured the medicine in, and she opened her eyes, uttered a few words, and then gradually faded away.”
Those challenging years shaped him into a man with a strong sense of family, love, and resilience to overcome adversity.
The composer had a tragic childhood.
Unlike other artists’ fathers, who often try to guide their children into the entertainment industry, Composer Tran Quang Hien respects his daughters’ choices. Despite being a musician himself, he never forced or steered his three daughters towards a career in music, nor did he require them to perform his songs.
He said: “I never force my children to sing my songs. If they like them, they will explore and sing them on their own. I’ve never suggested or compelled them to do so.”
Interestingly, despite having nearly 200 songs to his name, many of which are famous, he rarely boasts about them or uses his daughters’ fame to promote himself. This humble quality is something his children deeply respect.
He is also incredibly proud of his three daughters: “I’m proud to say that while I know many musician friends with children in the industry, none of them have three singer children like I do. Even the renowned composer Pham Duy only had two singer children. Perhaps heaven took pity on me, blessing me with this gift in my later years.”
He is very proud of his children.
The Composer and His First Encounter with His Billionaire Son-in-Law
Composer Tran Quang Hien and his wife, Huynh Thi Cam Van, have six children: Cam Ly, Ha Phuong, Minh Tuyet, Quang Thuat, Cam Le, and Quang Hau. Despite their modest means, they devoted themselves to raising and educating their children. Mrs. Huynh Thi Cam Van, in particular, has always been a hardworking companion, taking care of household matters so that her husband can focus on his music.
On a television show, Cam Ly’s father revealed the meaning behind the names of his six children: “Thuat means to recount. Being the eldest son, he will recount his parents’ stories. ‘Le’ means tears. I left my mother and my hometown to pursue my passion. ‘Ly’ means separation. My father-in-law asked me why I named my first two daughters Cam Ly and Ha Phuong. At that time, my wife and I were struggling financially. I thought to myself that since we were drifting like a pair of floating hyacinths on a river, not knowing where we would end up…
I thought of my brother, Ha Nhi. ‘Ha’ means river. My wife and I were like a pair of hyacinths floating on a river, not knowing where we were headed. So, I named my third daughter Ha Phuong, which means wandering without a destination. By the time I became more financially stable, I named my son Quang Hau, which means shining brightly, like a dream come true. Finally, when my youngest daughter was born, I named her Minh Tuyet, which symbolizes the realization of a dream.”
The composer revealed the meaning behind his children’s names.
Currently, although Cam Ly, Ha Phuong, and Minh Tuyet live in different parts of the world (Ha Phuong and Minh Tuyet in the US, and Cam Ly in Vietnam), they remain deeply connected to their parents. They frequently visit, send gifts, and care for their parents.
Composer Tran Quang Hien once shared that when Ha Phuong married a billionaire, some people commented that their family had “improved” their social status. However, he expressed his viewpoint: “I have children to raise them, not to sell them. No matter how difficult or poor I am, I have no intention of ‘selling’ my children.”
Ha Phuong and her billionaire husband, Chinh Chu.
He also revealed his first encounter with his billionaire son-in-law. At that time, businessman Chinh Chu came to their house to inquire about the family but did not mention anything about Ha Phuong. Instead, he introduced himself as a friend of Minh Tuyet. The composer recounted: “He asked if this was Minh Tuyet’s house, and when he confirmed it, he gave me a letter from Tuyet along with some money and gifts. During our conversation, he didn’t mention Ha Phuong but instead asked about our family. He also looked through our family photo album and stayed for dinner.
I shared honestly about my circumstances and expressed that I didn’t want my children to go to America. I’d rather have them stay with me, even if we struggle together, than have them go far away, where I can’t help them if something happens. It seemed like he wanted to learn more about our family before making any decisions.”
Singer Ha Phuong and her husband, billionaire Chinh Chu.
As it turned out, Chinh Chu had quietly returned to Vietnam to learn more about Ha Phuong’s family. After that visit, Composer Tran Quang Hien received a call from Chinh Chu’s family, expressing their desire to establish a connection through marriage. At that time, Ha Phuong had not mentioned anything, so he had to ask his daughter for her thoughts. The composer’s stance was: “I told her that as long as she loves him, I will give my blessing, regardless of whether he is rich or poor or what profession he has. I won’t interfere, but I want her to be clear about her decision.”
Nowadays, Composer Tran Quang Hien continues to live a simple life. He and his wife, Huynh Thi Cam Van, reside in Ho Chi Minh City, surrounded by their children and grandchildren. In his later years, he enjoys fishing, composing music, and taking care of his health.
On a talk show with MC Quyen Linh, the composer shared that his wife often travels, but he doesn’t: “In the past, when she traveled, I would worry about her health and well-being. But now, I let her be. If she’s still young and healthy enough to travel, I say, ‘Go for it.'” He told the MC: “These days, what I enjoy most is grabbing my fishing rod and sitting by the riverbank alone.”
Quyen Linh jokingly replied that fishing would be more romantic with a partner by his side. The composer candidly confessed: “Lately, I’ve become a bit of a loner. I don’t quite understand myself these days. I’m not trying to be morbid, but it feels like I’m standing on the edge of a deep abyss, and I know that I won’t be around for much longer.”
Composer Tran Quang Hien stated: “No matter how poor I am, I have no intention of ‘selling’ my children.”
