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Jenny Tseng

Jenny Tseng (Chinese: 甄妮; born 20 1953) is a Macanese singer and actress of mixed Austrian and heritage, celebrated for her powerful voice and emotive delivery in and genres, establishing her as a pioneering figure in Chinese-language music across , , and international audiences over a career spanning more than five decades. Born in the former Portuguese colony of to an expatriate Austrian civil engineer father and a Chinese mother from , Tseng experienced a turbulent childhood following her parents' divorce, being raised primarily by her father and a Chinese stepmother before reuniting with her mother in as a teenager. In the conservative society of , she faced prejudice as a Eurasian but channeled her resilience into music, beginning her professional career in the early 1970s as a recording artist in after moving there for opportunities. Her breakthrough came with a string of hits that showcased her , including the theme song "Shi Jian Shi Zhong Ni Hao" (duet with ) for the television series The Legend of the Condor Heroes and the iconic "," a 1986 tribute to that became an enduring anthem symbolizing the city's identity. Tseng's success extended beyond music into and , appearing in over a dozen Hong Kong films during the 1970s and 1980s, such as The Avenging Eagle (1978) and Chinatown Kid (1977), where she often performed her own , blending her multifaceted talents to achieve crossover appeal. She received the Most Popular Artist Award at the 1984 Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards Ceremony, affirming her status as royalty, and later ventured into entrepreneurship by founding her own , Jen Fu Records. Her discography includes timeless ballads like "Hai Shang Hua," "Yi Sheng You Yi Yi," and "Zui Hou De Mei Gui," which highlight her ability to convey deep emotion and have contributed to her enduring global fanbase. In her personal life, Tseng married Hong Kong actor in 1976, a union that captivated the entertainment world until his tragic death in a 1983 car accident, after which she endured intense media scrutiny but continued her career with resilience, embarking on a farewell world tour in 2009 while remaining active and outspoken into the , including public advocacy on issues like following the death of singer in 2023 and criticisms of industry practices in 2024.

Early Life

Family Background

Jenny Tseng was born Yan Suk-si (甄淑詩) on February 20, 1953, in to an Austrian expatriate civil engineer father and a mother originally from , whose family ancestral home is in , province. Her parents divorced during her early childhood, after which she was placed in the custody of her estranged father. Following the , her father remarried a , forming a blended family environment that included step-siblings. This multicultural family background contributed to the diverse influences evident in her later musical style.

Upbringing and Move to

Jenny Tseng was born Yan Suk-si (甄淑詩) on February 20, 1953, in Macau, to an expatriate Austrian civil engineer father and a mother originally from . Her mixed heritage gave her a distinctive Eurasian appearance from a young age. The family during her served as a formative emotional experience, prompting significant adjustments in her living arrangements. Following the divorce, Tseng initially lived with her father and his new Chinese wife in , alongside step-siblings, but felt alienated in this dynamic and struggled with the transition. She later rejoined her mother in , where her mother had remarried a man from , creating another blended family environment with additional step-siblings. These repeated family changes posed daily challenges, including emotional adaptation and navigating complex relationships in a conservative society that often viewed mixed-race children like Tseng with curiosity or . To support the family financially, Tseng's father relocated alone to for work opportunities in the mid-1960s. At age 12, Tseng and the rest of the family joined him there, settling in a vibrant, multicultural setting shaped by the influx of refugees, Taiwanese communities, and growing Western influences amid Taiwan's rapid development. This move marked a pivotal shift, immersing her in a diverse cultural landscape that contrasted with her earlier experiences in and . In , Tseng's formal education remained limited; she completed primary schooling upon arrival and later briefly enrolled at Shih Hsin University to study , but transferred to after her popularity sparked conflicts among male students. Her early musical interests developed largely through self-directed exploration rather than structured training, drawing from local Taiwanese influences like imitating the songs and performances of popular artist . Tseng's father's Austrian roots exposed her to Western classical and pop music during family interactions, while her mother's heritage introduced Chinese folk tunes and era music, fostering a blended appreciation for global and traditional sounds that informed her personal growth.

Career

Debut and Early Success in Taiwan

Jenny Tseng entered the music industry in in 1971, signing with Galaxie Records and releasing her debut album 心湖, where she was initially credited simply as "Jenny." The album featured emotional Mandarin ballads that highlighted her versatile and powerful , drawing from influences in her multicultural upbringing in and . Her breakthrough came in 1972 with the single "誓言" (), a poignant track composed by that resonated widely in the scene and propelled her to prominence as a leading female vocalist in . This hit was followed by early albums like 金色的陽光 and 不能沒有你, which emphasized dramatic interpretations and soaring melodies, solidifying her reputation for emotive performances that captured the era's romantic and introspective themes in Taiwanese . These releases, often produced under labels such as Haishan Records, helped establish Tseng as a rising star, with her recordings achieving commercial success and frequent airplay on Taiwanese radio. During the mid-1970s, Tseng expanded beyond music with initial forays into and , appearing in Taiwanese productions that leveraged her growing fame to showcase her charisma on screen. Notable early roles included supporting parts in films like (1974), where she performed as a nightclub singer, blending her musical talents with dramatic elements to further her visibility in Taiwan's entertainment landscape.

Expansion to Hong Kong and Peak Fame

Following her early success in Taiwan as a Mandopop artist, Jenny Tseng relocated to in the late 1970s, leveraging her established reputation to expand her career in the burgeoning scene. She signed with Jenfu Records Ltd., a prominent Hong Kong label that she founded in 1980, which facilitated her transition into the local market through a series of Cantonese-language releases. This move positioned her at the forefront of Hong Kong's entertainment industry, where she adapted her versatile vocal style to the emotive demands of . In the early 1980s, Tseng achieved significant commercial breakthroughs with albums such as Don't Meet Again (1980) and Heart Voice (1981), both certified platinum in for sales exceeding 30,000 units each. Key hits from this period, including "Oriental Pearl" (1986) and "Iron-Blooded Loyal Heart" (1983), showcased her powerful, resonant delivery and became enduring anthems in , topping charts and earning multiple gold song awards from and . These tracks highlighted her ability to convey deep emotion through soaring melodies, contributing to her rapid ascent as a leading . Tseng's success also extended to acting in Hong Kong films during the 1970s and 1980s, where she appeared in over a dozen productions, including Chinatown Kid (1977) and The Avenging Eagle (1978), often performing her own songs to blend her musical and acting talents. Tseng's robust, unwavering vocal prowess earned her the moniker "Iron Lady of Asia" (鐵娘子), reflecting not only her singing strength but also her resilient persona in the competitive industry. Her emotive style resonated widely, blending influences with flair to appeal across . Additionally, her contributions to drama soundtracks, such as theme songs for popular series, amplified her visibility and solidified her fame throughout the region during the 1980s.

Notable Collaborations

One of Jenny Tseng's most prominent collaborations occurred in 1983 with icon for the soundtrack of TVB's acclaimed series The Legend of the Condor Heroes. The duo released the album She Diao Ying Xiong Zhuan, comprising 12 tracks, including the theme song duet "Tie Xue Dan Xin" (Iron-blooded Loyalists), composed by with lyrics by Tang Wai Hung. This partnership produced additional hits like "Yi Sheng You Yi Yi" (A Meaningful Life) and "Shi Jian Zong Shi Ni Hao" (You're Always the Best in the World), which became enduring staples of television music. The collaboration showcased Tseng's roots alongside Tam's expertise, creating vocal harmonies that were hailed as among the finest in the genre's history and contributing to the series' widespread success. Their joint recordings and live performances, including medleys at Tseng's 1984 concert, effectively bridged audiences across and markets, broadening Tseng's appeal in during the 1980s peak of regional pop culture. Beyond this landmark project, Tseng partnered with other artists in the 1980s, such as through shared stage appearances and recordings that amplified her integration into scene. These efforts not only boosted her regional fame but also enriched her discography with collaborative works that garnered accolades, including gold disc certifications for key releases. The lasting influence of these partnerships is evident in the continued popularity of the soundtrack tracks, which remain benchmarks for cross-genre duets in .

Later Career and Comebacks

Following the personal tragedy of her husband Alexander Fu Sheng's death in 1983, which prompted an initial career hiatus, Jenny Tseng gradually shifted to more selective projects in the , releasing albums such as Mad Heart, Extinguished Love in 1990 while largely fading from the music scene and relocating to the . She focused on compilations and limited public engagements, maintaining a lower profile amid her commitments. In 1998, Tseng made a notable return to Hong Kong for the Gu Jiahui and Huang Zhan True Friendship Concert, performing alongside veteran artists and marking her re-entry into live performances after years of semi-retirement. This led to a series of comebacks in the early , including her 2000 "A Portion of Truth" world tour, which achieved full sell-outs at Hong Kong's Coliseum over three nights and was accompanied by a bestselling album of the same name. From 2000 to 2007, she conducted multiple world tours spanning , the , , Malaysia's , , , , and , emphasizing concerts and compilations like the Jenny Tseng 2000 Collection over new studio recordings. Tseng announced several retirements throughout her later career, often framing major tours as farewells, only to return for encores and new projects. In 2010, she launched the Love Show: The Farewell World Tour, beginning with four sold-out shows at the , followed by performances in , , the U.S., , , , , and . This was followed by a 2013 encore at the same venue from February 18 to 20, underscoring her pattern of comebacks amid fan demand. She continued releasing music, including the 2006 album With You With Me and the 2014 live recording An Exceptional Evening with Jenny Tseng, while taking on mentorship-like roles through public critiques of younger artists and industry practices. Into the 2020s, Tseng maintained an active presence through occasional public engagements and , reflecting her ongoing influence despite reduced touring. In 2024, she made a rare appearance in to collect royalties and attend a friend's birthday celebration in March, her first major public outing in years. Later that year, in July, she publicly criticized the outcome of the TV show Singer 2024 on , commenting on contestant Na Ying's win and broader industry issues. In August, she announced donating all proceeds from her 1983 album to charity, highlighting her commitment to legacy projects. In July 2025, she reported the theft of luxury items worth over HK$56,000 from her luggage at airport.

Personal Life

Marriage to Alexander Fu Sheng

Jenny Tseng met Hong Kong actor in 1976 during the production of the film The New Shaolin Boxers, where they first collaborated professionally. Their relationship quickly blossomed into a romance, culminating in their marriage on December 4, 1976, which was widely covered by the media as a fairy-tale union between two rising stars in the entertainment industry. As a high-profile couple, Tseng and Fu Sheng symbolized glamour and success in Hong Kong's vibrant scene during the mid-1970s. Following their wedding, the couple settled in , where they navigated a shared life amid demanding schedules—Tseng advancing her singing career with major releases and performances, while Fu Sheng starred in numerous Shaw Brothers kung fu films. The late 1970s marked a period of professional synergy and personal harmony for them, coinciding with Tseng's peak fame in the music world. Despite occasional rumors of marital strain, they presented a united front publicly, supporting each other's endeavors in the competitive Hong Kong entertainment landscape. Tragedy struck on July 7, 1983, when Fu Sheng, aged 28, died in a car accident in after losing control of his vehicle on a rain-slicked road. Tseng, who was performing on a in at the time, received the devastating news while traveling back to and immediately returned to for the funeral. Her public and private grief was intense; she later recounted mourning for three consecutive days and nights without rest, collapsing from exhaustion and fainting during one particularly anguished episode. In the wake of Fu Sheng's death, Tseng resolved to honor his memory by preserving his legacy through , utilizing preserved genetic material to conceive a child who would carry forward his lineage. This decision reflected her deep devotion and commitment to ensuring aspects of his life endured beyond his untimely passing.

Family and Post-Widowhood Life

Following the death of her husband in a car accident in 1983, Jenny Tseng underwent using his preserved sperm and gave birth to their daughter, Tseng, on July 5, 1987, in the United States. To shield her from public scrutiny, Tseng kept the pregnancy and birth confidential, traveling abroad without disclosing details to the media or close associates. This decision stemmed from the profound grief of her widowhood and a desire to honor Fu Sheng's legacy through their child while avoiding speculation about her . As a , Tseng raised primarily in and , where she balanced her professional commitments with creating a stable, low-profile environment for her daughter. She introduced to the public gradually, such as during a 2001 concert in where the young joined her onstage, but otherwise prioritized shielding her from the entertainment industry's spotlight to foster normalcy and emotional security. Tseng's approach reflected her commitment to family stability amid ongoing rumors about Melody's paternity, which she addressed only minimally to protect their privacy. In a , Tseng broke 25 years of silence, confirming 's parentage and explaining her long-held secrecy as a means to safeguard her daughter's well-being and preserve the integrity of her family unit. , who had been unaware of her father's identity until then, later expressed contentment with her upbringing, crediting her mother's unwavering love and dedication. Tseng's experiences as a underscored her resilience, as she navigated personal loss while focusing on nurturing her family away from public intrusion.

Awards and Honors

Hong Kong-Based Awards

During her peak years in Hong Kong from 1979 to 1988, Jenny Tseng received numerous accolades from local music organizations, recognizing her commercial success and artistic contributions to . These awards highlighted her ability to produce chart-topping albums and singles that resonated with audiences, often achieving multi-platinum status through high sales volumes. Tseng earned multiple Gold Disc Awards from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) , which certify albums selling over 10,000 units locally. She received at least 10 Gold certifications between 1977 and 1982 for albums including 春雨彎刀 (1977), 奮鬥 (1977), and 心聲 (1981). Additionally, works like 不要再重逢 (1980) qualified for Local Platinum certification with 40,000 copies sold in . These certifications underscored her dominance in the market, with several releases surpassing 40,000 copies sold in alone. In the realm of song-specific honors, Tseng secured several RTHK Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs Awards, presented annually by Radio Television Hong Kong to celebrate outstanding Mandarin and Cantonese tracks. Between 1978 and 1986, she won six times for songs including "Tomorrow Talks Today" (1978), "Spring Rain Bent Knife" (1979), "Pearl of the Orient" (1981), "The World Is Always Good to You" (1983), "Lonely Again" (1984), and "Sea Flower" (1986). A standout was her 1983 duet with Roman Tam, "Iron-Blooded Loyal Heart" (鐵血丹心), the theme for TVB's The Legend of the Condor Heroes, which not only topped charts but also became an enduring anthem, reflecting her impact on television soundtracks. Tseng also triumphed at the Jade Solid Gold Best Ten Music Awards, organized by to honor top performers based on and popularity. In 1984, she claimed the Most Popular Female Singer award, marking her as the first recipient in this category and affirming her status as a leading vocalist during Hong Kong's golden era of . This win came alongside recognitions for songs like "Lonely Again," which further elevated her profile through 's influential platform. Her soundtrack contributions, such as those for dramas, were contextualized within these awards, blending music with visual media to amplify her cultural reach.

Taiwan-Based Awards

Jenny Tseng's early career in during the established her as a prominent artist, leading to significant recognition through the nation's premier broadcast awards. The , 's equivalent to the and encompassing radio and television achievements including music performances, provided key honors for her contributions. In , at the 15th , Tseng performed notable songs such as "," showcasing her vocal prowess and gaining visibility among local audiences and industry professionals. Her breakthrough came in 1981 when she won the Best Female Singer (Television) award at the 16th , held on May 16 at the Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hall in . This victory, presented by hosts and Li Ji-zhun, marked Tseng as the second woman after Teng to receive this accolade, recognizing her outstanding performances on Taiwanese television during the late 1970s and early . The award highlighted albums and singles from her formative years, including hits like "Heart Lake" (1971) and "" (1972), which resonated through radio broadcasts and solidified her role in popularizing themes of romance and emotion. From 1977 to 1982, Tseng was annually selected as one of the "Ten Great Stars" by Taiwanese media outlets, an accolade reflecting her top radio and sales success with debut-era tracks such as "First Meeting" (1972), which became a staple on local stations. These recognitions from broadcast entities underscored her ability to connect Taiwanese listeners with broader communities through accessible narratives. While specific platinum certifications for 1970s releases like her 1972 self-titled album are not formally documented in public records, her consistent chart dominance on Taiwanese radio equivalents to —such as programs on —affirmed her commercial impact, with songs frequently topping annual polls for emotional ballads. Local music circles, including collaborations with composers like Liu Jia-chang, further praised her for bridging regional dialects and styles, fostering unity among Taiwanese and audiences in the pre-1990s era.

Lifetime Achievements

In 2011, Jenny Tseng received the prestigious Golden Needle Award from as part of the Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs Awards, honoring her lifetime contributions to Chinese music across decades of performances and recordings. This accolade, presented during the 34th ceremony in early 2012, recognized Tseng's enduring influence in both and , marking her as one of the few artists to receive this highest honor for sustained excellence in the industry. The award underscored Tseng's role in bridging musical traditions between , , and broader communities, building on her earlier successes to affirm her status as a . Throughout the , such recognitions highlighted retrospectives of her career, including broadcasts and compilations that celebrated her vocal prowess and songwriting impact. In the , Tseng continued to be honored through tribute performances, such as the "Best of Jenny Tseng" concert series at Singapore's in April 2025, which featured renditions of her by contemporary artists to commemorate her legacy in Asian . These events reflect ongoing appreciation for her contributions, emphasizing her ambassadorship in promoting musical heritage across and beyond.

Legacy

Musical Influence

Jenny Tseng pioneered the use of powerful, belting vocals in both and during the 1970s and 1980s, establishing a benchmark for dramatic vocal delivery that emphasized and in live performances and recordings. Her technique, often described as "power-packed," brought operatic flair to pop ballads, influencing a generation of female vocalists in Asian pop music who adopted similar emotive belting styles. This approach is evident in her renditions of TV themes, where she combined technical prowess with raw emotional expression, setting a standard for divas in conveying vulnerability and strength through voice. Tseng played a pivotal role in bridging the Taiwan-based and Hong Kong-based scenes, promoting cross-strait cultural exchange through her bilingual releases and career transitions. Originally established as a artist in , she transitioned to in the mid-1970s, achieving success with hits like "" (1978), which resonated across linguistic divides and helped integrate emotional narratives into pop structures. Her dual-market presence facilitated the flow of musical ideas between the regions, encouraging bilingual productions and expanding the audience for both genres during a period of growing pan-Chinese entertainment ties. In her ballads, Tseng emphasized profound emotional depth, often drawing from personal and dramatic themes to create immersive performances that became hallmarks of Asian pop's tradition. Songs such as those from TVB's Jade Theatre series exemplified this, with her delivery elevating simple melodies into vehicles for intense pathos and resilience, influencing the genre's shift toward more theatrical and heartfelt expressions. This stylistic innovation not only boosted Cantopop's regional dominance in the but also inspired subsequent artists to prioritize narrative-driven vocals over purely melodic pop. During the 2000s, Tseng extended her influence through mentorship and collaborations with younger singers, including a notable joint concert appearance with her daughter Melody Tseng in , where she guided the emerging artist's debut performance. These efforts, alongside occasional workshops and joint recordings, helped transmit her techniques in emotional balladry and vocal control to the next generation, ensuring the continuity of her dramatic style in contemporary Asian pop.

Cultural Impact and Tributes

Jenny Tseng has earned enduring nicknames in Asian media that underscore her resilient persona and vocal prowess, such as the " " (鐵肺天后), reflecting her powerful singing style and ability to persevere through personal hardships following the 1983 death of her husband, actor . This moniker, widely used in Taiwanese and entertainment coverage, highlights her "iron-like" endurance in the industry, where she continued performing high-energy concerts and recordings despite profound loss. She is also celebrated as a "divine " in retrospectives on 1970s-1980s , symbolizing her near-mythical status among fans for blending emotional depth with theatrical flair. Tseng's influence permeates representations of 1980s Hong Kong entertainment in films and television, where her life and career serve as touchstones for the era's glamour and tragedy. Her marriage to Fu Sheng, a key figure in Shaw Brothers kung fu cinema, has been romanticized in media as emblematic of Hong Kong's star-crossed celebrity culture during its cinematic golden age. Documentaries and TV specials on Cantopop's evolution, such as those exploring TVB's dominance in the 1980s, frequently feature Tseng's contributions, positioning her as a bridge between Mandarin ballads and Cantonese pop's explosive growth. Public commemorations of Tseng and Fu Sheng's shared legacy include sold-out tribute-style concerts in , where performers honor their joint impact on through medleys of their hits and personal anecdotes. For instance, Tseng's 2001 concert culminated in a family moment with her daughter Melody's debut, drawing crowds nostalgic for the couple's stardom and reinforcing their status as icons of romantic resilience. These events often blend her solo repertoire with nods to Fu Sheng's film roles, fostering communal reflection on 's pop culture heritage. Tseng played a pivotal role in preserving wuxia soundtrack traditions through her duet "Iron Blooded Loyal Heart" (鐵血丹心) with , the theme for TVB's 1983 adaptation of . This soaring , evoking themes of loyalty and heroism from Jin Yong's , has become a genre staple, reprised in later productions to maintain the epic, chivalric essence of the form for new generations. Its cultural resonance endures, symbolizing the fusion of music and storytelling that defined 1980s television. Into the 2020s, Tseng remains active, advocating for awareness following the 2023 death of singer and engaging in public discourse on industry issues, such as criticizing disrespectful younger artists in 2025 media appearances. These efforts underscore her ongoing influence as a resilient figure in Asian .