Vinh An was born in Binh Dinh, the cradle of Tuong (Vietnamese classical drama) art; therefore, it seems that his works were much impressed with features in Tuong art.

The musician Vinh An was born in 1929 in Tay Son District, central province of Binh Dinh. His father was an instrumentalist and his uncle was a singer.

After the Geneva treaty had been signed, he moved to the north and then became famous with some songs, such as Dau chan tren rung (footprints in the forest), Gui anh linh bo Nam, and Nhu canh chim Kotia.

His success in music was thanks to his self-education. He learned from old musicians and foreign experts in music. He particularly loves folk melodies and had begun composing songs before the August Revolution.

Vinh An once joined the military, holding many positions. Whatever positions he took up, the musician in him always showed great enthusiasm for music. He still brought a guitar with him during the operation.

Vinh An also came to Quang Binh in the anti-American resistance war. He then had some songs about Quang Binh like Ba me tren song Quang Binh (the mother on Quang Binh river) or Mua ve ben bo song Kien Giang (the season by Kien Giang riverside).

He seldom talks about soldiers in his works, but they are still familiar with the soldiers. “Khuc hat dao xa” (the song on the remote island) is an example showing his deep love for soldiers. An wrote the song after a 21-day visit to Con Co island. Listeners could realize what he felt during the visit in the lyrics of the song.

Returning to Binh Dinh, he composed the song “Di tim nguoi hat Ly thuong nhau” which has then become well-known. His song “Nang am que huong” (sunshine in the hometown) about Thai Binh province is another famous one.

Many VOV’s listeners always ask for the broadcast of his songs, particularly “Dep mai ten anh” (the image of soldiers is beautiful forever). An composed the song after the country’s liberation. It not only praises Vietnamese soldiers but shows the features of folk music in perfect harmony.

Vinh An was born in Binh Dinh, the cradle of Tuong (Vietnamese classical drama) art; therefore, it seems that his works were much impressed with features in Tuong art. It is also said that this is because he got married Dam Lien, a Tuong artist.

He composed more than 300 songs and many works for instrumental music. Also, An wrote lyrics for folk melodies. He is called “the person of folk songs” or “the musician of countryside”. (VOV)