Liu Huan, a legendary pop artist and music educator, and the Universal Music Greater China, a division of the world-leading music company, Universal Music Group, announced an exclusive global agreement on Feb 11.
It is the first time that a major part of Liu's body of work — both recording and publishing rights — will be united under one umbrella. The deal aims to further promote and preserve Liu's musical legacy, while amplifying the cultural impact of Chinese music globally.
A prolific singer-songwriter and dedicated music educator, Liu has made significant contributions to the evolution of Chinese pop music scene. His enduring hits have defined each era since the 1980s, including Wan Wan De Yue Liang (The Crescent Moon) and Shao Nian Zhuang Zhi Bu Yan Chou (Young Aspiration Knows No Sorrow), making him a beloved household name in China.In the 1990s, Liu cemented his status as a national icon through his songs and compositions for the hit television series Beijingers in New York, including the beloved hit Qian Wan Ci De Wen (Time and Time Again). Later in the decade, his performance of Hao Han Ge (The Song of Heroes), the theme song for the TV adaptation of Water Margin, one of China's Four Great Classical Novels, became a cultural phenomenon.In the 2010s, Liu composed and performed the entire soundtrack for award-winning TV series Empresses in the Palace, which shattered viewership records and evoked nationwide acclaim.
Liu's status as a cultural icon is reflected in performances that have defined pivotal moments in China's modern history.In 1990, he collaborated with female singer Wei Wei to perform Ya Zhou Xiong Feng (Mighty Winds of Asia), a song dedicated to the 11th Beijing Asian Games, capturing the spirit of optimism and ambition of the era.In 2008, Liu took center stage at the Beijing Olympics Game opening ceremony, performing You and Me alongside British soprano Sarah Brightman in a duet watched by billions around the world.
Beyond his career as an artist, Liu Huan has dedicated himself to nurturing new talent and promoting original music.In 2012, he joined the inaugural season of The Voice of China, helping launch the careers of many of his students. In 2014, Liu spearheaded the critically acclaimed reality show Sing My Song, which spotlighted original music and introduced a new generation of singer-songwriters, producing a wealth of widely celebrated original songs. Furthering his commitment to musical originality, Liu established the Liu Huan Original Music Fund in 2019, a philanthropic initiative to support Chinese singer-songwriters, promoting the development and innovation of China's music industry.
"We are deeply honored to stand alongside Liu Huan as his chosen partner, supporting him in this exciting new chapter of his illustrious career. His ability to create music that speaks to the soul of a nation is unparalleled, and his enduring artistic vitality makes him truly one of a kind. With his trust, we are committed to celebrating his musical legacy, and together, we aim to promote the development of Chinese music industry, continuing to elevate the global impact of Chinese culture," says Timothy Xu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music Greater China.
"We are committed to championing local artistry as part of our vision for a diversified global music culture. Liu Huan is a towering figure in contemporary Chinese music history, and we are proud to support his journey in sharing his extraordinary music with the world," says Adam Granite, Executive Vice-President, Market Development of Universal Music Group.
