James Wong Jim facts for kids
James Wong Jim (born March 18, 1941 – died November 24, 2004), also known as "Uncle Jim," was a very famous songwriter and lyricist from Hong Kong. He wrote the words for over 2,000 songs, especially for a type of music called Cantopop. He often worked with composer Joseph Koo, and together they created many popular TV show theme songs that are still loved today.
Besides writing songs, Wong Jim was also known in Asia as a writer, actor, film director, and TV host. He helped shape the entertainment industry in Hong Kong. He passed away in 2004 at the age of 63 after battling lung cancer.
Quick facts for kids
James Wong Jim
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| 黃霑 | |||||||||||
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| Born |
Wong Jum-sum
18 March 1941 Panyu, Guangzhou, Republic of China
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| Died | 24 November 2004 (aged 63) Union Hospital, Hong Kong
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| Other names | James Wong Wong Jim Uncle Jim |
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| Alma mater | University of Hong Kong (ph.D, mPhil ,Upper second class honoured B.A.) | ||||||||||
| Occupation |
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| Years active | 1962–2004 | ||||||||||
| Spouse(s) |
Wah Wa
(m. 1967; div. 1976)Winnie Chan
(m. 1995) |
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| Partner(s) | Eunice Lam (1976–1990) |
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| Children | 3 | ||||||||||
| Awards | Hong Kong Film Awards – Best Original Film Score 1988 A Chinese Ghost Story 1991 Fight and Love with a Terracotta Warrior 1992 Once Upon a Time in China 1995 Butterfly Lovers Best Original Film Song 1988 A Chinese Ghost Story 1991 The Swordsman Golden Horse Awards – Best Original Song 1992 Once Upon a Time in China II |
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| Musical career | |||||||||||
| Origin | Hong Kong, China | ||||||||||
| Genres | Cantopop | ||||||||||
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| Chinese name | |||||||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 黃霑 | ||||||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 黄沾 | ||||||||||
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| Wong Jum-sum | |||||||||||
| Traditional Chinese | 黃湛森 | ||||||||||
| Simplified Chinese | 黄湛森 | ||||||||||
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Contents
Early Life and Education
Wong Jim was born Wong Jum-sum in Panyu, China, in 1941. His family moved to Hong Kong in 1949.
He went to La Salle College for high school. In 1963, he finished his studies at the University of Hong Kong. He later earned a Master's degree in 1983 for his research on Cantonese opera. In 2003, while fighting lung cancer, he earned a PhD from the University of Hong Kong. His PhD paper was about the history of Cantopop music.
Career and Contributions
Wong Jim worked in many different areas like advertising, movies, and music. People called him a "genius" because he was so talented. He was best known for writing lyrics for Cantonese songs in Hong Kong. Starting in the 1960s, he wrote words for over 2,000 songs. He often worked with composer Joseph Koo on many popular TVB TV drama theme songs. Many of these songs became classic hits. His work helped Cantopop become very popular.
Wong was also known for his creative work in advertising. For example, he created the famous slogan "Two kids are good enough" for The Family Planning Association of Hong Kong.
He hosted several TV shows, mostly interviews and talk shows for adults. One popular show was "Off-guard Tonight," which he hosted with his friends Chua Lam and Ni Kuang.
Even though he was a keen singer, he only released one album. This was partly because his singing voice had a limited range. In the 1990s, Wong's creative work became less popular. He decided to go back to the University of Hong Kong to study popular culture. His research paper is now in the university library.
Wong Jim passed away on November 24, 2004, in Hong Kong. His funeral was private, as he wished. However, many people in Hong Kong remembered his amazing career and achievements. News of his death was a major headline, and his songs were played everywhere. Over 15,000 people attended a special remembrance ceremony at Hong Kong Stadium.
Personal Life
Wong Jim was married twice and had three important relationships. He had three children with his first wife, singer Wah Wa. Their sons were Wong Yue-hon and Wong Yue-man. Their daughter, Ursule Wong, was born after their marriage ended.
Wong often said that Eunice Lam, a writer, was the most important love of his life. They lived together from 1976 to 1990 but never married. Eunice Lam was also a radio host and the sister of lyricist Richard Lam. She passed away from cancer in 2018.
Wong's second marriage was to his long-time assistant, Winnie Chan. They were married until his death, but she preferred to stay out of the public eye.
Famous Songs with Lyrics by James Wong
James Wong wrote the lyrics for many well-known songs, including:
- It's a Small World (世界真細小) – Chinese version
- Below the Lion Rock (獅子山下)
- The Bund of Shanghai (上海灘) – theme song from the TV series The Bund (1980)
- When I'm Asked (問我)
- Tao (道) – theme song for the movie A Chinese Ghost Story
- A laugh in blue sea (滄海一聲笑) – theme song for The Swordsman
- A Man Should Stand Strong (男兒當自強) – theme song for the Once Upon a Time in China movies
- No need to remember old dreams (舊夢不須記)
- Childhood(童年)
- Work Hard (奮鬥)
- In the Sentimental Past (當年情) – theme song from the movie A Better Tomorrow (1986)
Awards and Achievements
Wong Jim received many awards for his work in music and film.
Music Awards
- 1981: Forget Him (忘記他) – Best Cantopop song, RTHK
- 1982: Both are forgotten in the mist (兩忘煙水里) – Best Cantopop song, RTHK
- 1989: Best Lyricist, Hong Kong Artist Awards
- 1990: Golden Pin Award, RTHK
- 1991: Hall of Fame, RTHK (Radio and Television Hong Kong)
- 2000: Hall of Fame Award, CASH (Composers and Authors Society of Hong Kong)
- 2002: Hall of Fame Award for 25th Anniversary, RTHK
Film Awards
- 1987: A Chinese Ghost Story – Best Original Score and Best Film Song, 7th Hong Kong Film Awards
- 1990: The Terracotta Warrior – Best Original Film Score; and The Swordsman – Best Original Film Song, 10th Hong Kong Film Awards
- 1991: Once Upon a Time in China – Best Original Film Score, 11th Hong Kong Film Awards
- 1992: Once Upon a Time in China II – Best Original Song, Golden Horse Award (Taiwan)
- 1994: Butterfly Lovers – Best Original Film Score, 14th Hong Kong Film Awards
Filmography as Actor
James Wong also acted in many films and TV shows. Some of his roles include:
- In-Laws, Out-Laws (2004)
- Visible Secret (2001)
- Flirting Scholar (1993) – Mr. Wah
- Iron Monkey (1993) – Governor Cheng
- The Twin Dragons (1992) – Twins' Father
- The Banquet (1991) – Food Vendor
- Tiger on Beat (1988) – Police Inspector Jim Pak
- Games Gamblers Play (1974)
See also
- List of graduates of University of Hong Kong
