Tatsuro Yamashita facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Tatsurō Yamashita
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| 山下 達郎 | |
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Yamashita in 1988
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Tatsurō Yamashita (山下 達郎)
February 4, 1953 Ikebukuro, Toshima, Tokyo, Japan
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| Nationality | Japanese |
| Other names | King of City Pop |
| Occupation | Singer-songwriter, record producer |
| Years active | 1975–present |
| Spouse(s) | |
| Children | 1 |
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| Instruments | Vocals, guitars, piano, keyboards, drums, percussion |
| Labels | AIR, Moon, Niagara, RCA, RVC, Warner Music Japan, EastWest Japan, MMG |
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Tatsurō Yamashita (山下 達郎, Yamashita Tatsurō), born on February 4, 1953, is a famous Japanese singer, songwriter, and music producer. He is often called the "king of city pop" because he helped create this popular music style.
One of his most famous songs is "Christmas Eve." This song became a huge hit in Japan in the 1980s. It has been on the Japanese music charts for more than 35 years in a row!
Tatsurō Yamashita often works with his wife, Mariya Takeuchi, who is also a well-known musician. They have created many songs together, including "Plastic Love". He also collaborated with American songwriter Alan O'Day on songs like "Your Eyes" and "Magic Ways."
Many people see Yamashita as a very important artist in Japanese music. He is even ranked among the top Japanese artists by HMV Japan.
Contents
His Music Journey
Tatsurō Yamashita started his music career in the band Sugar Babe. They released their only album, Songs, in 1975. After the band broke up in 1976, Yamashita began his solo career. His first solo album, Circus Town, came out that same year.
In 1979, his album Moonglow was recognized with an award. Then, in 1980, his song "Ride on Time" became a big hit, reaching number 3 on the Japanese music charts. The album with the same name then topped the charts, making him a star.
What is City Pop?
Tatsurō Yamashita's music, especially albums like Ride on Time and For You from the early 1980s, is a great example of "city pop." City pop is a type of Japanese music that became popular in the late 1970s and 1980s. It often has a smooth, upbeat sound with influences from funk, R&B, and disco music. It often reminds listeners of city life, summer, and driving.
A Talented Musician
Yamashita is known as a "sound craftsman" because he is very dedicated to making music. He is a multi-talented musician who sometimes records entire songs by himself. This means he does everything: singing, playing guitar, keyboards, drums, and percussion. He knows a lot about both old-school (analog) and new (digital) recording techniques. He also uses the latest music production technology, including computer programming.
The Success of "Christmas Eve"
"Christmas Eve" is one of Yamashita's most famous songs in Japan. It first appeared on his 1983 album Melodies. The song became incredibly popular, topping the charts in 1990. Since then, it has appeared in the top 100 Japanese charts every Christmas season. It was also famously used in commercials for JR Central's "Xmas Express." The song has sold nearly 2 million copies and is still sold as a special edition every Christmas. An English version of the song, with lyrics by Alan O'Day, has been covered by many artists around the world.
As a solo artist, Tatsurō Yamashita has released many albums and singles. He is one of the most successful Japanese male solo artists in history, selling about 9 million albums in total. He has also written music for movies and TV commercials.
Personal Life
Tatsurō Yamashita is married to Mariya Takeuchi, another famous Japanese musician. They got married in 1982 and have one daughter.
Images for kids
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Yamashita in 2005
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See also
In Spanish: Tatsurō Yamashita para niños
