What position does Hong Nhung have in Trinh Cong Son's music and life?

These days, audiences often mention Dao Anh, Thanh Thuy, Bich Diem, Khanh Ly... as muses who passed through Trinh Cong Son's life and music. Another muse who holds an important position is singer Hong Nhung - who was close to the late musician in his final years.

According to photographer Duong Minh Long, who used to live with Trinh Cong Son and holds nearly 7,000 unique photos of him, there were countless women who passed through Trinh's life, but the one who made him happiest and most manly was Hong Nhung.

Hong Nhung first met Trinh Cong Son in 1991 in Ho Chi Minh City. At that time, she was in her twenties, while the talented musician was entering his twilight years.

That day, Hong Nhung was humming the song "Quietly here" when Trinh Cong Son approached, rolled up one of Hong Nhung's loose sleeves, and sang along with her to avoid forgetting the lyrics.

Trinh Cong Son's feelings for the little girl from Hanoi were once encapsulated in the song "Lullaby, sit still, I'll find a love for you". Therefore, when the young girl sulked and returned to Hanoi, Trinh Cong Son was extremely sad.

Hong Nhung also confirmed the connection between her and Trinh Cong Son: "There is definitely love between the two of us, but what that love is like, I keep it to myself."

The photo is considered legendary of Trinh Cong Son and Hong Nhung when both of them sat on the stairs, above is a photo of famous singer Khanh Ly. Photo: Duong Minh Long

Sharing about her close relationship with musician Trinh Cong Son, Hong Nhung once said: "It was really lucky that during the last 10 years of musician Trinh Cong Son's life, I was able to be close to him."

Both were friends with friends, students with teachers, singers with musicians. Because they were so close, Trinh Cong Son once fondly said: "Miss Bong is so close that I don't know what to call her."

In 1993, Hong Nhung released an album of Trinh's music and pursued a completely different style from the "monument" Khanh Ly of that time. However, she was still accepted by the audience, partly thanks to the support of the author of "Tuoi Da Buon".

"Hong Nhung renews my songs. Some people like it, some don't. However, I like it because it's a new way of expression that fits the rhythm of the times - a new romance" - Trinh Cong Son once spoke out when Hong Nhung renewed her music.

In the last few days of his life, when he knew he was very ill, Trinh Cong Son refused to meet women, but when Hong Nhung came, Trinh Cong Son still met her. They had lunch together and that was the last time they saw each other.

For 10 years, a veil of mystery and controversy has always covered the relationship between Trinh Cong Son and Hong Nhung, from the age gap, the unnamed relationship and the way Ms. Bong renewed Trinh's music.

With the three songs "Bong Bong oi" (1993), "Bong khong la Bong" (1995) and "Thuo Bong la nguoi" (1998), the audience can somewhat understand the position of "Miss Bong" Hong Nhung in the heart of the talented musician.