audio

Long lost 1960s Vietnamese rock, and music for two fortepianos

2021

Writer and producer Sheila Ngọc Phạm tells us the incredible story of Phuong Tâm, a 1960s teenage rock and roll star whose recording catalogue has recently been rediscovered and reissued. Phuong Tâm was one of the first people to sing pop and rock songs in Vietnam. She became infatuated with the music as a child after hearing American radio over the neighbour’s fence. A chance discovery by her adult children inspired an international treasure hunt to track down her lost recordings, which has put her short career back in the spotlight and helps us understand the music of wartime Saigon. Magical Nights - Saigon Surf Twist & Soul (1964-1966) is out now.

Listen to the full episode here.