James Wong Jim
James Wong Jim (Chinese: 黃霑; Jyutping: wong4 zim1; Cantonese Yale: wòhng jīm; 18 March 1941 – 24 November 2004, also known as "霑叔" or "Uncle Jim") was a Cantopop lyricist and songwriter based primarily in Hong Kong. Beginning from the 1960s, he was the lyricist for over 2,000 songs, collaborating with songwriter Joseph Koo (a.k.a. Koo Kar-Fai) on many popular television theme songs, many of which have become classics of the genre. His work propelled Cantopop to unprecedented popularity.
James Wong Jim | |||||||||||
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| Born | Wong Jum-sum 18 March 1941 Panyu, Guangzhou, Republic of China | ||||||||||
| Died | 24 November 2004 (aged 63) Union Hospital, Hong Kong | ||||||||||
| Other names | James Wong Wong Jim Uncle Jim | ||||||||||
| Alma mater | University of Hong Kong (ph.D, mPhil ,Upper second class honoured B.A.) | ||||||||||
| Occupations |
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| Years active | 1962–2004 | ||||||||||
| Spouses | Wah Wa
(m. 1967; div. 1976)Winnie Chan (m. 1995) | ||||||||||
| Partner(s) | Eunice Lam (1976–1990) | ||||||||||
| 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 | ||||||||||
| 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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He was also well known in Asia as a columnist, actor, film director, screenwriter, and talk show host. He took part in creative directing positions within the entertainment industry in Hong Kong.
Wong died on 24 November 2004 of lung cancer after a four-year battle at the age of 63.