SANTA MONICA, February 10, 2025 – Universal Music Greater China (UMGC), a division of Universal Music Group (UMG), the world leader in music-based entertainment, today announces an exclusive global agreement with Liu Huan, a legendary artist who has shaped Chinese pop music for four decades. Renowned domestically as the “King of Chinese Pop,” Liu’s enduring hits have defined each era since the 1980s, making him a beloved household name in China.

A prolific songwriter and dedicated music educator, Liu has made significant contributions to the evolution of Chinese pop music scene. This comprehensive multi-year agreement with UMGC marks the first time that Liu’s majority body of work – both recording and publishing rights – will be united under one umbrella. The landmark deal aims to further promote and preserve Liu’s musical legacy, while amplifying the cultural impact of Chinese music globally.

As Chinese pop music began to take shape in 1980s, Liu Huan emerged as a trailblazer, defining the voice of the era with his breakthrough hits like Wan Wan De Yue Liang (The Crescent Moon) and Shao Nian Zhuang Zhi Bu Yan Chou (Young Aspiration Knows No Sorrow). In the 1990s, Liu cemented his status as a national icon through his songs and compositions for the hit television series Beijingers in New York, including the beloved hit Qian Wan Ci De Wen (Time and Time Again). Later in the decade, his performance of Hao Han Ge (The Song of Heroes), the theme song for the TV adaptation of Water Margin, one of China’s Four Great Classical Novels, became a cultural phenomenon. In the 2010s, Liu composed and performed the entire soundtrack for award-winning TV series Empresses in the Palace,which shattered viewership records and sparked nationwide acclaim.

Drawing from traditional Chinese musical styles, Liu’s compositions—such as Feng Huang Yu Fei (The Phoenixes Soar Together)—perfectly complemented the show’s themes and artistry, igniting a wave of enthusiasm for “Guofeng” (Ancient Chinese-style music) among younger generations. The series remains a beloved classic, with frequent re-airings over the past decade that continue to showcase Liu’s enduring musical impact.  More recently, Liu composed the theme song Take the Earth to Wander for the sci-fi blockbuster The Wandering Earth, adapted from Liu Cixin’s novel, and Qing Tong (Bronze), a promotional song for the global gaming phenomenon Genshin Impact, further solidifying his influence as a pioneer in Chinese cultural expression.

Liu’s status as a cultural icon is reflected in performances that have defined pivotal moments in China’s modern history. In 1990, he collaborated with female singer Wei Wei to perform Ya Zhou Xiong Feng (Mighty Winds of Asia), a song dedicated to the 11th Beijing Asian Games, captured the spirit of optimism and ambition of the era. In 2008, Liu took center stage at the Beijing Olympics Game opening ceremony, performing You and Me alongside British soprano Sarah Brightman in a duet watched by billions around the world.

Beyond his career as an artist, Liu Huan has dedicated himself to nurturing new talent and promoting original music. In 2012, he joined the inaugural season of The Voice of China, helping launch the careers of many of his mentees. In 2014, Liu spearheaded the critically acclaimed reality show Sing My Song, which spotlighted original music and introduced a new generation of singer-songwriters, producing a wealth of widely celebrated original songs. Furthering his commitment to musical originality, Liu established the “Liu Huan Original Music Fund” in 2019, a philanthropic initiative to support Chinese singer-songwriters, promoting the development and innovation of China’s music industry.

In making the announcement, Timothy Xu, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Universal Music Greater China, said: “We are deeply honored to stand alongside Liu Huan as his chosen partner, supporting him in this exciting new chapter of his illustrious career. His ability to create music that speaks to the soul of a nation is unparalleled, and his enduring artistic vitality makes him truly one of a kind. With his trust, we are committed to celebrating his musical legacy, and together, we aim to promote the development of Chinese music industry, continuing to elevate the global impact of Chinese culture.”

Liu Huan said: “It is a privilege to entrust my life’s work to Universal Music Greater China, a partner that respects the integrity of music and understands its profound value. I am confident that this collaboration will not only enhance the reach of my works but will also enable them to resonate more powerfully and widely. UMGC’s commitment to promoting the global impact of Chinese culture aligns with my lifelong aspirations. I am eager to see how our combined efforts will allow global audiences to experience the richness and beauty of Chinese culture through our music.”

Adam Granite, Executive Vice President, Market Development of Universal Music Group, added: “At Universal Music Group, we are committed to championing local artistry as part of our vision for a diversified global music culture. Liu Huan is a towering figure in contemporary Chinese music history, and we are proud to support his journey in sharing his extraordinary music with the world.”

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