Chinese singer Liu Huan, known for “Heroes’ Song” and performing at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, died in Shanghai on Sept 25, at age 63. His death, attributed to illness, was confirmed by the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) and the Mango V Foundation, with no public funeral arrangements planned.
Liu Huan, a celebrated Chinese musician and educator, passed away in Shanghai on September 25, at the age of 63. According to obituaries from the University of International Business and Economics (UIBE) and the Mango V Foundation, he died of illness, though the specific cause was not disclosed. Xinhua reported that Liu Huan died of illness, while UIBE confirmed the time and location of his death but did not identify a particular medical condition. The university described his death as a major loss to both the university and China’s music community, highlighting his contributions as a singer, composer, and mentor.
Chinese singer Liu Huan, who performed Heroes’ Song, dies
From Stage to Classroom: A Lifelong Commitment to Music
Liu Huan’s career spanned decades, blending Chinese and Western musical traditions. Born in Tianjin in August 1963, he studied French literature at the University of International Relations in Beijing and first attracted attention in 1985, when he stood out in singing competitions in English and French among students from Beijing universities. He rose to fame in the 1980s with hits like Young Ambition Knows No Sorrow and The Curved Moon, but his most internationally recognized work came in 2008, when he performed “You and Me,the Beijing Olympics’ official theme song, alongside British soprano Sarah Brightman. His voice also became synonymous with the 1998 TV series The Water Margin, where he sang the theme
Heroes’ Song.”
Beyond performance, Liu dedicated over 30 years to music education. He joined UIBE in July 1991 as a teacher in its art education program, later rising to associate professor before retiring in September 2023. He taught Western music history, a popular course that drew large numbers of students, and composed the university’s anthem. His influence extended to mentoring young artists, including his role as a mentor on Sing My Song, which he initiated in 2014, and The Voice of China (2012) and its rebrand Sing! China (2017). In 2019, he donated 20 million yuan ($2.8 million) to establish the Liu Huan Original Music Fund with the Mango V Foundation, aiming to support young Chinese-language original musicians, with 1 million yuan donated yearly afterwards.
Veteran Chinese musician Liu Huan dies at 63
No Public Farewell: A Simple Arrangement
Following Liu’s death, UIBE confirmed that his funeral would be kept simple, in accordance with his wishes. No public farewell ceremony or memorial service was planned, a decision echoed by the Mango V Foundation. The university’s statement emphasized his legacy as a musician who combined education, composition, and singing, while the foundation pledged to continue his annual charitable contributions. Reports from Xinhua and other outlets noted that Liu Huan died of illness. However, no official details about his medical condition were released. His family, present at the time of his death, has not commented publicly.
A Legacy in Song and Scholarship
How Did Liu Huan Die? Chinese Singer Who Performed
Liu Huan’s impact extended beyond his recordings. At UIBE, his Western music history course was a student favorite, and his compositions became widely known in China. Colleagues and students praised his dedication to music education, composition and singing. The Mango V Foundation, which partnered with Liu on his music fund, stated that his annual donations would continue in accordance with his wishes. Liu’s vision was to support young Chinese-language musicians, a foundation representative said.
What’s Next for His Music and Legacy?
While no immediate plans for tributes or retrospectives have been announced, Liu’s works are likely to remain in the public sphere. His 2008 Olympics performance, in particular, is expected to be revisited in discussions of China’s cultural milestones. For now, the focus remains on his contributions to music education and the continued operation of the Liu Huan Original Music Fund. Liu was also married to Lu Lu, a host for Hunan TV, in 1988 and shares a daughter with her, born in 1991.