"Folk Song Prince" Albert Au's Vinyl Treasure Trove: Your Old Records Are Worth More Than You Imagine!

Au Shui-keung's vinyl records are not merely discs carrying beautiful melodies; they are also a microcosm of a golden age in Hong Kong's music scene, possessing rich historical significance and potential collectible value. In the world of music boxes , we deeply understand the importance of these treasures, and today we'll explore together why Au Shui-keung's vinyl records are so worthy of being treasured and rediscovered.

Au Shui-keung: The Enduring Imprint of Hong Kong Folk Songs

Albert Au is an iconic figure in the Hong Kong music scene, hailed as the "Prince of Folk Songs" and the "Father of Hong Kong Folk Songs." With his warm, mellow voice and simple, elegant musical style, he has accompanied generations of Hong Kong people through their lives. His musical philosophy is to rediscover deeper values ​​through emotional resonance. Since his debut in the 1970s, Albert Au has been singing for over 50 years.

Au Shui-keung's musical journey began in a family that owned a building materials store on Portland Street in Mong Kok. He spent his childhood at a boarding school in Sai Kung. He almost became a dentist and even went to the Philippines to study dentistry, paying for the tuition himself, but ultimately gave it up because of his love for music. He rose to fame playing the guitar, and after graduating from secondary school, he began singing full-time in steakhouses, mainly singing English songs. In 1973, he sang for the first time as a solo artist on TVB's "Enjoy Yourself Tonight," thus launching his radio and record career.

Au Shui-keung vinyl records

From dentist to guitar instructor, and then to legendary DJ

Before recording albums, Au Shui-keung was already a popular guest performer and guitar instructor. He taught many students, sometimes dozens or even hundreds at a time. His passion and skill with the guitar laid a solid musical foundation for him.

Albert Au is not only a singer, but also a legendary radio DJ. His radio career began with a serendipitous encounter. While narrating the TVB variety show "Good Times," his outstanding improvisational performance caught the eye of Ng Sik-fai, who invited him to join RTHK as a DJ. His folk song program "The Country Folk Song Collection" was a huge success, and he later hosted the morning program "Albert Au" for ten years. Currently, he remains an important member of RTHK Radio 2, hosting "2000 Great Songs Reunion" and "Albert Au". In his programs, he sings and talks with top Hong Kong singers, performing nostalgic Chinese and English classics, which is very popular with Chinese listeners worldwide.

"The Returnee on the Road": A Milestone in Record Sales and a Folk Song Craze

Albert Au released his first English album, *This is Albert Au*, in 1977, successfully entering the English-speaking market. However, what truly made him famous and a household name was his first Cantonese album, *The Return of the Strangers*, released in 1979. With its simple melodies, sincere and natural vocals, and lyrics written by renowned lyricist Cheng Kwok-kong specifically for the RTHK radio drama of the same name, this album became an instant hit, selling over 200,000 copies, even reaching an astonishing 300,000! At the time, this sales figure made him the top-selling singer in Hong Kong and sparked a strong folk song craze.

Besides "The Return of the Strangers," Au Shui-keung has many other popular classic songs, such as "Fishing Lights," "Love in the Sunshine and Air," "Water and Clouds," "A Thousand Peaks Beyond the Clouds," "Meeting in Childhood," and "Reunion That Day." His voice is full of emotion and easily resonates with listeners. For decades, Au Shui-keung has been dedicated to promoting the development of Hong Kong folk music, adhering to a simple and elegant musical style, and possessing delicate and refined singing skills.

"Audiophile Choice": The Unique Charm of Au Shui-Keung Vinyl Records

In the world of Hi-Fi audiophiles, Albert Au is a highly respected male singer, hailed as a representative of "male vocal masterpieces." His records are particularly suitable for testing audio systems, and this unique status further enhances the collectible value of his vinyl records.

Au Shui-keung once released the "Folk Song Flavor" album series, which was specially produced for audiophiles. They used simple guitar strumming to reinterpret familiar old Mandarin and Cantonese songs, creating an unforgettable nostalgic atmosphere while also serving as a test of audio quality. This extreme pursuit of sound quality makes their vinyl records highly sought-after treasures by audiophiles.

Au Shui-keung's musical dreams have never stopped, and he holds a solo concert almost every year. In 2023, he held the "50‧50 Classic Concert" to commemorate the 50th anniversary of his first appearance on TVB's "Enjoy Yourself Tonight". In 2025, he will celebrate his 70th birthday with the "70 Big Show" concert. He has always shared his songs and stories with the fans who have grown up with him, not only in Hong Kong, but also in the Greater Bay Area and other places around the world with Chinese communities.

Au Shui-keung Records


Unveiling the Collectible Value of Ruiqiang Vinyl Records: Edition, Rarity, and Condition

In the world of music boxes, we understand that assessing the value of vinyl records is a science. For iconic Hong Kong singers like Albert Au, the potential value of their vinyl records should not be underestimated. There are three main factors influencing the value of vinyl records: edition, rarity, and condition .

1. Version: The soul of a record

The "version" is the primary key factor in determining the value of vinyl records. The same album may have multiple different release versions, and their value may differ by tens or even hundreds of times.

  • First Pressing : Refers to the first edition of an album that was pressed and released. The first edition usually has the closest sound quality to the master tape and is relatively rare, possessing irreplaceable historical significance and being the ultimate pursuit of collectors. For Au Shui-keung's vinyl records, especially his classic Cantonese albums, such as the first edition of "The Return of the Strangers," the value is particularly high.
  • Reissue : A later release. While generally less valuable than the first edition, some early reissues or high-quality enthusiast reissues released by well-known labels (such as PolyGram) also have high collectible value.
  • Regional Editions : The value of editions released in different regions varies. Generally speaking, the first editions released in Hong Kong by Au Shui-keung are the most valuable. Japanese editions, on the other hand, are often favored for their high-quality pressing technology and exquisite printing.

2. Rarity: Scarcity increases value.

Rarity directly affects the market price of records. Some special releases increase in value due to their scarcity.

  • Limited editions and special editions : such as colored vinyl, picture discs, and "white label promos" used for radio promotions, are usually more valuable than regular vinyl versions due to their limited release. Au Shui-keung's "white label promos" are considered rare treasures by collectors.
  • Iconic Artists and Classic Albums : As the "Prince of Folk Songs," Au Shui-keung's classic albums are in high demand and have consistently commanded high prices.
  • Banned or special background versions : Records that were banned or recalled during a specific period due to controversies such as lyrics or cover design have become rare and highly sought-after items on the market due to the stories behind them and their rarity.

3. Condition: The final verdict on value

The condition (preservation) of a record is the key factor determining its final resale price. Internationally, the Goldmine grading system (M, NM, VG+, VG, G, P) is commonly used to assess condition.

  • Cover Condition : The cover is the first impression of a record. We carefully check for ring wear, intact corners, tears, graffiti, or water stains. A near-mint (NM) cover can greatly increase the value of a record.
  • Record Condition : The record itself is the core. We will check for scratches on the surface. Are they minor hairline scratches or deep scratches that would cause skipping? Is the record flat and free of warping? These directly affect the playback quality and collectible value.
  • Original Inserts : A complete record should include all original inserts, such as lyric sheets, posters, photo cards, etc. For Japanese editions, the paper strip called the "OBI Strip" is especially important, with a huge price difference between those with and without it. Au Shui-keung's "The Return of the Strangers" all come with lyric sheets, and some even come with posters.
Au Shui-keung vinyl records


A summary of Au Shui-keung vinyl record market conditions

Au Shui-keung's vinyl records remain active in the secondhand market, with many rare finds. Through actual market transactions, we can see the value of his records:

  • "The Return of the Strangers" (1979) : This classic album is available on vinyl. Prices vary considerably depending on the condition and completeness of the record.

    • A copy of "The Stranger Returning Home" described as "90% new, well-preserved, with a new plastic sleeve and lyrics sheet" was once sold for HK$300 .
    • Another vinyl record, titled "Returning Home on the Road," is listed as "rarely used, plays normally" and priced at HK$135 .
    • There is also an old edition of "The Strangers Returning Home" LP, which is in "good condition, with minor scratches, 90% new, slightly worn cover, with lyrics and poster," priced at HK$100 .
    • Even "second-hand" copies of "The Stranger Returning Home" are available, priced at HK$130 .

  • Homecoming vinyl record : One copy in "good condition, cleaned and inner sleeve replaced, the record has visible but not affecting playback light scratches, only lyrics paper, no poster" priced at HK$90 .

  • The "Gulangyu" LP vinyl record : A "nearly new" "Gulangyu" record was sold for HK$300 . Another "good condition" older version vinyl record with lyrics was priced at HK$200 .

  • "The Sound of Wind and Rain" vinyl record : This album's vinyl record has a higher price tag, with a "less used" record priced at HK$1,000 .

  • Oh Carol vinyl record : One copy of Oh Carol in "good condition, unopened" is priced at HK$520 .

  • "12 Favorite Tracks" LP Vinyls : A seller claims this is a "private collection, first edition, almost brand new", priced at HK$250 .

  • "Her Name is SHANGHAI" (12' Single) LP : A "less frequently used" 12-inch single vinyl record is priced at HK$400 .

  • "Teenage Dreams" vinyl record : A "rarely used" "Teenage Dreams" vinyl record is priced at HK$650 .

  • "Connecting Music Lines" LP vinyl record : A "rarely used" "Au Shui-keung white vinyl record" is priced at HK$500 . This price reflects the rarity and value of "white discs".

  • Au Shui-Keung vinyl record set : A seller is offering "five Au Shui-Keung vinyl records" in "fair condition". Except for "Beyond the Clouds and Peaks" which has shallow scratches on both sides, the other records are unblemished. The paper sleeve is slightly worn. The price is HK$800 .

  • Compilation or Special Edition :

    • The vinyl record "EMI Power Disc 1986" featuring songs by Albert Au is priced at HK$250 .
    • "81-82 PolyGram Gold Record Special" vinyl LP, featuring songs by singers such as Albert Au, priced at HK$200 .
    • "City Folk Songs by Kwan Ching-kit, Au Shui-keung, Lo Wan-na, Lui On-na, Peng Jian, and Sin-yu An-an on Vinyl Records", priced at HK$100 .
    • "Uncle Ray's 70th Anniversary in Broadcasting - Always On My Mind (Vinyl Record + CD) (Limited Numbered Edition)" includes Au Shui-keung's "The Stranger Returns Home", brand new, only opened for photos, priced at HK$450 .

It is worth noting that there are also comprehensive advertisements on the market for "old CDs, Chinese CDs, vinyl records, and cassette tapes from the 80s and 90s" with prices as high as tens of thousands of Hong Kong dollars. These high prices are usually for a large list of collectibles, rather than the price of a single region's Ruiqiang vinyl record, but they reflect the overall market value of collectibles of Chinese pop music from the 80s and 90s.

In summary, Au Shui-keung's vinyl records, especially his classic albums such as "The Return of the Strangers," limited editions, or collectibles in excellent condition, can fetch market values ​​ranging from tens to thousands of Hong Kong dollars, or even higher. These vinyl records are not only music carriers but also precious items that carry the collective memories of a generation.

Music Box: Your Trusted Expert in Vinyl Recycling

At " Music Box ," we deeply understand the stories and emotions behind every vinyl record. Au Shui-keung's vinyl records are not only valuable collectibles but also important testaments to the development of Hong Kong's music scene. Our team is familiar with the vinyl market and will provide you with the most professional and attentive evaluation service, whether it's a standard edition or a rare uncirculated copy.

Determining the value of a Hong Kong vinyl record requires extensive knowledge and experience. We are committed to providing honest and transparent buyback services, ensuring your music collection receives the fairest and most reasonable valuation. If you have any vinyl records by Au Shui-keung or other Hong Kong singers that you wish to sell, or would like to understand their potential value, our " Music Box " is definitely a trustworthy choice.

Take action now and discover the potential value of your vinyl treasure trove!

That Au Shui-Keung vinyl record that's been gathering dust in your home for so long might just be the "vinyl treasure" you've been searching for! Don't wait any longer, contact the professional team at " Nine Music Boxes " via WhatsApp now for a free appraisal and evaluation of your vinyl collection. Let these precious records, filled with memories, be given a new lease on life in their new owners, continuing to convey their unique musical charm and stories!

Business Name: Music Box Contact Information WhatsApp: (852) 69043974

Back to blog

Leave a comment