How did Kwan Ching-kit transform his music career from a folk song band member to the "righteous god of songs" in the Cantonese music scene?

Chapter 1: The Musical Seeds from a Young Folk Band to an Architect

Michael Kwan Ching Kit was born in Hong Kong on March 27, 1949. His musical journey began in his early school years. He attended St. Paul's Co-educational College, where he formed a folk band called "The Swinging Minstrels" with Ho Kwok-hei and two other classmates. They mainly sang English folk songs and won first place in the 8th Hong Kong Amateur Singing Contest (vocal ensemble category) in 1967 with Peter, Paul and Mary's "Man Come Into Egypt". That same year, they also won second place in the Star Daily's Talent Quest music competition. During this period, they even recorded a mini-album, *Talent Time '67 Winners*, covering Peter, Paul and Mary's "Early In The Morning" and "Settle Down".

After graduating from Form 7 at St. Paul's Co-educational College in 1967, Kwan Ching-kit enrolled in the Department of Architecture at the University of Hong Kong. During this time, he also recorded a solo single, "Cecilia/Ain't That Rain," for EMI. He also appeared on TVB's "Fang Fang's Melody" program and wrote a column in the Hong Kong Television Weekly teaching classical guitar. After graduating from university in 1973, Kwan Ching-kit became an architect. At this time, music seemed to be a hobby for him, but his musical seeds had already quietly sprouted.

Guan Zhengjie

Chapter Two: The Journey of Cantonese Songs: The Turning Point from "I Like You" to "A Real Man"

Kwan Ching-kit's Cantonese music career began in 1975. At that time, Mr. Choi Wo-ping joined RTV and invited Kwan Ching-kit to host their inaugural music program, "Audiovisual Choi Wo-ping." In each episode, Kwan Ching-kit would sing a Cantonese song adapted from a Western pop song. The first song was "I Like You," an adaptation of Don McLean's famous song "And I Love You So," with Chinese lyrics written by Cheng Kwok-kong. This song can be said to have paved the way for Kwan Ching-kit's Cantonese music career.

What truly catapulted Kwan Ching-kit to fame was 1976. He sang the theme song "Da Zhang Fu" (Big Man), composed by Liu Chia-chang, for the blockbuster film "Jump Ash." This song remains popular to this day, solidifying his position in the music industry. Starting that year, he began singing theme songs for TVB and CTV as an amateur singer, primarily focusing on martial arts themes, such as "The Legend of the Condor Heroes" and "The Legend of the Modern Heroes."

Chapter Three: The Era of TV Series Songs: Establishing the Image of the "Upright" God of Songs

At the end of 1978, Kwan Ching-kit released his first solo album, "The Legend of Modern Heroes." Around the same time, RTV (Rediffusion Television) invited him to sing the theme song for the drama series "The Chameleon," which became an instant hit. This also established a regular working relationship between Kwan Ching-kit and RTV's go-to lyricist, Lo Kwok-cheung, and composer, Lai Siu-tin. Lai Siu-tin once said that based on Kwan Ching-kit's voice, he would write more songs for him that conveyed "righteousness" and "chivalry."

In 1979, Kwan Ching-kit joined PolyGram Records and released his solo Cantonese album, *The Legend of the Condor Heroes*. His singing career steadily progressed thereafter, even though he remained an architect by profession. At that time, Hong Kong's music production standards were still developing, and albums rarely shared a unified and distinctive style. Kwan Ching-kit's early albums mostly featured theme songs from TV dramas, often paired with adaptations of famous foreign songs, such as "Love in the Snow" (adapted from Tai Chiu-mei and Shih Pik-wu's "If"), "Silent Relationship" (adapted from The New Christy Minstrels' "Today"), and "Star" (adapted from Shinji Tanimura's "Subaru").

His records sold extremely well. His albums *The Legend of the Heavenly Silkworm*, *The Legend of the Heavenly Dragon*, *A Man in the Jianghu*, and *The Land of Kindness* all received local platinum certification from the Hong Kong IFPI. The songs "The Legend of the Heavenly Silkworm," "Broken Dream," and "Tears Shed on the Journey" (a duet with Lui On-na) were selected as one of the Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs at the Top Ten Chinese Gold Songs Awards Ceremony. In 1979, he also received the "Top Ten Singers Gold Camel Award," the only singer selection event in Hong Kong during the 1970s.

In 1981, due to personnel changes at RTV, Kwan Ching-kit switched to TVB. His contract with TVB included a promise that his performances would only appear on TVB screens. After joining TVB, his songwriting team for drama series songs also changed. His regular producer became Yeung Kiu-hing, and the composer became TVB's music director, Joseph Koo, along with lyricists such as Wong Jim and Cheng Kwok-kong. The themes were mostly "historical dramas." Representative works include "Across a Thousand Mountains and Rivers," "How Much Sorrow in Love," "Two Hearts Forgot in the Misty Waters" (a duet with Kwan Kuk-ying), and "Drunken Red Dust." In addition, his non-film and television songs also achieved great success, earning Kwan Ching-kit several music awards. These include the ballad "Always in My Heart," a cross-border collaboration with Taiwanese singer Huang Lu-yi (in some sources mistakenly written as a Singaporean singer); "Fisherman's Song at Dusk," derived from traditional Chinese music; and "Heavenly Sounds...Legend of the Milky Way," an electronic synthesizer arrangement that evokes a sense of boundless space. Kwan Ching-kit also composed music for his albums, including "On the Field," "Ode to the Plum Blossom," and "Sooner or Later, We'll Be a Couple." During this period, his Hong Kong IFPI-certified local platinum records included "Kwan Ching-kit's Greatest Hits," "Heroes Emerge from the Young," "Kwan Ching-kit Concert," "The Legend of Xu Zhu in the Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils," "Always in My Heart" (his first time participating in production work), and "Heavenly Voice."

Guan Zhengjie's "This Autumn"

Chapter Four: Peaks and Honors: The Public Image of a Reclusive Singer

Although Kwan Ching-kit is a low-key person who doesn't like publicity, his records are extremely popular. He has released 18 albums, 10 of which achieved platinum status. For example, "Heroes Emerge from the Young" achieved platinum status within two days of its release in 1981 and sold out, a record that remains unbroken to this day. His songs are full of positive energy, and coupled with a clean record of zero negative news over the years, he has a "righteous" image. Writer Lam Yin-nei once described his voice as "refined and elegant," and his handling of the emotions in the lyrics and music as "delicate and melodious," and his stage presence as "like a shy college student." Music blogger Muzikland also pointed out that his voice is not the powerful type, and his performance style often incorporates soft and breathy tones, resulting in a unique and charming style.

Due to his positive and wholesome image, Kwan Ching-kit has been invited to sing numerous charity songs, such as "A Little Candlelight" (a special song for the 1981 Hong Kong International Year of Persons with Disabilities), "A Voice" (theme song for the 1985 Hong Kong District Council elections), and "The Spark of Fire" (theme song for the 1985 International Year of Youth). In 1982, he was selected as one of Hong Kong's Ten Outstanding Young Persons for his achievements in the entertainment industry and his contributions to community work. In 1985, he was awarded an honorary medal by the United Kingdom.

Chapter Five: Farewell to the Music Scene: Choosing Retirement Between Family and Architecture

In 1984, Kwan Ching-kit left PolyGram and joined Concord Records. He again participated in the production of his debut album, *Kwan Ching-kit*, and composed five songs himself. The album was described as "middle-class elegance" and "peaceful." His subsequent album, *'85 Kwan Ching-kit*, broadened his musical range, increasing the proportion of upbeat songs. Unfortunately, neither of these albums received the same critical acclaim as his PolyGram era.

In 1986, Kwan Ching-kit switched to EMI Records and released the mini-album (EP) "The Revelation of the Clam," a duet with Lowell Lo and Au Shui-keung, which was considered his comeback work. In the same year, he released the album "Revelation," returning to the image and singing style of his later PolyGram days. Unfortunately, the album received a lukewarm market response, and he disappeared from major music award ceremonies.

In 1988, Kwan Ching-kit released his final album, "An Autumn." He continued to participate in some musical activities afterward, and sang three television drama theme songs between 1989 and 1990 (none of which were recorded on any albums). He officially retired from the music scene after appearing on the New Year's Eve program "Together We Create 90" on December 31, 1989. His departure was without notice, and he did not hold a farewell concert. In the early 1990s, Kwan Ching-kit moved with his family to Seattle, USA, to continue his construction business.

Over the years, many media and music industry figures, including Joseph Koo, Ni Binglang, and Yip King-kau, have tried to persuade him to make a comeback or appear as a guest performer, but he has refused. His university senior and former manager, Chow Leung Suk-yee, revealed that Kwan Ching-kit and his wife are both architects who became developers after immigrating to Seattle. He refused to return because "I haven't sung in a long time! I need to practice singing for a concert!" He loves singing, but he loves his architectural career and family even more, and he is indifferent to fame and fortune. It is rumored that he also immigrated partly because he feared the 1997 riots. Joseph Koo personally drove from Vancouver to Seattle to persuade him to return, but Kwan Ching-kit said he had retired and didn't want to appear in public anymore. He is also a computer enthusiast. This "righteous singing god" chose to retire, leaving behind countless classic songs and the memories of his fans.

Chapter Six: The Priceless Treasure of Vinyl Records and Their Market Value

In the world of music boxes , we deeply understand the value of vinyl records, especially the works of legendary singers like Kwan Ching-kit. They are not just music, but also a part of Hong Kong pop culture. In his column "Hi Fi Basics 61: The Secret to the Longevity of Vinyl Records," Lei Ming mentions that many audiophiles consider having over 200 LPs to be "small-scale," 500 to 2,000 to be "medium-scale," 2,000 to 5,000 to be "large-scale," and over 10,000 to be "masterful." He further emphasizes that your LPs are part of your life's assets, and their value appreciates daily.

Today, Kwan Ching-kit's vinyl records command good prices in the market. For example, on Carousell, Kwan Ching-kit vinyl records range in price from HK$300 to HK$195,000. Among them, "Kwan Ching-kit's 'The Land's Grace' vinyl record" is priced at HK$300; ​​"Kwan Ching-kit's Best Songs Selection 1981 PolyGram vinyl (with lyrics and poster) # Well Preserved, Clean, and Complete" is priced at HK$380. New Kwan Ching-kit vinyl records on Taobao are priced between approximately RMB 114.8 and RMB 380, equivalent to approximately HK$124 to HK$410 (based on an exchange rate of approximately RMB 1.08 to HK$1). In the international market, a well-condition EMI or Decca classical LP is priced at a leisurely £12 (approximately HK$117.6), while a brand new one is only £9 (approximately HK$88.2) (based on an exchange rate of approximately £9.8 to HK$1). In the US market, a Mercury Living Presence or RCA "Yin Yang Dog" LP averages from US$300 (approximately HK$2,340) (based on an exchange rate of approximately 7.8 HKD to 1 USD). This is sufficient proof of the collectible value and appreciation potential of vinyl records.

Guan Zhengjie's Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils

Chapter Seven: A Complete Guide to Vinyl Record Maintenance: Secrets to Longevity

As recyclers, we've seen many vinyl records damaged due to improper maintenance. So we'd like to share the correct way to maintain vinyl records so that your treasured collections can be preserved for a long time.

1. Basic Knowledge and Environmental Control

  • Complete Components : A complete vinyl record should include the record itself, an inner vinyl sleeve, an inner paper sleeve, a cover sleeve, and a film sleeve. To maintain the appearance of the cover sleeve, it is recommended to use an additional film sleeve.
  • Hygiene habits : When playing with a LP, you should refrain from smoking and drinking. Always wash your hands before playing, and avoid touching the disc's texture with your fingers. Do not spit when holding an exposed LP.
  • Humidity control : Hong Kong has high humidity, often exceeding 80%, while the ideal humidity for playing on a LP is 60% to 70%. The biggest enemy in high humidity areas is "mold," namely mold, microorganisms, and even moss. Mold will grow on the "land" part of the LP, and smoke, alcohol, and sugary drinks will also cause mold to grow quickly when they come into contact with it.

2. Dry cleaning: Routine maintenance

  • Dusting : Before playing newly purchased vinyl records or a row of records, it is recommended to sweep away the dust with a brush, otherwise it will affect the sound quality.
  • Brush selection :
    • Regular soft-bristled brush : the cheapest, about HK$60 (about NT$250), mainly used to sweep away large dust and hair.
    • Soft cloth brush : approximately HK$156 to HK$192 (approximately NT$650 to NT$800), with better cleaning effect, can stick dust to the brush.
    • Carbon fiber anti-static record cleaning brush : For example, the Ortofon carbon fiber brush, approximately HK$288 (approximately NT$1200). The function of carbon fiber is to eliminate static electricity and reduce dust adhesion. Excessive static electricity will cause dust to accumulate, affecting playback sound quality.
  • Instructions for use : Turn on the record player and let it spin. Gently place the brush on the record and slowly move it along the track. Finally, sweep the dust outwards around the circumference.

3. Wet cleaning: Deep treatment and precautions

  • Avoid wet cleaning : Mr. Lei Ming guarantees with his personal reputation that wet cleaning LPs in Hong Kong will definitely be a disaster. Three months after wet cleaning, the records will become moldy, forming "V-pit grime," which is dirt hardened into a cement-like substance stuck to the bottom of the V-pit. This hardened dirt is insoluble in water and is very difficult to remove.
  • Vacuum suction : The only reliable LP cleaning method is vacuum suction. Keith Monks invented the KMAL vacuum suction LP washer, which uses isopropyl alcohol dissolved in distilled water as a detergent, and then quickly sucks it dry. Modern VPI and Nitty Gritty washer machines also use a similar principle.
  • Emergency handwashing treatment (not recommended for long-term use) :
    • Cleaning agents : Alcohol is not recommended (it will damage the dish), but it can be used once in an emergency. Acetone and vinyl alcohol should never be used. Isopropyl alcohol is safer, but it is not suitable for prolonged use and should not remain on the dish surface for more than 10 minutes.
    • Hand washing steps : First, use a dry brush to remove dirt from the dish surface. Then, use a cotton ball dampened with alcohol to gently wipe the dish in a circular motion, applying more pressure to areas with mold. Remove any mold stains from the label on the dish insert using a separate small cotton ball. After applying the alcohol evenly, quickly wipe the dish surface dry with a dry cotton ball.
    • Wet cleaning kits : There are also vinyl record cleaning kits available on the market, such as the Essentials kit, which costs approximately HK$432 (about NT$1800). This kit includes a carbon fiber brush and cleaning solution. When using, avoid spraying the label. After spraying, allow the cleaning solution to penetrate for 30 seconds, then wipe along the circumference of the record with a microfiber cloth. Do not brush back and forth or side to side to avoid scratching. After cleaning, allow the record to air dry completely before placing it back in the inner bag to prevent mold growth.
  • Stylus cleaning :
    • Dry method : Use a stylus cleaning brush to brush from back to front. Do not brush back and forth or side to side to avoid breaking the stylus. Carbon fiber stylus brushes have anti-static properties and can remove finer dust.
    • Wet cleaning : There are dedicated cleaning solutions available on the market, such as Audio-Technica stylus cleaning solution, which costs about HK$79.2 (about NT$330). The brush bristles are soft, and you should brush from back to front. If the stylus has rubber parts, the cleaning solution should not come into contact with them.

Cherishing Hong Kong sentiments, continuing the life of music

Kwan Ching-kit's musical career is like a condensed history of Hong Kong's pop music scene. From the early folk songs that inspired him, to the rise of Cantonese songs, and then to the glory of TV drama theme songs, he has left a valuable legacy for Hong Kong's music scene with his unique "righteous" image and gentle yet strong voice. His works are not only a combination of melody and lyrics, but also carry the collective memories and sentiments of a generation of Hong Kong people.

At " Music Box ," we firmly believe that every vinyl record is a unique work of art, worthy of being cherished and passed down. If you have any Guan Zhengjie vinyl records, or other historically valuable music collectibles—not just physical vinyl records, CDs, and cassettes, but also stamps, pottery, silver coins, antique wines, watches, luxury goods, calligraphy and paintings, jade, gold, etc.—we welcome you to bring them to us for a free evaluation and quote from our professional team. We will find the best home for your collection in the safest, most reliable, and absolutely confidential way.

Contact Nine Music Box now and give your treasured collection a new lease on life!

Whether you're looking to sell your treasured items, find your favorite vintage pieces, or want to learn more about collectibles, music boxes are always here to serve you.

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Looking forward to working with you to continue the legend of Hong Kong pop culture, making every collectible its "second home"!

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