He Dashai (Ho Ta-shai)

Biography

He Dashai was born in 1897 in Sanshui, Guangdong province, originally named He Furu. At age 10, he moved to Hong Kong with his sister and attended St. Paul's College, where he studied Cantonese music and Cantonese opera under prominent teachers. He became a pioneering figure in Cantonese music and is celebrated as one of the "Four Heavenly Kings of Cantonese Music." In 1915, he co-founded the "Bell Sound Charity Association" with his schoolmates, which became one of Hong Kong's most renowned charitable organizations. At age 20, he recorded his first Cantonese opera disc with the Da Zhong Hua record company and went on to record with major labels. He entered the film industry in the early 1930s, appearing in around 110 films as both actor and composer. His first film appearance was in "Midnight Shot" (1932), and he composed music for films such as "The Modern Bride Sequel" (1935). He created notable musical works including "The Peacock Spreads Its Tail" and "Butterfly Among Flowers." He was also a member of the famous swimming "Stars Team." He passed away on June 15, 1957, in Hong Kong, leaving two sons and two daughters; his eldest son, He Shangren, also became a musician.