Jay Chou

Jay Chou was born on January 18, 1979, in New Taipei City, Taiwan, with ancestral roots in Yongchun County, Quanzhou City, Fujian Province. His father was a biology teacher at Tamkang Senior High School, and his mother was an art teacher at the same school. The family shared a close sibling relationship and was known as a "literary family." Growing up in an environment rich in books and culture, he was immersed in a scholarly atmosphere from a young age. At age four, he began studying the piano, encouraged by his mother Ye Huimei, who introduced him to music by enrolling him in the Tamkang Shan Ye Children's Music Class. During his secondary school years, due to his personality traits and his parents' divorce, Jay was raised by his mother.

In 1997, encouraged by his mother, he participated in the Taipei Starlight Television program "Super Newcomer King," making his debut with the original song "Dreams Have Wings," expressing his musical ambitions. Later that year, he obtained a position as a music assistant at Alpha Music. In 1998, he composed the song "Tears Know," which was not officially released but helped him gain experience in music creation. In 2000, Yang Junrong showed great interest in his work, investing 20 million New Taiwan Dollars and recommending him to start a professional music career.

In 2000, Jay Chou released his debut solo album "Jay," in which he took on the roles of composer, arranger, and producer, blending various styles such as R&B and hip-hop, becoming an innovative figure in the Chinese music scene. In 2001, he released his second album "Funtastico," which established his unique musical style by integrating Chinese elements into modern music. He then released several influential albums, including "Octave," "Ye Huimei," "Common Jasmine Orange," "Still Fantasy," and "The Era," each with a profound impact on the Mandopop industry.

Between 2002 and 2005, with works like "Nunchucks," "East Wind Breaks," and "Blue and White Porcelain," he won numerous awards and became a significant figure in the Chinese music scene. He also explored acting, starring in films such as "Initial D" and "Secret," showcasing his versatility. In 2007, he founded JVR Music and made his directorial debut, working on films like "Secret" and multiple concert tours.

In the 2010s, he continued releasing new music and held numerous international tours across Asia and North America. In 2013, he directed the musical film "Love in the Tainai," which achieved cultural and commercial success. Throughout his career, he consistently explored musical innovation by incorporating diverse elements, earning many awards, including the Golden Melody Awards and the World Music Awards. In his personal life, he married Hannah Quinlivan in 2015 and has three children, leading a stable family life. In 2023, it was confirmed that he suffers from ankylosing spondylitis and is gradually recovering. As an important cultural representative of Taiwan, Jay Chou has made outstanding contributions in music, film, and business.