Chinese popular music icon Liu Huan signed a new deal with Universal Music Greater China (UMGC) on Feb. 11 to bring his timeless classics to global audiences.

Chinese singer-songwriter Liu Huan. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Greater China]

A prolific songwriter and dedicated music educator, Liu has made significant contributions to the evolution of Chinese pop music. A new multi-year deal with UMGC unites his recording and publishing rights for the first time, aiming to preserve his musical legacy and amplify the global impact of Chinese music.

"It is a privilege to entrust my life's work to UMGC, a partner that respects the integrity of music and understands its profound value," Liu said. "I am confident that this collaboration will not only expand the reach of my works but also allow them to resonate more deeply and widely. UMGC's commitment to promoting the global impact of Chinese culture aligns perfectly with my lifelong aspirations. I am excited to see how our joint efforts will enable global audiences to experience the richness and beauty of Chinese culture through our music."

As Chinese pop music took shape in the 1980s, Liu Huan emerged as a trailblazer with hits like "The Crescent Moon" and "Young Aspiration Knows No Sorrow." In the 1990s, he became a national icon through his work on the hit television series "Beijinger in New York" and the TV adaptation of "Water Margin," one of China's four classic novels. In the 2010s, Liu composed and performed the acclaimed soundtrack for the award-winning TV series "Empresses in the Palace." More recently, he created the theme song for the sci-fi blockbuster "The Wandering Earth" and a promotional track for the global gaming phenomenon "Genshin Impact."

Liu's status as a cultural icon is reflected in performances that have defined important moments in China's modern history. In 1990, he collaborated with singer Wei Wei to perform "Mighty Winds of Asia," a song dedicated to the 11th Beijing Asian Games. In 2008, he took center stage at the Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, performing "You and Me" alongside British soprano Sarah Brightman in a duet watched by billions worldwide.

Beyond his performing career, Liu Huan has dedicated himself to nurturing talent and promoting original music. In 2012, he mentored aspiring artists on "The Voice of China," and in 2014, he led the reality show "Sing My Song," which spotlighted original music and singer-songwriters. In 2019, he launched the Liu Huan Original Music Fund to support Chinese singer-songwriters and promote innovation in the music industry.

In making the announcement, Timothy Xu, chairman and CEO of Universal Music Greater China, said: "We are deeply honored to stand alongside Liu Huan as his chosen partner, supporting him in this exciting new chapter of his illustrious career. His ability to create music that speaks to the soul of a nation is unparalleled, and his enduring artistic vitality makes him truly one of a kind. With his trust, we are committed to celebrating his musical legacy, and together, we aim to promote the development of Chinese music industry, continuing to elevate the global impact of Chinese culture."