Jonathan Lee (musician)

1.1. Early Life and Education

Jonathan Lee was born on July 19, 1958, in Beitou, Taipei, Taiwan. His formative years coincided with the burgeoning "campus folk song" era in Taiwan during the 1970s, which significantly influenced his early musical development. While in high school, he co-founded the folk music group "Wood Guitar" with two friends, marking his initial foray into the music industry.

1.2. Beginning of Music Career

The "Wood Guitar" band gained recognition with their 1980 song "End of Movie" (散場電影_{sànchǎng diànyǐng}^Chinese), released after signing with PolyGram Records. Lee's talent as a producer became evident in 1982 when he produced "Light Rain Just Comes in Time" (小雨來的正是時候_{Xiǎoyǔ láide zhèngshì shíhou}^Chinese) for Zheng Yi, which became an instant hit. The eponymous single "Light Rain Just Comes in Time" topped Taiwan's main music chart for 13 consecutive weeks, while the first single "End," a duet with Yvonne Jeng written, composed, and sung by Lee, also achieved massive popularity. This early success solidified his reputation as a music producer. He is considered one of the pioneering musicians who facilitated the transition from the Campus song movement of 1977-1981 to Taiwan's contemporary Mandopop era.

1.3. Rise to Prominence at Rock Records

In 1984, Jonathan Lee joined Rock Records, a move that proved pivotal for both him and the label. He is widely credited with transforming Rock Records into one of Asia's foremost independent music labels. Lee's vision and prolific output paved the way for the golden era of Chinese pop music throughout the 1990s and 2000s. During this period, he composed and produced numerous classic hits that continue to be popular today, achieving impressive sales records and earning him multiple accolades. His exceptional ability to craft popular songs led to him being hailed as the "million-dollar producer" and regarded as the "Godfather of Mandopop." His songs resonated deeply with and touched hundreds of millions of Chinese-speaking music fans globally, cementing his status as one of the most successful and sought-after record producers in the Chinese pop music scene.

2.1. Producer Activities

Jonathan Lee's extensive work as a record producer is a cornerstone of his legacy. He has been instrumental in the success of many prominent artists, crafting numerous hit songs and albums. His productions include:

• Sarah Chen's "Dream to Awakening" (夢醒時分_{Mèngxǐng shífēn}^Chinese) and "Talk to You, Listen to You" (跟你說 聽你說_{Gēn nǐ shuō tīng nǐ shuō}^Chinese)
• Jackie Chan's "The Sincere Hero" (真心英雄_{Zhēnxīn yīngxióng}^Chinese) and "How Can It Be?" (怎麽會_{Zěnme huì}^Chinese)
• Wakin Chau's "You Make Me Happy and Sad" (讓我歡喜讓我憂_{Ràng wǒ huānxǐ ràng wǒ yōu}^Chinese), "Day Lilies" (忘憂草_{Wàngyōucǎo}^Chinese), and "Direction of the Heart" (心的方向_{Xīn de fāngxiàng}^Chinese)
• Jeff Chang's "Love is Like Tidal Wave" (愛如潮水_{Àirú cháoshuǐ}^Chinese) and "Worrying" (心事_Xīnshì^Chinese)
• Sandy Lam's "It Doesn't Matter Who I Am" (不必在乎我是誰_{Bùbì zàihū wǒ shì shéi}^Chinese), "Scar" (傷痕_Shānghén^Chinese), and "Because of You I am Blown by Cold Wind" (為你我受冷風吹_{Wèi nǐ wǒ shòu lěng fēngchuī}^Chinese)
• Winnie Hsin's "Understanding" (領悟_Lǐngwù^Chinese) and "Realization" (領悟_Lǐngwù^Chinese)
• Karen Mok's "Overcast" (陰天_Yīntiān^Chinese) and "Twelfth Floor" (十二樓_Shí'èrlóu^Chinese)
• Fish Leong's "Growing Up" (一夜長大_{Yīyè chángdà}^Chinese)
• Aska Yang's "Pure" (原色_Yuánsè^Chinese)
• Ann Bai's "What's Next" (接下來是什麼_{Jiē xiàlái shì shénme}^Chinese)
• Li Jianqing's "Still An Outlander" (仍是異鄉人_{Réng shì yìxiāngrén}^Chinese)

These works demonstrate his ability to create poetic and deeply resonant songs that often represent the feelings of listeners, particularly women.

2.2. Solo Music Career

In addition to his prolific work as a producer for other artists, Jonathan Lee has maintained an active career as a solo singer-songwriter, releasing several albums and notable individual songs. His solo albums include The Spirit of Life (1986), Works of Jonathan Lee 1984-1989 (1989), 2 X Man Life / Jonathan Lee & Lowell Lo (1993), and Reluctantly (1994). Later releases included Hope (1993), Works of Jonathan Lee (1999), Rock Records Hong Kong Golden Ten Years - Jonathan Lee's Selection (2003), Love Theory - The Price of Love (2004), and Rationality and Sensibility - Works Concert (2007). After a hiatus focusing on his guitar brand, Lee made a significant return in July 2013 with the single "Hills" (山丘_Shānqiū^Chinese). His solo compositions "Jonathan's Song" (2011) and "Hills" (2013) were both recognized as "Song of the Year" and "Best Lyricist" at the 22nd and 25th Golden Melody Awards in Taiwan, respectively.

2.3. Collaborative and Group Projects

Jonathan Lee has engaged in various collaborative musical endeavors throughout his career, most notably as a member of the supergroup "Superband". Formed in 2009 with three other iconic artists from Rock Records - Wakin Chau, Luo Dayou, and Chang Chen-yue - Superband quickly became a significant force in Mandopop. The group's Chinese name, "Zong Guan Xian" (縱貫線_{Zòngguànxiàn}^Chinese), was inspired by the main north-south railway network of Taiwan, symbolizing their journey and connection across the region. Superband was active from 2008 to 2010, embarking on extensive tours and releasing EPs such as North Bound (縱貫線北上列車_{Zòngguànxiàn Běishàng Lièchē}^Chinese) in September 2009 and Go South (縱貫線南下列車_{Zòngguànxiàn Nánxià Lièchē}^Chinese) in April 2010.

2.4. Film and Television Music Production

Lee has made significant contributions to the film and television industries through his production of original soundtracks, theme songs, and scores. He has collaborated with acclaimed directors such as Hou Hsiao-hsien, Sylvia Chang, Jackie Chan, and Chen Kaige. His film-related works include the scores for Growing Up (1983), The Boys from Fengkuei (1983), Ah Fei (1984), and Listen to Me (1987). He produced original soundtracks for Princess-D (2002) and 20/30/40 (2004). Notable film theme songs include "Sisters of the World Unite" (1991), which was nominated for a Hong Kong Film Awards "Best Original Film Score," as well as contributions to Police Story 3: Super Cop (1992), Three Summers (1992), and Dream Flight (2014).

For television, Lee produced numerous theme and ending credit songs:

• 1991: "Farewell" (TV drama) for Taiwan Television (TTV).
• 1991: "Ordinary Man" (凡人歌_{Fánrén Gē}^Chinese) and "Eternal Love Like Ocean" for the TV drama Eternal Love Like Ocean (碧海情天_{Bìhǎi Qíngtiān}^Chinese) on TTV.
• 1992: "Infatuation" for The Last Emperor (TV drama) on TTV.
• 1993: "Happy Like Gods" for Young Heroes (TV drama) on TTV.
• 1993: Theme and ending credit songs for Happy Building (TV drama) on Chinese Television System (CTS).
• 1994: Ending credit song for Chivalry Under the Blue Sky (TV drama) on TTV.
• 1996: Ending credit song for The New Longmen Roadhouse (TV drama) on TTV.

2.5. Other Ventures

Beyond his musical endeavors, Jonathan Lee has ventured into other creative and consulting roles. In 2002, he founded his own guitar brand, "Lee Guitars," and has since been personally involved in the design and production of hand-made guitars. From 2013 to 2016, Lee served as the Chief A&R Consultant for Sony Music in Greater China, contributing his expertise to artist and repertoire development. He was also a driving force behind introducing the renowned Blue Note Jazz Club to Beijing, China, hoping to bring great American jazz music, culture, and musicians to the Chinese-speaking world. In September 2016, Lee participated in the grand opening of Blue Note in Beijing alongside famous American jazz pianist and composer Chick Corea.

In September 2017, it was announced that the Tony-winning Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, would assist in developing "Road to Heaven: The Jonathan Lee Musical." This original Chinese musical, to be presented in both Mandarin and English, is based on music written by Lee and adapted from a novel by Li Xiuwen. The English lyrics were penned by Tony Award winner Richard Maltby Jr., with a book by John Dempsey. The musical was planned for a world premiere in Shanghai in 2018, with subsequent English-language productions anticipated in New York and other U.S. cities.

2.6. Concert Activities

Jonathan Lee has embarked on numerous successful concert tours throughout his career, both as a solo artist and with Superband. His major solo tours include the "Sense and Sensibility World Tour" (2006-2009), which spanned 11 shows. From 2013 to 2015, he undertook the "Even If Youth Is Never Lasting" world tour, commencing in Taiwan and visiting dozens of cities across China, Singapore, Malaysia, Australia, the U.S., and the U.K.. This tour included two consecutive performances at Lincoln Center in New York, a pioneering achievement for a Chinese-speaking musician, and a concert at London's famed Royal Albert Hall, marking another first for a Taiwanese musician.

With Superband, Lee participated in an extensive "Superband World Tour" from 2009 to 2010, performing 58 shows. Reports indicated that these concerts generated over 460.00 M TWD in earnings in 2009 alone. More recently, on October 3, 2023, Jonathan Lee performed a concert at the Nippon Budokan in Japan, where he was joined by surprise guests, including Wakin Chau and ASKA.

2.7. Radio Program Activities

Jonathan Lee has also contributed to broadcasting as a radio host and DJ in Taiwan. He hosted "Talking Past Each Other" on Taiwan's Police Broadcasting Service (PBS), for which he was nominated for a Golden Bell Awards in the "Popular Music Radio Program" and "Best Radio DJ" categories. He also hosted "Appointment After Dusk" on PBS. Later, he hosted "Musician" on i like radio (part of the Broadcasting Corporation of China), which earned him the Golden Bell Award for Best Radio DJ.

3.1. Key Productions

3.2. Solo Discography

Singles:

• 2013 - "Hills" (山丘_Shānqiū^Chinese)

3.3. Group Discography

Works with Superband:

3.4. Film and Television Soundtracks/Theme Songs

• 1983: Growing Up
• 1983: The Boys from Fengkuei
• 1984: Ah Fei
• 1987: Listen to Me
• 1991: Sisters of the World Unite - nominated for Hong Kong Film Awards "Best Original Film Score"
• 1991: Farewell (TV drama) - theme song / TTV
• 1991: Eternal Love Like Ocean (碧海情天_{Bìhǎi Qíngtiān}^Chinese) (TV drama) theme and ending credit songs - "Ordinary Man" (凡人歌_{Fánrén Gē}^Chinese) and "Eternal Love Like Ocean" / TTV
• 1992: Police Story 3: Super Cop
• 1992: Three Summers
• 1992: The Last Emperor (TV drama) theme song - "Infatuation" / TTV
• 1993: Young Heroes (TV drama) theme song - "Happy Like Gods" / TTV
• 1993: Happy Building (TV drama) theme and ending credit songs / CTS
• 1994: Chivalry Under the Blue Sky (TV drama) ending credit song / TTV
• 1996: The New Longmen Roadhouse (TV drama) ending credit song / TTV
• 2014: Dream Flight

3.5. Songs for Advertisements/Commercials

• 1986: Little Cook Instant Noodles - Beef Flavor
• 1987: Laurel Frozen Dumpling
• 1989: Sprite and Coca-Cola
• 1990: PECOS Soy Milk
• 1991: FUJI COLOR Fuji Films
• 1992: Yamaha Corporate Song
• 1992: China Airlines
• 1992: Paolyta-B (energy drink)
• 1993: HeySong Sarsaparilla Drink
• 1993: BMW
• 1993: Maxwell House Coffee
• 1999: Suntory Whisky
• 2016: Apple China - "Send you a Spring Festival Song"

4.1. Film Appearances

• 1983: Growing Up (小畢的故事_{Xiǎobì de gùshì}^Chinese)
• 1983: The Boys from Fengkuei (風櫃來的人_{Fēngguì láide rén}^Chinese)
• 1984: Ah Fei (油麻菜籽_{Yóumá càizǐ}^Chinese)
• 1985: My Favorite Season (最想念的季節_{Zuì xiǎngniàn de jìjié}^Chinese)
• 1986: The Lock of Hearts (心鎖_Xīnsuǒ^Chinese)
• 1987: Listen to Me (我有話要說_{Wǒ yǒu huà yào shuō}^Chinese)
• 1988: Friendly Shock (Yaya) (天崩地裂_{Tiānbēng dìliè}^Chinese)

4.2. Television Appearances

• 1985: What / TTV
• 1990: Sunday Fever - Apocalypse (variety show) / TTV

7.1. Cultural Impact

Jonathan Lee's profound influence on Mandopop music and broader Asian popular culture is undeniable. As the "Godfather of Mandopop," he not only produced countless hit songs but also nurtured the careers of many emerging artists, effectively shaping the sound and direction of Chinese pop music for decades. His ability to craft deeply personal and universally relatable lyrics, particularly for romantic and breakup songs, earned him the moniker "Prince of Love Songs." His compositions are admired for their poetic quality and their ability to articulate the feelings of listeners, especially women. Lee's iconic status in the Chinese music world has ensured that his songs continue to influence artists across Asia and resonate with hundreds of millions of Chinese-speaking music fans worldwide, making him a pivotal and enduring figure in the cultural landscape.

7.2. Critical Evaluation

Critically, Jonathan Lee is consistently lauded as one of the most influential and respected figures in Mandopop. His career, spanning from the 1970s campus folk era to the present day, is marked by a consistent output of high-quality work and an uncanny ability to identify and cultivate talent. From the mid-1980s to the mid-1990s, he was widely regarded as Taiwan's premier songwriter. His leadership at Rock Records transformed the label into a dominant force in Asia, and his efforts paved the way for the genre's golden age. His contributions have been recognized through numerous prestigious awards, affirming his standing as a master songwriter, producer, and performer whose artistic impact is celebrated across the Chinese-speaking world.