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Profile | How Cantopop singer-songwriter George Lam stayed popular for 5 decades – by being himself

  • Lam released his first solo album in 1976, had hits through the 70s and 80s, sang jingles for TV ads and dramas, and still performs at 76

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Singer-songwriter and actor George Lam has been a Hong Kong favourite since the 1970s, releasing numerous hit songs and appearing on TV and in films. Photo: SCMP
This is the 29th instalment in a biweekly series profiling major Hong Kong pop culture figures of recent decades.
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George Lam Chi-cheung is one of the most prolific Cantopop singer-songwriters of all time.

The entertainment veteran, also affectionately known to fans as Ah Lam, rose to prominence in the late 1970s and early 1980s with hits like “Need You Every Minute” and “Ah Lam’s Diary”.

Now 76 years old, the singer is still actively performing, and often seen showing off his wide vocal range in television programmes and yearly concerts.

George Lam (left) performs at a celebration for the Philippines’ National Day in 1977. Photo: SCMP
George Lam (left) performs at a celebration for the Philippines’ National Day in 1977. Photo: SCMP

Born in 1947 in Hong Kong, Lam developed his love for music at a young age. He completed his early education at Diocesan Boys’ School, but after failing his School Certificate Examination, his parents decided to send him to the UK for further studies.

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During his time there, Lam was the lead singer and guitarist for a student band called The Midnighters.

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