Suthep Wongkamhaeng
Suthep Wongkamhaeng | |
---|---|
สุเทพ วงศ์กำแหง | |
Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand | |
Died | 27 February 2020 Bangkok, Thailand | (aged 85)
Nationality | Thai |
Occupation(s) | Singer, columnist, politician |
Years active | 1953–1993 |
Known for | Famous singer of luk krung music |
Spouse | Pussadee Anakkhamontree |
Children | Ritthikrai Wongkamhaeng |
Suthep Wongkamhaeng (Thai: สุเทพ วงศ์กำแหง, 12 May 1934 – 27 February 2020) was a Thai singer, one of the most famous male singers of the luk krung genre of the 1950s. He made over 3,000 recordings over a career of forty years and was named National Artist in 1990. He also worked as a columnist and politician and briefly served in the Royal Thai Air Force, reaching the rank of pilot officer.
Born in
Early life and rise to fame
Suthep Wongkamhaeng was born on 12 May 1934, in
Suthep worked as a sign painter for about two years after graduating, until a friend invited him to voice act in a radio play he was writing. He was then introduced to composer/songwriter Salai Krailert , and subsequently left the painting job to become Salai's apprentice. He began singing during play interludes, and became acquainted to several composers and songwriters, including Pruang Chuenprayoth , who offered Suthep his first recording opportunity with the song "Duangchai Thi Ro Khoi" (ดวงใจที่รอคอย, 'Awaited Sweetheart'), and Saman Kanchanaphalin and Sunthariya Na Wiangkan , who wrote "Rak Khun Khao Laeo" (รักคุณเข้าแล้ว, 'Falling in Love with You'), the hit song that propelled Suthep to national fame in 1954, at the age of nineteen.[2][3]
Career, later life and death
Suthep enjoyed a period of great popularity, during which he made many recordings and sang live for films, television, and stage productions. However, he soon reached the age of conscription in 1955. He joined the
In 1967, Suthep began writing as a columnist, first about the country's music scene for
In his personal life, Suthep married Pussadee (née Anakkhamontree) in 1967. They had one son, Ritthikrai.[3]
Suthep remained active into his 80s, when his health deteriorated. He had a stroke in early 2019, and was admitted to Siriraj Hospital for over a month due to a blood infection.[4] He died at home in Bangkok on 27 February 2020, aged 85.[5]
Works and recognition
Suthep made over 3,000 recordings of songs (5,000 by some counts
As recognition of his contributions to the genre, Suthep was named a National Artist in performing arts (modern Thai music) in 1990.[10] Other honours he received include five royal Golden Record awards, two Golden Radio awards, and an honorary doctorate from Ramkhamhaeng University in 2000. He was granted the military rank of pilot officer in 2005.[2][9]
References
- ^ a b "สุเทพ วงศ์กำแหง (ขับร้องเพลงไทยสากล)". ฐานข้อมูลศิลปินมรดกอีสาน (Isan heritage artists database) (in Thai). Khon Kaen University. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
- ^ a b c d e f "สุเทพ วงศ์กำแหง: นักร้องลูกกรุงที่มีพรมแดงมีกลีบกุหลาบโปรย". Mix Magazine (in Thai). Retrieved 27 February 2020.
- ^ a b c d e "สื่อมวลชนพันธมิตรนครราชสีมา 'สุเทพ วงศ์กำแหง'บุคคลดีเด่น นักการเมืองสุจริตผู้สร้างความสุข". Korat Daily (in Thai). 17 February 2017. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
- ^ "สุเทพ ติดเชื้อในกระแสเลือด เส้นเลือดในสมองตีบ หมองดเยี่ยม". Khaosod (in Thai). 23 January 2019. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
- ^ a b "Thailand's iconic "Look Krung" crooner Suthep Wongkamhaeng dies at 86". Thai PBS World. 27 February 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
- ^ "Crooner Suthep Wongkamhaeng dies at 86". Bangkok Post. 27 February 2020. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
- ^ Eamsa-Ard, Lamnao (2006). Thai popular music: The representation of national identities and ideologies within a culture in transition (PhD thesis). Edith Cowan University. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
- ISBN 9780810875258. Retrieved 3 April 2017.
- ^ a b "'ตามรอยแพรบนฟองเบียร์' 80 ปี สุเทพ วงศ์กำแหง". Post Today (in Thai). 15 September 2013. Retrieved 27 February 2020.
- ^ "ศิลปินแห่งชาติ: นาย สุเทพ วงศ์คำแหง". National Artist (in Thai). Ministry of Culture. Retrieved 27 February 2020.