Jay Chou
Jay Chou (born January 18, 1979) is a Taiwanese singer, songwriter, record producer, actor, and director. He is considered one of the most successful and influential singers in the Chinese-speaking world. Chou has sold over 30 million albums worldwide, making him one of the best-selling artists of all time. He has also won numerous awards, including 15 Golden Melody Awards, 10 World Music Awards, and 5 MTV Asia Awards.
Chou was born in Taipei, Taiwan. He began learning piano at the age of four and later studied at the Taipei Municipal Jianguo High School. In 1997, he was signed to Alfa Music and released his debut album, Jay, which was a commercial success. Chou's second album, Fantasy (2001), was even more successful, selling over 1 million copies in Taiwan. His third album, The Eight Dimensions (2002), was also a commercial success and helped to establish Chou as a major star in the Chinese-speaking world.
Chou's subsequent albums have continued to be successful. His fourth album, Ye Hui Mei (2003), was the best-selling album of the year in Taiwan. His fifth album, November's Chopin (2005), was also a commercial success and helped to further solidify Chou's status as a major star. Chou's sixth album, Still Fantasy (2006), was another commercial success and helped to further cement his status as one of the most popular singers in the Chinese-speaking world.
In addition to his music career, Chou has also acted in several films, including Initial D (2005), Curse of the Golden Flower (2006), and The Green Hornet (2011). He has also directed two films, Secret (2007) and The Rooftop (2013).
Chou is known for his eclectic musical style, which incorporates elements of pop, rock, R&B, and classical music. He is also known for his innovative use of music videos, which often feature elaborate sets and complex storylines.
Chou is a highly respected figure in the Chinese-speaking world. He is considered to be a role model for young people and is often praised for his work ethic and his commitment to his craft. Chou is also a philanthropist and has donated millions of dollars to various charities.
In 2015, Chou married Taiwanese actress Hannah Quinlivan. The couple have two children together.