Quick Facts
Biography
Yan Weiwen (simplified Chinese: 阎维文; traditional Chinese: 閻維文; pinyin: Yán Weíwén; born August 1957) is a contemporary Chinese opera singer with origins in the People's Liberation Army. He rose to fame through this involvement in the performing arts troupe of the PLA's General Political Department.
Yan has four signature works: "The Little Poplar Tree" (小白杨), "Mother" (母亲), "From the Bottom of my Heart" (说句心里话), and "The 1-2-3-4 Song" (一二三四歌). Yan has performed all four songs on the annual CCTV New Year's Gala, to critical acclaim.
Biography
Yan was born in Pingyao County, Shanxi Province in 1957 (some sources say he was born in Taiyuan). Yan entered Shanxi Song and Dance Troupe when he was 13. At age 15, he joined the Chinese People's Liberation Army. He studied music under Zhang Xiao, Wei Jinrong, Jin Tielin and Cheng Zhi.
Personal life
Yan has a daughter named Yan Jingjing (阎晶晶).