Bùi Thị Phương Thanh (born 27 April 1973), is a Vietnamese contemporary singer. She is one of the most renowned singers from Vietnam. Thanh is known for her diverse styles, especially when performing on stage. She also possesses a unique, unusual singing voice, gaining her recognition throughout the Vietnamese community as well as the music business. Biography Thanh was born in a rural part of the Thanh Hóa Province, Vietnam, the second youngest of seven siblings in a disadvantaged family. When Thanh was six years old, her family moved to Ho Chi Minh City, formerly known as Saigon. Her father died when she was thirteen. The Bui family went through financial problems following her father's death without his financial support of the family. Thanh attended Lê Quý Đôn High School. There, Thanh focused on acting, fashion and music, much to her mother's initial disapproval. She took part in every contest to do with show business, and to earn money to support her family. Until the end of 1991, Thanh lived in obscurity. Her luck changed when a friend invited her to work for the youth movement and join the Labor Theatre House, a Vietnamese club for young singers. Thanh had a strong desire to sing. Her performing was excellent and her voice appealing and she soon found herself singing at wedding parties and restaurants all around Vietnam. She was not yet a star, but her family's economic situation improved greatly. She would ultimately become one of the most renowned Vietnamese female singers. Tam ca Sao Dem (The Night Star Trio) Even though Thanh was doing very well, critics said her style needed improvement. In 1993, she joined the singing group "Tam ca Sao Dem" (The Night Star Trio) and had the opportunity to be heard by songwriter Bao Phuc. From that time, Thanh received guidance from Bao Phuc, who trained her to be a successful singer - teaching music and performance techniques as well as fashion classes. Thanh was so enthusiastic that she decided to follow a professional career in music, and ultimately started a solo career. Solo career Shortly after, Phuong Thanh found her own unique style: rock combined with a formidable and whole-hearted voice. She was well received by her audiences. The beauty of her voice won even the most critical of listeners. With songs like "Giã Từ Dĩ Vãng" (Farewell to the past), "Trống Vắng" (Emptiness), "Tình