Nguyen Van Ty was born in 1925 into a musical family in the central city of Vinh. His father was known for his mastery of many genres of folk music such as ca trù (ceremonial singing) and chèo (popular opera). Ty studied at the National School of Vinh, where he distinguished himself through his singing and acting skills. He became a musician thanks to the support of his father, his French teacher, a Spanish priest, and a Chinese guitarist.

Ty joined the revolution in 1945 and started his music career two years later. He wrote more songs, including “Season of flower blossom” and “The colors of furrow” after he was appointed head of the art troupe of Division 304. In 1957, Ty and others celebrated composers such as Nguyen Xuan Khoat, Do Nhuan, Luu Huu Phuoc, and Van Cao were asked to establish the Vietnam Composers’ Association. Artist Hoang Trung Dung, who used to work for the Liberation Radio station, said: “Nguyen Van Ty was admired and respected by his colleagues and music fans. His works reflect different development periods of Vietnam”.

Influenced by folk music, Ty’s songs have a soft and heart-touching melody. Emeritus Artist Ngoc Bau from the Voice of Ho Chi Minh City People, who has performed a lot of Ty’s compositions, said: “Nguyen Van Ty wrote many songs in praise of the love for the homeland. I love his songs so much”.

The image of Vietnamese women is embedded in many of Nguyen Van Ty’s songs, such as “Mother’s love” and “The song of Vietnamese women”. His love songs and songs in praise of working people have transcended generations.

Ty was awarded the Ho Chi Minh Prize for Literature and Arts in 2000. The prize, named after President Ho Chi Minh, is one of the highest honors bestowed by Vietnam.