On the Spring Festival Gala of 1993, Zhao Lirong, Cai Ming, and Guo Da performed "Star Chasers" which is a fond memory for Chinese people. In the sketch, "Xiao Ming" performed by Cai Ming showed his love for the "Four Heavenly Kings", which was a true portrayal of the youth group

Chen Xunan Tang Wenxiao

On the spring evening of 1993, Zhao Lirong, Cai Ming, and Guo Da performed "Star Chasers" which is a beautiful memory for the Chinese people. In the sketch, "Xiao Ming" performed by Cai Ming showed his love for the "Four Heavenly Kings", which was a true portrayal of the youth group at that time:

Zhao Lirong: Who is this? Why hang such a big photo? Isn't this so scary in the house?

Guo Da: These are the "Four Heavenly Kings".

Zhao Lirong: The first of the "Four Heavenly Kings" must be said to be Tota Li Tianwang . So why did you change your appearance?

Guo Da: Mom, the "Four Heavenly Kings" your granddaughter mentioned are not what you are referring to.

Zhao Lirong: Who is talking about that?

Guo Da: The "Four Heavenly Kings" of Hong Kong and Taiwan singers are what the star-chasers call them.

"Four Heavenly Kings" was a hot word in Chinese society in the early 1990s. It has been 30 years since then. As a "experienced person", the author thought that it would not be difficult to know the origin of this title. However, after checking the historical materials, I found that all kinds of information were mixed and inconsistent. This aroused great interest in the author, so he set out to research the origin of this title to fill in the gaps.

Prehistory of the "Four Heavenly Kings"

The term "Four Heavenly Kings" comes from Buddhist scriptures. It is recorded in the "Chang Agama Sutra" and "The Different Phrases of Sutras" from the Sixteenth Kingdom to the Southern and Northern Dynasties. It refers to the twenty-fourth century of Buddhism. The four kings of the heavens. In the historical process of the integration of Buddhism and Chinese culture, the "Four Heavenly Kings" have gradually become an important symbol of traditional Chinese culture. They are often used for reference and are used to express their lofty status.

Before the 1980s, the mainstream of Hong Kong's art world was Cantonese opera and Cantonese opera , among which there were many famous artists known as the "Four Heavenly Kings", such as Guangdong music artists Lui Wencheng, Yin Zizhong, He Dasha, He Langping, Cantonese opera flat-throated artists Deng Manwei , Zhang Yue'er, Xu Liuxian, Zhang Huifang, etc. became early examples of the "Four Heavenly Kings" entering the art world.

In the 1980s, Cantonese pop music began to become mainstream. Xu Guanjie, Alan Tam, Leslie Cheung, , etc. were successively called the "King Superstars" and dominated the Hong Kong music scene. However, with Alan Tam announcing that he would no longer participate in any competition-type music programs in 1987, Leslie Cheung bidding farewell to the music scene in 1988, and Xu Guanjie announcing his retirement on February 23, 1992, there was a "vacuum period" in the Hong Kong music scene, and the times were calling for new superstars. Jacky Cheung said that it was the environment of the times that promoted the emergence of the "Four Heavenly Kings". ("Jacky Cheung Memories", China People's Broadcasting Station, Office of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in Beijing : "Interviews with Hong Kong Celebrities", Xinxing Publishing House, 2017 edition, p. 324)

Investigation into the origin of the title of "Four Heavenly Kings"

You need to know this The origin of the title requires a brief understanding of the history of the four from their debut to 1992.

Jacky Cheung (1961- ) made his debut in the "Happy Tonight" competition in 1983. The following year, he participated in the first 18-district Amateur Singing Competition and won the championship. In the same year, Zhang signed a contract with PolyGram, officially debuted as a singer and released his first album "Smile", which sold 200,000 copies. In 1986, the second album "Distant Her AMOUR" was released, with sales exceeding 250,000 copies. The following year, 6 concerts were held in the arena. After that, he continued to be popular with his two albums "Give Me Darling" and "Only Love One Person in My Life" in 1989, and won the "Top Ten Golden Songs of 1991" Golden Melody Award. Three songs were selected into the "Top Ten Golden Songs" and won the "Top Ten Golden Songs of 1991". "Golden Award for Male Singer in the Music Industry" and promoted to the ranks of first-line singers in the music industry.

Andy Lau (1961-). In 1982, when Andy Lau was filming "Go to the Raging Sea", he was encouraged by Lin Zixiang and began to pay attention to the development of his singing career. In 1985, he signed a contract with Huaxing Records and released his first album "I Only Know I Love You Right Now", which was shortlisted for the Best Newcomer Award. In the following four years, six albums including "Emotional Forbidden Zone" and " Back to You " were released. In 1990, Andy Lau transferred to Bao Yixing Records. The sales volume of " can " released that year reached triple platinum. The title song "can it" won the top ten Chinese Golden Melody Awards. In the same year, "If You Were My Legend" was released. Goodbye" was also a hit, helping him win the Top Ten Golden Melody Award and the Most Popular Male Singer Award.In 1991, "Endless Love" and "Days We Walked Together" successively achieved five and six platinum awards. At this time, Andy Lau had become a heavyweight in the music industry.

Leon (1966- ), participated in the "Rookie Singing Contest" in 1986 and won the bronze medal. He joined PolyGram in 1989 and released his first album "Leon" the following year, which won gold record sales on the day of release. In 1991, the second album "Close to You" was released, with sales exceeding 100,000 copies. Another album of the same year, "will you come tonight ", was mainly in Mandarin, opening up the Taiwanese market where Cantonese singers are less involved. " I'm sorry, I love you " also won the "Top Ten Golden Songs of 1991" in one fell swoop. Starting from this year, Liming became a frequent guest on major music pop charts.

Aaron Kwok (1965- ), debuted as a dance artist. In 1990, he became popular with the Kwangyang motorcycle commercial, and then signed contracts with UFO Records and China Star Records. In the same year, he released his first album " can't stop loving you ", which sold over 100 copies in Asia. Ten thousand. In 1991, he released two Mandarin albums, "Should I Walk Away Quietly" and " Who Can Tell Me ", and won the 1991 Radio Hong Kong "Most Promising Newcomer" Gold Award. Singer" Silver Award, and then returned to Hong Kong at the end of 1991, gaining great popularity in the Hong Kong music scene.

From the mid-1980s to early 1992, under the operation of TVB, PolyGram, and China Star Records, four young people began to enter the center of the Hong Kong music scene, and the title of "Four Kings" was about to be announced.

At present, it is recognized by all walks of life that Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau, Liming, and Aaron Kwok were awarded the title of "Four Heavenly Kings" in 1992. However, there are five theories as to when and where it started.

First, "Oriental Daily" said. This theory is the most widely circulated. The classic expression is: "In 1992, "Oriental Daily" publicly jokingly called Andy Lau, Jacky Cheung, Liming, and Aaron Kwok the 'Four Heavenly Kings' for the first time, and the title spread immediately." ( Zhang Xiaonong : " "History of Chinese Vocal Art", Shanghai Music Publishing House 2015 edition, page 445) However, those who hold this theory have not standardized the source. The author tried to check "Oriental Daily News" but failed: on the one hand, the official website of "Oriental Daily News" can only query news since 2011; on the other hand, the Hong Kong Public Library "Hong Kong Old Newspapers" database, University of Hong Kong , Libraries such as the Chinese University of Hong Kong also found nothing, so we can only have doubts.

the second is Zhang Yaorong said. This theory is connected with the Oriental Daily News. The classic statement is: "Andy Lau, Aaron Kwok, Jacky Cheung, and Lai Ming were the most popular Hong Kong singers at that time. "Oriental Daily News" wrote a limerick about this, which caused the "Hong Kong Singing" phenomenon. The interest of the founder of the association, Leslie Cheung, was later collectively referred to as the 'Four Heavenly Kings', which was widely recognized and accepted by the audience." ( Guan Xichao: "How about we start over again: The Biography of Leslie Cheung", Liaoning People's Publishing House 2015. Year Edition, page 163) Leslie Cheung is known as the "Father of Concerts". In 1983, he built the Hung Hom Hong Kong Coliseum, an important symbol of Hong Kong pop music. Singers all regard it as a career honor to perform on the Hung Hom . "Four The Great King" has also received his support and appeared on the Coliseum stage. However, those who hold this theory, like the Oriental Daily News, do not indicate the source, making it difficult to verify its authenticity.

three is Shaw or Fang Yihua said. Shao Fang and his wife are the founders of the "Golden Era" of Hong Kong's entertainment industry. Therefore, some people think that they created the title of "Four Heavenly Kings". The classic expression is: "The selection and titles of the 'Four Heavenly Kings' were also handled by Run Run Shaw." (Chen Gang: "Illustrated History of Chinese Television", Communication University of China Press 2019 edition, page 76) "The selection of the 'Four Heavenly Kings' was also handled by Run Run Shaw." Hong Kong music scene... Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau, Lai Lai, and Aaron Kwok have been recognized by everyone. In 1992, they were named the "Four Kings" of Hong Kong by Hong Kong TVB Executive Chairman Fong Yihua." (Zhang Jianfeng: "Fashion Leisure Hall: Fans", Central Radio and Television University Press 2013 edition, pp. 119-120) There is no conclusive evidence for this statement. It is estimated that it came from the "1992 Top Ten Golden Song Awards" sponsored by TVB Ceremony", at the award ceremony, the songs of the "Four Heavenly Kings" occupied seven seats, especially during the award ceremony, the "Four Heavenly Kings" gold plaques fell behind the four people. This kind of publicity and momentum would not be possible except for TVB head Shao Fang and his wife. It's hard to decide. But this award ceremony was held on January 17, 1993, so it is difficult for Shao Fang to mention it first.

The "Four Kings" at the "1992 Top Ten Golden Songs Award Ceremony"

The fourth one is Alan Tam. Some people think that the title of "Four Heavenly Kings" is "appointed by the veteran king Alan Tam" (Chu Hanchen: "I'm afraid I won't meet again: the love of my life Leslie Cheung", Guangming Daily Publishing House 2013 edition, page 186). It is said that there is no reliable basis, and it should be a misinformation that Alan Tam personally canonized the "New Four Heavenly Kings" in 2004 ("Photograph - Hacken Lee, Xu Zhian, Liang Hanwen and the New Four Heavenly Kings", Sina.com, 2004-12-27, http://ent. .sina.com.cn/p/p/2004-12-27/0230610775.html?from=wap)

Five is Radio Television Hong Kong - Zhang Wenxin said in his doctoral thesis, Huang Zhan proposed Radio Television Hong Kong, "'Radio Television Hong Kong'. Pulling Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau, Liming and Aaron Kwok together, they were designated as the "Four Heavenly Kings" to save the market. "(Huang Zhan: "The Development and Rise and Fall of Cantonese Pop Songs: A Study of Hong Kong Popular Music (1949-1997)", PhD thesis of the University of Hong Kong in 2003, page 167) The origin of this theory lies in the " sun project" launched in 1988 ", this is a large-scale summer event organized by Radio Television Hong Kong with teenagers as the main target. At the 5th "Sun Project" on June 2, 1992, all the "Four Heavenly Kings" participated. "United Daily News" reported: "Andy Lau, Jacky Cheung, Leon Lai and Aaron Kwok, known as the 'Four Kings' in the Hong Kong music scene, finally gathered together for the first time today. " (Yip Wai-lan: "The Four Heavenly Kings Invest in the Sun Project to Plant Love in Hong Kong in Singing and Physical Competition", "United Daily News", June 3, 1992, Page 22) During the event, the emcee Zeng Zhihua repeatedly called the four " "Four Heavenly Kings", such as inviting four people to perform on the same stage, said: "Thank you all the officiating guests, we invite the Four Heavenly Kings to sing with us the theme song of Sun Project 92, 'Solar Spirit'." "("1992 Sun Project - Andy Lau Jacky Cheung and Aaron Kwok Dawn", bilibili, 2019-11-23, https://www.bilibili.com/video/BV1qJ411d7nw?from=searchseid=13888953380327864258spm_id_from=333.337.0.0) In addition, the organizer The "Hong Kong Love-Building Four Heavenly Kings Alliance Ceremony" was also held, further strengthening the symbolic identity of the "Four Heavenly Kings"

The "Four Heavenly Kings" participated in the 92 "Sun Project" event

On June 21, 2013, the retired Assistant Director of Broadcasting of RTHK Zhang Wenxin (then the program consultant of 92 "Project Sun") recalled when attending the launch ceremony of RTHK's digital car roadshow 2013: "So I said there are 'four kings', so I guess they are related to each other. , I'm sorry, everyone guessed Ah Qin and Xu Zhian at that time, so we just pretended to be mysterious. As a result, the names of the "Sun Project" and the "Four Heavenly Kings" lived up to their expectations, and the performance that day was very shocking. It can be said that each of the four people has their own fans. "("[Aaron Kwok] The Father of Golden Melody Reveals the Mystery of the Origin of the Four Heavenly Kings", bilibili, 2019-11-08, https://www.bilibili.com/video/av74911698) Later, Aaron Kwok also agreed with Zhang's statement and said: " I have become one of the Four Heavenly Kings, and I feel that it has given me a great honor and enabled me to have a great development in my music career. So I feel that the opportunity has been given to me, but this is The enlightener, or the people who created these four heavenly kings, is none other than Mr. Zhang Wenxin, who will be retired. "In 2021, Radio Hong Kong also confirmed this statement in a program celebrating its 40th anniversary.("Radio Television Hong Kong 1822 Radio 2 Good Days", 2011, https://app7.rthk.hk/special/r2forty/) In addition to the organizers and participants, Hong Kong music fans also confirmed in their memories that the "Four Kings" "The origin is related to the "Sun Project". Radio Television Hong Kong consultant Ho Chong-en once said: "RTHK successfully created the 'Sun Project' in the past and won the four kings." "Lin Jiadong and Zhou Liqi serve as mentors", " Hong Kong Economic Daily " January 25, 2022) A Hong Kong fan recalled: "The 'Sun Project' is also part of the collective memories of friends of our generation when they were young... ...The title of 'Four Heavenly Kings' seems to have come up casually because Zhang Wenxin was not aware of the announcement of the Solar Project in 1992!" (Sister Mang: "7-25 (wed) Twenty Years of the Solar Project", 2007 -07-25, http://hejnom.blogspot.com/2007/07/7-25wed.html?m=1)

On June 21, 2013, Zhang Wenxin participated in the launch ceremony of RTHK Digital Car Roadshow 2013

In summary, the above five remarks , only Radio Television Hong Kong - Zhang Wenxin's theory is more credible, but the specific time of the "Four Heavenly Kings" should be earlier than the "Sun Project" in June 1992, which was previously proposed by Zhang Wenxin in the propaganda. Unfortunately, it is currently impossible to find the data on that day, so we can only verify it as much as possible.

According to the historical data checked by the author, as late as March 23, 1992, the title of "Four Heavenly Kings" had appeared. According to the "Minsheng Daily" report the next day (March 23): "Recently, he has been praised in the Hong Kong entertainment industry The four "Four Heavenly Kings" - Andy Lau, Jacky Cheung, Lai Ming and Aaron Kwok. Although they are not as prominent in the film industry as Chow Yun-fat and Stephen Chow , they are all celebrities in the music, film and television circles, and each leads the way. , and they are all active figures. There is a lot of news these days, so it seems that the entertainment industry is dominated by the four of them." (Ye Huilan: "Four "young men" in Hong Kong are popular in the film and television industry", "Minsheng Daily". March 24, 1992, 11th edition)

The article describes it as "recently". Based on this, it is speculated that the title of "Four Heavenly Kings" should be no later than March 23, 1992. In addition, the author has been collecting early items related to the "Four Heavenly Kings" for many years. I once purchased a diary from an old bookstall. On the title page, the author wrote the date "February 29, 1992" on pages 1 to 2. The 7 pages are stickers of Aaron Kwok, Andy Lau, Jacky Cheung, and Lai Ming. The words "Four Emperors" are written in handwriting on Aaron Kwok's sticker. From Zhang Wenxin's recollections, we can see that Aaron Kwok was the final link in the formation of the "Four Kings". At the end of 1991, Aaron Kwok, who became famous in Taiwan, returned to Hong Kong and held a concert at the Hung Hom Stadium on December 13, which was enthusiastically sought after by the audience. Current discussions Said: "Obviously, he has become the new idol singer in the Hong Kong music scene after Andy Lau and Lai Lai." ("Aaron Kwok's Charm Spreads in Hong Kong", "Minsheng Daily", December 15, 1991, Page 11) Subsequently, Aaron Kwok He won music awards one after another, appeared in TV series, and the Hong Kong Fan Club was also established. On February 25, Kwok released the album " please take my emotions home ", which achieved quadruple platinum sales in one fell swoop. Aaron Kwok's rapid rise to fame propelled him into the center of the Hong Kong music scene. Current commentators said that Aaron Kwok "is currently in the music industry." Hong Kong's momentum is like a rainbow, which puts a lot of pressure on Lai Lai of the same type... Among the four, Aaron Kwok, who is the most junior, is the most threatening to Lai Lai, who is also an idol and handsome singer. Some people even predicted that if there is no new Li Lai. development, the new darling Aaron Kwok will quickly overtake it." (Liu Weili: "The advertisement caused trouble for Aaron Kwok, and some ridiculous fans complained about the young handsome boy's playfulness", "United Daily News", April 5, 1992, page 29) "Four people" have been mentioned, and it is estimated that Zhang Wenxin will be around late February Taking a fancy to Aaron Kwok's potential, he launched the title of "Four Heavenly Kings" in publicity.

The author collects diaries with the words "Four Heavenly Kings" written on them

The "Four Heavenly Kings" writing history in 1992

In 1992, the Chinese world media began to consciously use the title of "Four Heavenly Kings". For example, in Hong Kong, in November 1992, Hong Kong held the "92 Regional Municipal Council Festival Opening Parade", and the "Four Heavenly Kings" sang on the same stage again. The hosts were Li Meifeng , Pan Zongming , Zhu Huishan , Zeng Zhiwei He mentioned the title of "Four Heavenly Kings" many times.This chorus was once considered by many media to be the first chorus of the "Four Heavenly Kings". In fact, their first chorus should be the "Miss Hong Kong" finals held on June 7, 1992. In the performance session, the four played the role of princes from a foreign land, and performed a princess rescue program with the 1991 Miss Hong Kong champion Guo Aiming and sang a duet.

host Deng Zifeng mentioned the title of "Four Heavenly Kings" when introducing the guests, "Hey, soon these beauties will appear in some ancient Roman swimsuits, and they will meet Tian, ​​one of the Four Heavenly Kings. , Who will I meet? I don’t know yet, so you should continue to pay attention.” ("[Miss Hong Kong Finals] 1992 [Lu Shuyi, Liu Yinling, Zhang Xueling]", bilibili, 2016-07-12, https: / /www.bilibili.com/video/BV1xs411y7c7?from=searchseid=1590654209957377245spm_id_from=333.337.0.0) The "Miss Hong Kong" campaign is a popular event among Hong Kong people and has important influence. The organizer consciously uses the title of "Four Heavenly Kings" This move has become an important boost to strengthen the identity of the "Four Heavenly Kings".

"The Four Heavenly Kings" participated in the 1992 "Miss Hong Kong" election finals

In the Mainland, on June 12, 1992, the 6th issue of "Music Life" sponsored by the Liaoning Provincial Federation of Literary and Art Circles published an article "Andy Lau ranks among the Four Heavenly Kings" ("Andy Lau ranks among the Four Heavenly Kings") Andy Lau ranks among the Four Heavenly Kings", "Music Life", Issue 6, 1992, page 31). This is the earliest publication in mainland China where the author has seen the words "Four Heavenly Kings". In July, Beiyue Literature and Art Publishing House published "Cassette Song Selection - Karaoke Popular Golden Songs Collection (2)", which selected the songs of the four people and introduced the activities of the "Four Heavenly Kings" on the "Sun Project" , the title "Four Heavenly Kings" is used many times in the book. ("Cassette Song Selection - Karaoke Popular Golden Songs Collection (2)", Beiyue Literature and Art Publishing House, 1992 edition, page 122) In the same month, Guangxi Ethnic Publishing House published the "Collection of Andy Lau and Jacky Cheung's Golden Songs" selected by Xiao Mei "Four Kings of the Music World Battle for Hegemony (1)", this is also the first time that a mainland publication has the words "Four Kings" in the title of the book.

Hainan Photography and Art Publishing House and Guangdong Xinhua Bookstore were important media for the early promotion of the "Four Heavenly Kings" in the Mainland. In 1992, he published consecutively "Records of Feelings and Love of Hong Kong Idol Stars" (edited by Hai Shen, September edition) (distributed by Xinhua Bookstore in Guangdong Province), "Special Collection of Golden Songs of the Four Kings" (edited by Le Feng, October edition), "Hong Kong and Taiwan" "Truth and Fake in the Entertainment Circle" (November edition) (distributed by Xinhua Bookstore, Guangdong Province), all focus on promoting and reporting on the "Four Heavenly Kings", and use the title of "Four Heavenly Kings", which is the early recognition of the "Four Heavenly Kings" by mainland fans. "important window.

Controversy over the "Four Heavenly Kings"

Due to media hype and fans' pursuit, the discussion about the "Four Heavenly Kings" has become the focus of the music world, and has even developed into endless debates about which one is better, which one is worse, which one is first and which one is last. It is still debated online and offline to this day. It is an important topic and has become an important origin of contemporary fan culture .

In 1992, Hong Kong TV station held a seminar, and the press, audience and the Four Heavenly Kings jointly reviewed and selected the winners. The titles of the most outstanding singer, the best typhoon, the best appearance, and the first of the Four Heavenly Kings were awarded. Jacky Cheung won both Best Vocal Performance and Most Favorite, becoming the first of the Four Heavenly Kings. Best Typhoon went to Aaron Kwok, and Best Appearance went to Andy Lau and Lai Ming. ("Qilu Petrochemical News" September 30, 1992, page 4)

Hong Kong media also organized a questionnaire survey, the content is: "Four Heavenly Kings", which one do you like more? The results show that most viewers between the ages of eight and sixteen like Aaron Kwok and dislike Jacky Cheung because the former is beautiful and can dance well. People between the ages of 18 and 24 like Lai Lai the most, but the one they dislike is Andy Lau. The reason is that the former looks gentle and graceful, while Andy Lau is "too arrogant" and has a rude image. My opinion on Jacky Cheung is more fair, I think his image is not bad, while Aaron Kwok is "menacing" and lively enough. People between the ages of 24 and 32 like Jacky Cheung the most because he has a good singing voice and people will be intoxicated when listening to him sing. People who don't like Li Ming say that he sometimes sings out of tune and speaks too fast and unclearly. Andy Lau is very popular among the "mothers" of this age group, because Andy gives them a very filial feeling.(Peng Ji: "Who is the most popular among the four kings?", "Sanya Morning News", March 8, 1995, page A4)

This type of selection includes both good-faith discussions and malicious hype, and fans even argue with each other. The endless debate put great pressure on the four people. The four people expressed that they were not too "cold" about this title and sincerely praised the other three, hoping to resolve the controversy between the media and fans. For example, Li Ming was not impressed by the "Celestial Emperor" who was selected as one of the "Four Heavenly Kings", saying, "I have never considered it because I think everyone has his own way." (Zhang Yongyang, Zi Jin: "Ling Ming accepted a long-distance telephone interview with "Colorful Sunshine"", "Voice of Pengcheng Commemorates the 10th Anniversary of the Shenzhen Radio Station", Haitian Publishing House 1996 edition, page 470) Jacky Cheung pointed out: "I am not as good as myself. The three of them are beautiful... Lai Lai has a decent and gentle image, while Andy Lau's appearance in the audience is not something that happens overnight, and Aaron Kwok is dynamic. "Andy Lau also said: "Everyone has his own strengths... Lai Lai performs on stage. He is a good talker, Aaron Kwok is an excellent dancer, and Jacky ’s singing skills are outstanding. I very much hope that the four of them will have the opportunity to perform on the same stage." ("The Four Kings of the Music Industry Discuss Their respective Advantages and Disadvantages", " Hong Kong Business. Newspaper June 3, 1992) Aaron Kwok said when asked about his views on the "Four Kings": "Andy Lau has his chicness, Jacky Cheung's advantage is that he sings very well, and Lai Ming stands very gracefully on the stage. " (Shang Xiaofen: "Aaron Kwok sees other "Kings" as having their own merits", "Minsheng Daily", August 29, 1992, page 11) However, this voice was not accepted by the enthusiastic media and fans. Various The debate continued in the 1990s.

Under the huge influence of the "Four Heavenly Kings", there are two trends in the Hong Kong music scene. One is to use the IP of the "Four Heavenly Kings" to plan and launch the "Fifth Heavenly Kings", "Four Little Heavenly Kings" and "New Four Heavenly Kings" etc., in order to gain traffic attention and capital support. For example, Du Dewei is called the "Fifth Heavenly King", and together with Li Hacken , Guan Shuyi , Ye Yuqing , etc., they are also called the " Four Little Kings ". In 2004, Alan Tam "canonized" Hacken Lee, Andy Hui, Leo Ku, Liang Hanwen as the "New Four Heavenly Kings". Another trend is the elimination theory of the "Four Heavenly Kings". The reason is that the "Four Heavenly Kings" have occupied the "traffic" of the music world and compressed the living space of other singers. For example, Hacken Lee said in an interview that he was not selected into the "Four Heavenly Kings". "I regretted it: "Of course I minded back then. On the one hand, I minded, on the other hand, I didn't mind, but it's like playing with a mahjong. If there are no seats, just play on another stage!" At the same time, he also pointed to all the singers except the "Four Heavenly Kings" at that time! Life was "very difficult". ("Hacken Lee Minds Not Being Conferred on the Four Heavenly Kings", "Oriental Daily", October 10, 2016, https://orientaldaily.on.cc/cnt/entertainment/20161010/mobile/odn-20161010-1010_00282_028 .html#popupGallery)

The "Four Heavenly Kings" elimination theory also appeared at this time. A report by "Dahe Daily" can be regarded as a typical example: At last year's major music award ceremonies, people found that the Hong Kong music scene was still dominated by the four kings, and there were not many truly eye-catching newcomers... Recently, many music critics People even expressed their opinions on the topic "How far can the Four Heavenly Kings go?" Most of them believe that the Four Heavenly Kings, who have been popular for more than ten years, should fade out of the entertainment industry as soon as possible. To use a cruel and popular saying, the Hong Kong music scene will be difficult to survive unless the four kings die... The four kings are like a mountain blocking the light of newcomers... Faced with the double attack of piracy and the financial crisis, most record companies do not I am willing to take risks to make progress, but I have no choice but to bet on the four heavenly kings and get by. Naturally, it is difficult for newcomers to stand out. ("Recently, there is a saying in the Hong Kong music scene that "it will be difficult for the Hong Kong music scene to survive until the four kings die". People can't help but ask - are the four kings blocking the way?" "Dahe News", April 2, 1999, p. 13 Version)

In 2004, Alan Tam "canonized" the "New Four Heavenly Kings"

The "Four Heavenly Kings" themselves also have a deep understanding of the difficulty of talent in the music industry.After attending the "Sun Project" event for the first time, representative Zhang Wenxin announced that he would not use the title "Four Heavenly Kings" in the future. ("Radio Television Hong Kong Hosts "Project Sun" Summer Activities", "Hong Kong and Macau Reference" Issue 16, 1992, p. 25) In August 1992, Aaron Kwok was asked whether he would participate in the filming of the movie "The Four Heavenly Kings" directed by Wang Jing. Expressed that he agreed with Andy Lau's suggestion to cancel the "King" title. Lai Ming also rejected the film invitation from the "Four Kings" and publicly asked fans not to call him the King anymore, "I think this title is meaningless, and I don't want people to think that the Four Kings dominate the music scene and have an impact on other singers... The four of us are not the only ones in the music world." (Alan: "Dawn gives up the title of King of Heaven", "Eastern New World", November 22, 1992) In 1999, Jacky Cheung refused to co-star in the name of "Four Kings", saying frankly, "'The Four. The term "Four Heavenly Kings" has too narrow connotation and should come to an end... The name "Four Heavenly Kings" has occupied the music scene for too long. It feels very solid. If there is no such name as "Four Heavenly Kings", everyone can develop independently, and the music scene will be fine. There is more room." ("Jacky Cheung's "Four Heavenly Kings" is over", "Dahe News", October 8, 1999, page 6) However, the power of capital and the hype and pursuit of media fans have made this title not only unavailable. It disappears, but becomes more intense. It was not until 1999 when Liming announced her withdrawal from the Hong Kong music awards ceremony that the problem of the "Four Kings" occupying the music scene's traffic was gradually resolved. However, as a historical symbol, they are still loved and praised by the majority of fans.

To sum up, the title of "Four Kings", which represented the top traffic of the Hong Kong music scene in the 1990s, should have appeared no later than March 23, 1992. It was the head of Radio Hong Kong, Zhang Wenxin, who was building momentum for the "Sun Project" around late February of that year. proposed at the time. This is not only a representative symbol of the "golden age", but also has an impact on the music world in all aspects. Today, thirty years later, people are still fond of this title, which represents the public's love and historical recollection. The historical investigation of this title and exploring its trajectory and background are of great significance to the study of the history of popular music in my country, especially Hong Kong pop music and fan culture.

(Thanks to Xu Zhijie for his contribution to the Cantonese literature of this article)

editor in charge: Zhong Yuan

proofreader: Zhang Yan