Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Eua Sunthornsanan (21 January 1910 – 1 April 1981) was a singer, Thai composer and bandleader of Suntaraporn band. He was a pioneer in introducing Western music into Thai culture.
Life and Career
He was born on 21 January 1910 in Amphawa. He started playing violin in an orchestra at nine years old. The young musician learned the instrument at a primary school in Bangkok and later sharpened his skills in harmony and arrangement at music school.
While playing in a big band for the government’s Performance Department, Sunthornsanan noticed the band’s concerts drew far bigger crowds than classical performances. His eclectic musical upbringing led him to experiment with different styles, mixing jazz and Westernized classical music with more traditional Thai classical music to create the romantic style that would earn him international acclaim. With the Suntaraporn band, one of the most prominent Thai big bands, he composed more than 2,000 songs.
He died on 1 April 1981 at an age of 71 in Bangkok.
Award and Legacy
The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) honored Kru Eua Sunthornsanan as the world personalities in its list of Anniversary of World Personalities and Historic Events 2010-2011.
On 21 January 2018, Google Doodle celebrated Eua Sunthornsanan’s 108th Birthday.