Image Courtesy: Google Doodle
Chrisye (16 September 1949 – 30 March 2007) was a prominent Indonesian progressive pop singer and songwriter, recognized as one of the greatest musicians in the country’s history by Rolling Stone Indonesia in 2011.
Life and Career
Born as Christian Rahardi (Lauw Peng Liang) on 16 September 1949 in Jakarta, Indonesia, Chrisye was the second of three sons born to Laurens Rahadi, a Chinese-Betawi entrepreneur, and Hanna Rahadi, a Chinese-Sundanese housewife from Bogor. The family lived in various neighborhoods in Jakarta, including Talang Street near Menteng and Pegangsaan Street in Menteng.
Chrisye’s musical style and unique voice made him a standout artist in the Indonesian music scene. One of the key reasons for selecting him to record “Lilin-Lilin Kecil” was his soft-toned, distinctive voice that complemented the keyboard-based music. While his voice blended seamlessly with mellower music, it also exhibited versatility when adapted to a more rock-inspired sound. His voice was often compared to a blank canvas, adaptable to various musical genres and styles.
Legacy and Awards
Chrisye’s influence on Indonesian music is immeasurable. He left a lasting legacy with his music, and his songs continue to be cherished by fans of all generations. In 2017, a biographical film about his life was released, depicting his remarkable journey. Directed by Rizal Mantovani and starring Vino G. Bastian as Chrisye, the film gave audiences an insight into his life and career.
In 2020, Musica Studios released his previously unreleased single, “Rindu Ini,” recorded in September 1995, allowing fans to experience more of his music. Furthermore, in 2022, Rivers Cuomo of Weezer paid tribute to Chrisye by releasing a cover of his song “Anak Sekolah” before Weezer’s performance in Indonesia. This gesture highlighted Chrisye’s enduring influence on musicians across the globe, showcasing his continued significance in the world of music.
On 16 September 2019, Google honored what would have been his 70th birthday with a Google Doodle, celebrating his impact on Indonesian music.
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