Teresa Teng honored with new exhibition

While they prepare for their first show, a new exhibition in Taipei is honoring Chinese music's first superstar. Teresa Teng, who was called Asia's Queen of Pop, died in 1995 at the age of 42. She would have turned 60 this year. The exhibition celebrating the much loved singer includes Teng's personal items never seen by the public before.

A legend forever, a voice from the past resurrected.

The exhibition is divided into several sections, each highlighting an important era of Teng's life, from her childhood, to her rise to popularity and her journey to international stardom. Some of the items have never been seen before publicly.

The organizers have also recreated the singer's apartment in Hong Kong, and the backstage of a nightclub she performed in.

Curator Joy Lai said, "This one is the biggest exhibition that there's ever been of Teresa Teng. Also we tried to give a new look to the exhibition. We used a new technique to present her life and to (have her be) more close to the audiences."

Born and raised in a small town outside the city of Taipei, Teng's musical talents were discovered at an early age. She left junior high school to pursue a full time singing career.

Her voice and girl-next-door look soon won over many in Taiwan. In the 1970s and '80s she had a slew of big hits that cemented her status as Chinese music's first superstar. Her popularity soon extended beyond Taiwan to the Chinese Mainland, South East Asia, and Japan.

Lai said, "I think that's because her songs related to many people's life stories. Everybody had her songs with their life stories and whenever they heard the songs, they will recall that time (in their life). And it's very precious. Many audiences think that they are only listening to Teresa Teng songs but they are listening to the age of their youth. I think that's why people love her."

Fans have flocked to the exhibition since it opened on Saturday.

Teresa's fan said "We are fond of Teresa Teng's music and we miss her very much."

"Her music is beautiful and when you see her she does not look just like a singer. And she also had a great personality."

Teng died after suffering an asthma attack in Thailand in 1995.

The exhibition "Legend -Teresa Teng" can be seen at the CKS memorial hall in Taipei until April 21st.