Jay Chou

Taiwanese singer-songwriter Jay Chou released his debut album Jay in 2000. Since then, his reputation has grown, predominantly in Asia and the East, but with more Western audiences also beginning to take notice. His music teacher mother gave him piano lessons from the age of four after noticing his interest in all things musical. As he struggled at school with making friends, he ostracised himself, preferring to make music on his own. Failing to make the grades to go to university, Chou was conscripted to mandatory national service until a diagnosis of a spinal disease caused him to be discharged. After entering a talent contest in 1998, his talents as a pianist and composer were spotted and he was offered a job as a composer for record label Alfa Music. Chou began composing all different styles of music from classical-inspired to pop to R&B and rock. Although most of his compositions were earmarked for other Alfa artists, label head Jacky Wu encouraged Chou to retain ten songs on which to create his own album. On the back of the success of Jay, his second album, Fantasy, sold more than two million copies and earned him several awards. Although continuing to work on his music, in 2005 Chou launched his career in the film industry as he tried his hand at acting and directing. He has also established himself as a writer, releasing his first book Grandeur De D Major in 2004. In 2015 Chou famously chose the North Yorkshire Castle Howard as his wedding venue. The choice of English location caused a stir in the country and earned him a whole new set of fans.