Friday, January 09, 2026

Andy 60s Music Blog Tributes The Late Xie Jinshi [谢金石] Hokkien Song King

David Xie Jinshi (谢金石), a veteran Chinese singer known as the "Hokkien Song King" in Singapore and Malaysia, passed away at the age of 73 on 8th January 2026, while he was on a cruise.

He rose to fame in 1972 after winning a singing competition and released his first Hokkien album in 1979. The "Hokkien Song King" was well known in the 80s and 90s for his powerful voice and for providing singing classes at various community centers.

His greatest professional regret was never having the opportunity to perform in a Hokkien opera (Gezi Opera), despite his mastery of the dialect. He was scheduled to perform at the Esplanade with a live orchestra soon. 

His family, friends and colleagues described him as a dedicated teacher, a kind-hearted man and definitely a pop star. According to those who were close to him, his determination and singing talent made him what he was.

Rest In Peace David Xie. We shall all miss you. Condolences to his family.

Comments are welcome...

This article is a short summary adapted from newspaper reports. Thanks to Danny Koh, David's good friend, for sending me the news of his death, without which I would not be aware. 

David Chia [谢金石] 谢金石福建风专辑 YouTube Video by: 谢金石 David Chia

Danny Koh and David Xie. They did 10 live streaming during Covid with lady singer Tandy Lim.


(1) Danny Koh with singer Tandy Lim and David Xie Jinshi. (2) With Frederick Phua, owner of British Hainan Restaurant and Godfather to David who was of the Christian faith. 3) Fred with Portrait of David. Photographs are Copyrights Reserved.

谢金石 ~ 燒肉粽组曲 (福建歌曲) @ 歌台欢乐夜 第5集 Xie Jinshi ~ 'Roasted Pork Dumplings Medley' (Hokkien songs). YouTube Video By: RedTaurus

[Roasted Meat Zongzi Suite (Fujian Song) @ Joyful Night at the Music Stage Episode 5].

4 comments:

CHEN HUI SI [MC] said...

Oh ya… He is a veteran singer n also met him a few times in some CC event… very friendly n also nice.

IRENE HOE said...

Like Hokkien pop but know nothing about it.

RICHARD RAJOO said...

K fyi, for your information I might be able to hum the tune, due to exposure but don’t really know the singer or title. Andy pardon me… Only th really popular one or two

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Thanks Irene and Richard. I am also not familiar with this singer as some readers have written in to explain but he’s got a powerful voice and I’d love to listen to more of his songs. Might learn a bit of Hokkien too, along the way