Record company manager, late songwriter honored with Special Contribution Award at 36th GMA

Taipei, June 28 (CNA) Weng Xiao-liang (翁孝良), a renowned figure in Taiwan's music industry, and late singer-songwriter Ma Chao-chun (馬兆駿) were honored with the Special Contribution Award at the 36th Golden Melody Awards (GMA) held at the Taipei Arena on Saturday.

In his acceptance speech, Weng thanked lyricist Chen Chia-li (陳家麗) for working with him on "My Future is Not a Dream" (我的未來不是夢), which helped launch Tom Chang's (張雨生) music career.

Weng credited his family for laying his musical foundation, exposing him to many styles from an early age. He also thanked his mother for her full support throughout his musical journey.

He began his career in the 1960s as a studio guitarist, earning the nickname "No. 1 Guitarist" of Taiwan for his memorable skills.

His musical talent spanned the industry, leading him to play in bands for television programs before becoming a recognized producer.

Chang was also one of the many big-name artists in Taiwan's music industry that Weng worked with after he was made manager of BMG Music Taiwan in the 1990s

From a humble studio guitarist to the manager of a record company, Weng's influence is felt across all areas of Taiwan's music industry.

Meanwhile, the posthumous Special Contribution Award for late singer/songwriter Ma Chao-chun was collected by singer Paula Ma (馬毓芬), his younger sister.

"This award is the shiniest medal to certify my big brother's lifelong devotion to music," Paula Ma said.

Ma Chao-chun started his career as a singer before creating several memorable songs with his late writing partner Hung Kuang-ta (洪光達) during Taiwan's campus folk songs era, including "Silk Cotton Avenue" (木棉道) and "July, at Liang Mountain" (七月涼山).

Later in his career, Ma Chao-chun focused primarily on producing and invested his time in albums by several of Taiwan's music industry greats.

He then mentored a new generation of talent in Taiwan, taking on opportunities such as acting as a judge on music shows.

Ma Chao-chun passed away in 2007, aged 47.

He was also given a cultural broadcasting commendation in 2007 at the 18th GMA around four months after his death.