Remembering one of the greatest actors in Cai luong arts – the People’s Artist (NSND) Ut Tra On

Anyone who loves Cai luong and Vong co or has ever listened to the verse transcribed above must know about the legendary actor Ut Tra On who used to sing that very famous song.

Starting out from an amateur musical band, Ut Tra On has been the well-known and greatest actor of all times in Cai luong arts throughout the country and even overseas for 60 years. Every time people think of him, they always remember his gifted, sweet, unique and skillful voice in many popular Vong co songs. They are his signature songs that have been imprinted in the listeners’ minds. 

NSND Ut Tra On’s real name is Nguyen Thanh Ut, and he was born in 1919 in a farming family in Dong Hau village, Tra On district, Can Tho province. He is the youngest child (the 9th) in a crowded family with 3 other older brothers and 5 older sisters; therefore, people used to call him “uncle Ten (cậu Mười)”. (Note: In Vietnam, the first born is addressed as “two”; thus, the 9th one is called “ten” as in the case of Ut Tra On.)