Singer In the 1960s, Hui began his singing career. In 1967, Hui joined record label
Diamond Records. Hui started his television career as a host on a youth music TV show on the
TVB network. Hui and his brother Michael Hui became hosts in the
Hui Brothers Show, which premiered on April 23, 1971. Hui became the lead musician of a band
The Lotus. In the 1970s, Hui performed English songs that were popular in Britain and the United States. He wrote the theme songs for the comedies produced by his brother,
Michael Hui, and started performing
Cantonese songs. Sam Hui's first Cantonese hit, "Eiffel Tower Above the Clouds" () – originally titled "Here and Now" () – was first played on the
Hui Brothers Show in April 1972. Hui signed a contract with
Polydor and produced his first single in English, "April Lady". Hui's first Cantonese album,
Games Gamblers Play (), was the partial soundtrack to the Michael Hui-directed film of the same name. This album became popular, selling 200,000 copies, and was one of the major musical works that helped to start the popularity of Cantopop. Hui's music gained popular appeal, particularly with the working class, for its simplicity and the relevance of the lyrics. A prolific songwriter, a noted recurring theme in his music is that it often describes or humorously satirises Hong Kong society and events. In 1976, Hui's singing and acting career took off after the release of the breakout album The Private Eyes, the soundtrack to the 1976 film
The Private Eyes. as well as the winner of the 9th Chinese Golden Melody Awards and "Best Original Film Song" at the second Hong Kong Film Awards. He was once seriously injured while filming
The Legend of Wisely in
Tibet due to lack of oxygen, thereafter falling very ill and many of his fans pointed out that this near fatal accident may have been pivotal on his decision to retire as they superstitiously believed that he was haunted by a spirit.
Retirement During the late 1980s, Hui's father advised him to retire to avoid the stresses he endured from hosting concerts. Hui's "lack of oxygen" suffered on a previous film, was actually carbon monoxide poisoning. His mother purportedly also had reservations about his performing, including that he might injure himself on stage. A Hong Kong concert in 1990 supposedly marked his early retirement, however Hui then agreed to host a 42-show concert series. Around the time of the 30th show, Hui's father died but despite his grief, he continued to host.
Farewell concerts In 1991 to 1992, Hui held many farewell concerts. Hui hosted a total of 14 shows in Hong Kong preempting his actual retirement. Hui is known as the Canto-pop godfather and the Elvis Presley of Hong Kong. ==Personal life==