This family photo of Liang Fuping was taken a few days before 08' spring festival. Liang Fuping, the disabled street singer sat in the middle with his crutch and guitar. Liang's wife(1st from L) and daughter(1st from R) sat next to him. The one in red jacket was Liang's younger brother. [Photo: CRIEnglsih.com/ Yang Yong]

By CRI Reporter, Yang Yong

He is a singer and songwriter widely known in Chongqing. In order to support his family, he went on the street and sang for more than 10 years. This is not an easy job for anyone let alone for him, a man with crutches. However, he always feels content about life and is glad to have new ideas in music. Last winter he even managed to launch his first album, so perhaps his gift in music is the key to happiness.

"My dream is to let my songs be widely heard."

That is our hero today, Liang Fuping.

Liang's family live in an old apartment by the Nanping Street in Chongqing. It was a cold winter night but I was warmly received by Liang's wife, A-Jiao, on the local corner. A-Jiao told me with smile that everybody was waiting for me.

I soon recognized Liang Fuping as the door opened. With a crew cut resting on a square face with glasses, Liang sat on the sofa smilingly and waving at me to come in and sit down.

There were others too, and I counted more than 10 people invited. They were family members and friends of Liang, sitting around the dining table in the small drawing room. Beers, melon seeds and hotpot were well prepared on the table, which was in fact a half ping-pong table. It was used by children usually, A-Jiao told me, except for once a month when his friends get together.

Speaking of Liang Fuping, people had many good things to say.

"I have adored my father since I was young. He is a real man, never shrinking towards difficulties."

"My brother can play a wide range of musical instruments; harmonica, Erhu, accordion, Yangqin, and violin. He is a spiritual leader in my heart."

"Liang Fuping is gifted with musical talent. He is very confident. He loves music so much and is sincere to his friends"

"I can not help dancing when he sings. I love his music!"

Liang jumped at all these comments. He said that he was never bothered about being disabled, and always held onto the dream of letting his music be widely heard. It was something natural that flowed from inside.

Liang Fuping was born in an ordinary family, close to the Jialing River in 1963. He had a younger brother and a younger sister. Liang's mother was a hard-working woman who later became too ill to leave her bed. His father worked in Railway Company, and was usually too busy to take care of the family. At the age of two, Liang got infantile paralysis. A Lack in proper treatment resulted in his right leg being forever disabled. This was no doubt a big disaster for the poor family at that time.

Liang said it was always painful to recall his childhood. Being disabled was like a humiliating label that kept him far away from parents' love and school's encouragement. However, he was grateful for his gift.

"I have loved music ever since I was very young, especially singing. Whenever I heard a song, I couldn't help pondering the lyrics and tunes. Questions like why it was expressed in this way and what its tempo was. People seldom thought about such odd questions but I would and I really enjoyed doing so."

So, Liang Fuping seized as many opportunities as he could to learn music. He was enlightened with basic music theory in the music class of primary school. After class, he practiced singing at home by imitating Teresa Teng and Li Shuangjiang, both of who were popular singers at the time. Unfortunately, Liang had been strongly opposed by parents and neighbors, who considered it mere noise. So, Liang transferred to practice along the Jialing river bank, for two hours a day in all weathers.

"I kept my brother company. In the summer I swam in the river with other boys and my brother was singing on the bank. When it rained, I backed him onto the riverbank and held the umbrella for him, which I do even now."

"Our 30 years of friendship was unforgettable. I can still recall those good old days when he played guitar and sang songs by the side of the riverbank while other boys swam in the river."

"The views of the Jialing River and Chaotian Gate were so charming. They are my big comfort."

The beautiful river witnessed Liang's love for music, golden friendships and brotherhood. It also sparked in him the creation of his first song, The Beautiful Jialing River.

And then in 1982, Liang Fuping got his first job as a locksmith at the Red Flag Switch Factory.

"I saved money for a year and bought my first guitar, a Red Cotton brand. It cost me 88 Yuan. I was too excited to eat anything that day. I was so delighted to have my own guitar."

"I was good at singing. So every time when there was a chance, I performed on behalf of my factory. I won championships and picked up my confidence. I took pride in myself. "

During that time, Liang Fuping kept learning music. He regularly saved money from his slender wages to subscribe to different music magazines. He also participated in various singing competitions throughout Southwest China and aroused the local interest, gaining a strong reputation. People loved his songs and paid great respect to the disabled singer.

Meanwhile, Liang's life had changed too; his parents had died and he had married.