Chinese classical pianist Lang Lang has become the first Chinese musician to be granted a star on the world-renowned Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Chinese pianist Lang Lang poses with his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, April 10, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Group]
"Music brought me here today," said Lang, 41, who received the 2,778th star on the iconic sidewalk, making him the first Chinese mainland star, Chinese musician, and Asian pianist to receive such an honor. "Thank you to every friend who has supported me along the way, thank you to my fans, and thank you to my homeland — China. The piano is the most precious gift in my life, and I will always be grateful!"
The star, located at 7044 Hollywood Boulevard, was presented by the City of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce in recognition of Lang's contributions to the world of classical music in the live performance category. Lang recalled times when he strolled down the boulevard, marveling at the names of those who had changed the world.
The Hollywood Walk of Fame has been a global cultural landmark since 1960, attracting millions of visitors. Before Lang Lang, only seven Chinese celebrities, including Anna May Wong, Bruce Lee, and Jackie Chan, had received stars. He is also the first pianist in the 21st century to garner such an honor, joining an elite club of only four classical pianists with a Walk of Fame star: Vladimir Horowitz, Arthur Rubinstein, Rudolf Serkin and Ignace Paderewski.
Before dazzling family, friends, fans and guests with a live rendition of the Chinese classic "Jasmine Flower" and Manuel de Falla's "Ritual Fire Dance" on a baby grand piano courtesy of Steinway & Sons, Lang Lang expressed his gratitude: "When I was a little boy, I learned music brings us together. No matter how different we seem on the surface, we are inspired and healed by music. It doesn't matter if you grew up in Beijing or Boston; the common ground is music. It reminds us that we aren't that different after all."
Lang Lang was born on June 14, 1982, in Shenyang, Liaoning province, and began piano lessons at age 3, quickly emerging as a musical prodigy. He has sold millions of albums globally, dominating classical charts while crossing into mainstream success. Recognized by Time magazine as one of the world's 100 most influential people, Lang Lang has spent the past decade performing for global dignitaries and delivering sold-out concerts with premier orchestras and conductors. His reach extends to vast television audiences, with notable performances at the 2008 Beijing Olympics opening ceremony, the 2014 FIFA World Cup final, and several Grammy Awards ceremonies.
Chinese pianist Lang Lang performs near his newly-unveiled star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in Los Angeles, April 10, 2024. [Photo courtesy of Universal Music Group]
"Today, Lang Lang is the biggest streaming classical artist in the world. And the most versatile performer of his kind who has ever lived. He's the Leonardo da Vinci of the keyboard. He's the piano player who conquered the world," said Dickon Stainter, president and CEO of Global Classics & Jazz under Universal Music Group (UMG).
Michele Anthony, executive vice president of UMG, added, "All of your many accomplishments make you a perfect and important addition to the illustrious Walk of Fame. But it is who you are and your remarkable deeds as an educator, humanitarian, philanthropist and friend that cement this special honor."
Lang Lang's recent albums, including "The Piano Book" (2019), "Goldberg Variations" (2020), and "The Disney Book" (2022), have been international bestsellers. His latest, "Lang Lang – Saint-Saëns," released in March 2024, showcases a rich collection of musical pieces with contributions from his wife, pianist Gina Alice, as well as collaborations with the Gewandhausorchester and Andres Nelsons. The Walk of Fame ceremony comes two days before "Lang Lang by the Bay," a concert at The Rady Shell at Jacobs Park in San Diego.
