From a fresh-faced newcomer to the scene in 2003 to a global superstar with an ever-evolving career, JJ Lin has captivated audiences locally and internationally for over two decades. As he graces our December 2024 cover, we take a look back at the pivotal moments that have solidified his place in the music world—and beyond.
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2003: The Birth of a Superstar
When JJ Lin released Music Voyager in 2003, he wasn’t just another newcomer—he was a revelation. At 22, his smooth, evocative vocals, especially on singles like Planet, Freeze and Wings caught the attention of listeners across Asia. His first album wasn't just his debut; it was the one that garnered him the Best New Artist Award at the 2004 15th Golden Melody Awards in Taipei, Taiwan.
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2007: Breaking Guinness World Record
In July 2007, JJ Lin made history by breaking a Guinness World Record for signing 3,052 CDs in just two hours and 30 minutes. The event, held at a Tianjin shopping mall, saw JJ surpassing the previous record of 2,852 autographs. With an average of just 2.7 seconds per CD, the marathon signing demonstrated not only his dedication but also the immense adoration he had from his fans.
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2008: The Humanitarian Effort
In the aftermath of the 2008 Sichuan earthquake, JJ Lin stayed up for two consecutive nights to write and record "Love and Hope", a heartfelt song aimed at raising morale. He also performed at The Giving of Love, a charity event hosted by CCTV to support the earthquake victims. In addition, JJ made a donation to the rescue efforts, further showcasing his commitment to those in need.
2013: The "Timeline World Tour" Phenomenon
From 2013 to 2015, JJ Lin’s first major world tour "Timeline World Tour" continued to captivate audiences across Asia, as well as in cities like New York, Los Angeles, London, and Sydney for the first time. His 42 performances were lauded by fans for the emotional depth of the setlist, which included songs from his Timeline album as well as fan favourites from his earlier works.
2020: Philanthropy Beyond Music
In 2020, JJ Lin lent his voice to raise awareness for Alzheimer’s by participating in a charity event on World Alzheimer’s Day. In a heartfelt Weibo post, he shared, “‘Even though I forget the world, I remember to love you. Let’s care about elderly people around us. Don’t let us be familiar strangers to the elderly. When they lose their memories, let’s take them home with love!
2020: Composing for Pixar
In 2020, JJ Lin composed the theme song "Embark" for Pixar’s Soul, a film that explores themes of purpose and self-discovery. His track was especially poignant in its inspiring message, especially since we were in a challenging year. Reflecting on the film, JJ shared, “We are ‘Drifters’ in this unique year that is 2020. May this Pixar movie Soul and the heartfelt theme song 'Embark' inspire strength and clarity in you.”