I was wrong. Around 1993-94, by some miracle, we were able to get a
reception on our television that had Chinese MTV on it. It was all Mandarin
songs, but I watched it anyways. The reception was bad at times where I
would have to stand in front of the TV and hold the wire to get a decent
picture. That's when Emil comes in the picture. He was kind of a funny
looking Chinese guy with permed curly hair. Not so attractive to me at
all, but it wasn't his looks. It was his music that captured my attention.
The MTV was "You make me happy and sad." I was just blown away by the song
and his voice. I wrote down the song and went to the CD shops in San Francisco
and found that one CD. I noticed he had others, but thought I'd give this
one a try. It's rare to find a whole CD that you like, but it was the case
in this matter. I just instantly fell in love with his music.
I continued to watch Taiwan talk shows on our local stations and occasionally
Emil would come on. I was taken back by his personality. He was very nice
when talking to the interviewer, loved to talk and talk fast at times and
he was always laughing. I didn't understand a word he was saying but I
found myself laughing with him.
I think the part that really got me was watching a video of his concert
in Taiwan, I believe. I was sitting in front of my TV and he made me feel
like I was part of the audience. He involved everyone, talked and joked,
involved the audience in the song and got down on one knee during the song
or to thank people. It was amazing. I've never seen a guy like this before
and instantly knew he was someone special. If I ever attended another concert,
it would be his. He's real and interacts with everyone and that takes a
real special person.
Okay, I think the true gift he's given me is through him I have met
many many wonderful people through the Internet Mailing List, Emil &
Friends, International, that was started in 1996. His music has brought
many people together and we've bonded life long friendships, which would
never have happened had we not heard his voice. So Emil, thank you very
much for being a true friend to all of us!
