Timothy’s Musical Journey: A Voice That Resonates Through Time

號角月報加拿大版 二零二五年六月

Recalling his early days at Hong Kong Radio hosting a daytime program, his boss bluntly told him, "Can your voice sound more energetic? Your tone is too soothing—it makes people want to turn off the radio in the morning!" This remark was undoubtedly a blow to him, but it also prompted him to rethink the positioning of his voice. Since his tone leans toward the deeper side, he gradually transitioned to nighttime programming, which was well received by listeners. Later, he hosted the late-night show Midnight at One O’Clock (夜半一點鐘), which became widely popular and marked his first iconic nighttime program over thirty years ago.

During the 1970s, Timothy became captivated by The Wynners (溫拿), particularly admiring Kenny Bee. He admitted, "The emergence of The Wynners and the excitement of idolizing them provided me with a deep emotional connection. However, my way of expressing emotions has always been more reserved, quite different from the modern fans who invest heavily in their idols and participate fervently."

Since entering the world of mass media, his approach to selecting songs has become more diverse, yet his core principle remains unchanged: "I must first understand the background of a song to ensure that the voice and atmosphere align. Only when I truly feel a song can I deliver it with emotion—otherwise, I would merely be a machine playing music, losing the essence of emotional expression."

Hosted by Timothy Cheng five nights a week, the late-night radio program Musical Lover （音樂情人）has remained steadfast since its debut in 1995, standing strong for 20 years. Over the years, the program has become a cherished companion for countless listeners, offering solace and nostalgia through its carefully curated melodies. Its unique style and undeniable charm are deeply tied to the sincerity, dedication, and passion of its host.

He firmly believes, "Music can replace gestures, and lyrics can substitute words, fostering emotional connections between people. Sometimes, music conveys feelings more precisely than spoken words. For example, saying 'I love you' may not come easily to everyone, but a song can express it on your behalf."

Timothy acknowledges that many songs today revolve around themes of heartbreak, but through his program, he hopes to spread more positive energy.

When I transitioned to behind-the-scenes work at Asia Television, I soon realized it was not the right fit for me—one of the lowest points in my life. Returning to Hong Kong Radio, my program was significantly reduced, leaving me with a sense of being 'devalued.' Then, I moved to TVB to host City Sniper（城市狙擊）and act in True Love（真情）, but due to my lack of acting experience, my performance fell short, and I was nearly replaced. "

Looking back, he now sees that every challenge was a stepping stone in God's intentional design, guiding him toward a deeper faith.

After experiencing these setbacks, he re-examined his faith, returned to Jesus, and deeply realized the immense blessing of believing in Him. He often reminds his listeners, "Do not dwell on past regrets, nor borrow worries from the future," as this is the wisdom he has gained through his journey with God.

Despite widespread praise for his captivating voice, many assume he must also be an excellent singer. However, he believes his voice is not suited for singing and does not consider it his strength. Recently, he performed a duet with Albert Au at the Musical Lover Concert（情人靚歌演唱會）, joking that Albert’s presence gave him the confidence to sing—otherwise, he wouldn’t have dared to take center stage alone.

Additionally, he was invited to participate in Midlife Voice 3（中年好聲音3）, lending his signature voice as the program’s narrator, introducing contestants and their songs. He is delighted to see more Christian artists entering mainstream music competitions, such as Kimman Wong and Yanji Chan, believing that their presence helps spread the gospel and foster meaningful connections.

Years ago, when his wife, Claudia Lau, struggled with emotional distress and was physically and mentally exhausted, he remained by her side, silently supporting her—just to let her know, "I am here." Together, they prayed and relied on God to overcome the difficult times.

Today, Claudia hosts the English radio program Serene Sentiments（ 恬淡情懷） every week and is also preparing to establish a nonprofit charity focused on dogs. She plans to publish a book titled The Deep Bond Between Humans and Dogs（ 人狗情深）, featuring 88 touching stories. Timothy wholeheartedly supports his wife’s compassionate endeavors.

Beyond his professional work, Timothy’s greatest aspiration is to dedicate himself to gospel ministry, serving others as a way to give back for God’s grace. "Currently, I have been invited by Sister Deborah Maak to speak at the Those Years When We Sang Youth Hymns（那些年我們一起唱青年聖歌）spiritual gathering, where I explain the stories behind hymns, helping attendees gain a deeper understanding of their backgrounds. These classic youth hymns, though composed long ago, are not only melodious but also rich with life stories. Since I am responsible for reading them aloud, I have gained a deeper appreciation for the meaning behind their creation, which has reignited my spiritual life."

Helena Lee