Reader Brian Carey enjoyed this Record article on Lee-Hom Wang ‘98.

Singer Leehom Wang ’98 is the most famous Eph, ever. He’s more famous than George Steinbrenner ’52, he’s more famous than Stephen Sondheim ’50 and he’s definitely more famous than President James A. Garfield, Class of 1856. He’s too famous to perform at Spring Fling, and he’s also too famous to answer my e-mails, apparently. But if he’s so famous, then why haven’t you heard of him? Well, he may not pop up in American gossip magazines as much as LiLo, but “Wang Leehom,” as he is called in China, is a household name 12 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. It’s hard to miss Wang’s face in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Taipei. Pass a McDonald’s, and you’ll see a poster of him rockin’ out next to a life-size frosty drink. Stop by a convenience store and pick up a bottle of Wahaha water, and there’s Wang again smiling at you on the label. Look across the street, and there’s Wang listening to music on his phone for a Sony Ericsson ad.

Is Wang the most famous Eph? Depends on the metric. I suspect that there are more people alive today that would recognize him on the street. Is any other Eph even close? But, being instantly recognizable by 12 year-old Chinese girls is a special kind of fame. By the way, another sign of my increasing out-of-it-ness is that I have no idea who “LiLo” is.

The people who did see Wang’s talent in pop were probably those who went to see Springstreeters shows. Wang was an active member of the a cappella group since his freshman year, and became extremely close with his fellow singers.

Which does not prevent some gentle mocking from his fellow Springstreeters.

Still my favorite Eph Youtube. By the way, did the Octet reject Wang?

After 13 years, Wang’s career is stronger than ever. Along with the many albums he has released since his debut, he recently starred in 2007’s critically acclaimed and controversial Lust Caution, directed by the esteemed Ang Lee. However, Wang is still Leehom from the block, and he knows where he comes from – the Purple Valley. According to Kubler, Wang will be returning to the College this summer for his 10-year reunion.

That will be interesting. Perhaps the College could have Wang sing while Erin Burnett ‘98 reported financial news. Just thinking out loud . . .