‘90s Taiwanese Singer Jerry Lo, Who Has Had No Income Since COVID-19 Outbreak, Says His Daughter Rakes In Big Bucks From Just Staying Home In The US
He says she earns between "S$23K to 28K" a month in passive income.
Back in the '90s, Taiwanese DJ-rapper Jerry Lo, or Luo Bai Ji, was known as “the Godfather of Chinese Electronic Music”. Along with California-raised rap trio L.A. Boyz, he was one of the American-born Taiwanese acts to become big in Taiwan in that era.
The now-47 year old is still very much active in the electronic music scene and flies around the world to spin. However, like with many other entertainers who depend on gigs for income, the COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a major blow to Jerry's livelihood.
Jerry with his son and wife
Recently, Jerry revealed to Apple Daily that all of his club gigs and performances in Taiwan and China have been cancelled and that he hasn’t received any income since last year. He admitted that he has no choice but to rely on his “precious savings” in order to raise his son, who is still in primary school.
Despite the hard times, Jerry remains positive.
"I think it’s a blessing in disguise ‘cos I’m actually shy and introverted," said Jerry. "I feel nervous when I see big crowds. I’ve always liked living an ordinary life. Although I have no income now, I still have some savings. I hope that the situation will improve soon, maybe in May or June, so that I can start earning money again to support my family." He then added that his daily task now is to ferry his son to school.
Jerry and Japanese star Namie Amuro back in the day
He also pointed out that freelance performers like him are having it worse compared to taxi drivers and F&B owners.
“Everyone says that taxi drivers and restaurants are hit the most [by the pandemic] because of their declining businesses. But a singer has no business at all when their shows get cancelled. I don't know what to do. Now, I can only spend as little as possible and save as much as I can,” Jerry sighed.
Jerry's daughter
While Jerry is now struggling to make ends meet, it was reported that his eldest daughter, who is 26 and lives in California, is thriving. (Fun fact: She appeared in Jerry’s ‘Baby Baby, My Realest Love’ music video in 1994.)
"My daughter is really capable. She bought a BMW, a Porsche, a convertible Audi with her own money even though she's only in her 20s. Now, she has the latest Tesla model and owns several houses. She invests in real estate, insurance, beauty and nail salons and the finance industry in the United States and does not rely on her dad at all. Even though most businesses in the US are now shut, she still has a stream of passive income of at least NT$500,000 to $600,000 (S$23,000 - $28,000) a month,” said Jerry, adding that his daughter has moved her businesses online and is now selling beauty discount coupons which can be used after the pandemic.
Jerry with his eldest daughter in his Baby Baby, My Realest Love music video
"She is only in her twenties. Old people like us can really learn from young people. Thinking about it, we were so stupid when we were young, mixing with bad company, going to night clubs and playing with girls,” said Jerry.
Jerry's eldest daughter is one of the two daughters he has with his ex-wife, Lin Yihui. Their marriage lasted six years before they got divorced in 1997. Jerry would later remarry and have a daughter and a son with his current wife. According to Apple Daily, his third daughter is a university student and also works part-time at a video game company.
Photos: Jerry Lo’s Facebook
