At the age of 13, he followed older artists to sing at American clubs during its sparse period in Saigon.

By the end of 1960s, when the movement of young music flourished, Tuấn Ngọc began performing English songs, from which he gained popularity.

Throughout his career, he has gained appreciation from the professionals as well as the admiration of the music-loving public Trịnh Công Sơn considers Tuấn Ngọc as the best male vocalist among artists singing his songs.

Many singers from later generations have cited him as an influence, including Quang Dũng, Trần Thái Hòa.

He recently returned to Vietnam to perform periodically and recorded two albums: "Hãy Yêu Nhau Đi 2" and "Chiều nay không có em".