Nhật Bằng, born on July 12, 1930, in Hanoi, was raised in a Confucian family where his grandfather served as an Án Sát and his father held a senior position during the French colonial period and the First Republic of Vietnam. He had three siblings: Nhật Phượng, Hồng Hảo, and Thể Tần.

During his childhood, Nhật Bằng attended a Catholic elementary school before transferring to Đông Sơn public school in Thanh Hóa. He graduated from elementary school in 1944 and joined Trường Bưởi in Hanoi (the precursor to Chu Văn An), where he formed friendships with fellow musicians Phạm Đình Chương and Vũ Đức Nghiêm.

In 1946, he and his family evacuated to Thanh Hóa. After the August Revolution, he continued his studies at Đào Duy Từ public high school in Thanh Hóa, graduating with a secondary school diploma in 1949.

From a young age, Nhật Bằng had a deep passion for music. During his education and the resistance period, he learned music notation, harmony, violin, and composition from his cousin, composer Đỗ Thế Phiệt. Alongside his siblings, he performed music at school events.

He later joined the Văn Nghệ Liên Khu IV group, working alongside Hoài Bắc, Phạm Đình Chương, Hoài Trung, and Phạm Duy. During this time in Thanh Hóa, he taught himself to play the guitar.

When the Việt Minh initiated the land reform movement, which affected his family, his father encouraged his siblings to return to Hanoi between 1949 and 1950. Once back in Hanoi, he continued his secondary education but was soon drafted and sent to Nam Định. To pursue his musical aspirations, he voluntarily joined the Đệ III Quân Khu Military Band, collaborating with composers such as Nguyễn Túc, Đan Thọ, and Văn Phụng.

In 1951, Nhật Bằng and his three siblings established the “Hạc Thành” choir (named after the cranes of Hanoi) and performed informally on Hanoi's radio and at student events. The group became popular, especially among students, and although his siblings were still in school, the entire family shared a strong passion for music and a solid foundation in music theory. During this period, Nhật Bằng composed several songs including "Khúc Nhạc Ngày Xuân," "Ánh Sáng Đồng Quê," "Dạ Tương Tư Sầu," and "Một Chiều Thu."

In 1952, he joined the military music sector alongside composers like Nguyễn Hiền, Văn Phụng, and Đan Thọ.

Following the 1954 Geneva Accords, which divided the country, his extended family migrated south. Nhật Bằng joined the Psychological Warfare Department and worked at the Military Radio Station. After his siblings completed high school, some entered the workforce while others continued their studies, leading the Hạc Thành choir to perform solely on Saigon's radio stations. During this time, he produced songs such as "Vọng Cố Đô," "Bóng Quê Xưa," and "Tiếng Vọng Rừng Xanh," often collaborating with Đan Thọ.

In 1956, he moved to Sài Gòn, initially working at the Military Radio Station of VTVN. His composition "Về Đây Anh," co-written with Nguyễn Hiền, served as the theme song for the radio program "Chiêu Hồi."

Historical records indicate that he established a band named “Nhật Bằng” at the Saigon radio station and the military station. He also played the double bass for various bands, including those led by Hoàng Trọng, Nghiêm Phú Phi, Văn Phụng, and Tiếng Hát Tâm Tình, while arranging music for radio and television and for several record labels.

By 1963, Nhật Bằng, along with Văn Phụng and Anh Ngọc, formed the whimsical male trio "Đô Si La," known for their vibrant performances. They quickly won the audience's affection with their distinctive attire featuring colorful checkered shirts and bright bird motifs. Alongside other northern musicians like Nguyễn Hiền and Văn Phụng, Nhật Bằng contributed significantly to the rich pre-war musical landscape.

For a period, he served in the Arts Department under the Psychological Warfare Bureau, holding the rank of sergeant. In 1968, he received the award for the best military song of the year for "Chiến Sĩ Ca." In addition to his military work, he collaborated with various nightclubs, notably "Đêm Màu Hồng" with Nguyễn Hiền and Nghiêm Phú Phi.

From 1956 to 1969, this era marked Nhật Bằng's most prolific songwriting period. Among his extensive catalog of over one hundred compositions, listeners can identify three distinct genres: folk music, romantic songs, and battle anthems. Many of his songs express themes of longing and nostalgia, such as "Vọng Cố Đô" and "Anh Về Một Mùa Trăng."

Renowned singer Anh Ngọc reflected on his experiences with Nhật Bằng, highlighting his romantic works like "Thuyền Trăng," "Dạ Tương Sầu," "Lỡ Làng," "Bóng Chiều Tà," and "Một Chiều Thu." During his military service, Nhật Bằng also wrote battle songs, notably "Bóng Người Chiến Sĩ," with "Chiến Sĩ Ca" gaining widespread popularity in military schools.

From 1969 onward, Nhật Bằng ceased composing after creating nearly 100 songs across various genres.

Following the events of April 30, 1975, he was imprisoned for seven years due to his service in Psychological Warfare. By 1986, he began performing pre-war music again at various venues, including universities and hotels, after these works were permitted.

In September 1990, Nhật Bằng relocated to the United States, settling in Virginia under the HO program. He opened a vocal training class and arranged music while forming a band for his three sons to perform. Additionally, he participated in the Hưng Ca Việt Nam movement and the Cao Trào Nhân Bản. In 1991, he composed the song “Ngày Quốc Tế” for the Cao Trào Nhân Bản organization, serving as their theme music.

Nhật Bằng was married to Vũ Thị Tường Huệ, and together they had five children: four sons and one daughter. His children, Trần Nhật Hải (guitar), Trần Thị Bích Vân, Trần Nhật Hùng (bass), Trần Nhật Huấn (keyboard), and Trần Nhật Hào (singer Nhật Hào), also reside in Virginia. The family gained recognition in Washington for their band "The Blue Ocean," later renamed Five Stars. Currently, his children collaborate with The Diamond Club under the name Saigon Stars Band.

In 1998, he returned to visit his hometown of Thanh Hóa.

Nhật Bằng passed away from a cerebrovascular accident at 8:35 PM on May 7, 2004, leaving behind a legacy of music and fond memories for family, friends, and admirers. His memorial services were held over two days on May 10 and 11, 2004, at Fairfax Memorial Park Cemetery in Virginia, with the funeral conducted on May 12, 2004, at 9 AM.