Fairouz

Fairouz is a renowned Lebanese singer and actress, known for her powerful and expressive voice, as well as her iconic performances in various Arabic music genres, including Lebanese music, Syrian music, and Egyptian music. Born as Nohad Haddad in Zeitoun, Mount Lebanon, Lebanon, she began her career at a young age, performing on Radio Lebanon alongside other notable artists, such as Wadih El Safi and Najib Hankash. Her unique voice and style have been influenced by various artists, including Umm Kulthum, Mohammed Abdel Wahab, and Abdel Halim Hafez.

Early Life and Career

Fairouz was born to a Greek Orthodox family in Zeitoun, Mount Lebanon, Lebanon, and began singing at a young age, performing in local Lebanese and Syrian festivals, as well as on Radio Lebanon and Tele Liban. She was discovered by Halim El-Roumi, a Lebanese musician and composer, who helped her launch her career, introducing her to other notable artists, such as Assi Rahbani and Mansour Rahbani. Fairouz's early career was marked by performances at various Beirut venues, including the Beirut Opera House and the Casino du Liban, where she shared the stage with artists like Sabah and Wadih El Safi.

Music Style and Influences

Fairouz's music style is a unique blend of traditional Arabic music and modern Western music influences, with lyrics often written by Assi Rahbani and Mansour Rahbani. Her songs often feature complex melodies and harmonies, showcasing her vocal range and expressiveness, as seen in songs like Ya Mustafa and Aatini al-Nay. Fairouz has been influenced by various artists, including Umm Kulthum, Mohammed Abdel Wahab, and Abdel Halim Hafez, as well as Western artists like Édith Piaf and Judy Garland. Her music has also been shaped by her collaborations with other notable Lebanese and Arabic musicians, such as Ziad Rahbani and Marcel Khalife.

Discography

Fairouz has released numerous albums throughout her career, including Good Friday Kahleek Bil Khair and The Days of Love, which feature songs like Habbaytak Bissayf and Aghadan Alqak. Her discography includes collaborations with various artists, such as Wadih El Safi and Najib Hankash, as well as composers like Assi Rahbani and Mansour Rahbani. Fairouz's music has been released on various labels, including EMI Arabia and Virgin Records, and has been distributed in countries like Lebanon, Egypt, and Syria.

Filmography

Fairouz has appeared in several films throughout her career, including Bint El-Hares and Safar Barlek, which were directed by Henry Barakat and Youssef Chahine. Her film performances often feature her singing and acting alongside other notable Arabic actors, such as Omar Sharif and Faten Hamama. Fairouz's films have been screened at various festivals, including the Cairo International Film Festival and the Carthage Film Festival, and have been recognized with awards like the Golden Lion at the Venice Film Festival.

Awards and Legacy

Fairouz has received numerous awards and honors throughout her career, including the National Order of the Cedar from the Lebanese government and the Order of the Nile from the Egyptian government. She has been recognized for her contributions to Arabic music and Lebanese culture, and has been named a UNESCO Artist for Peace. Fairouz's legacy extends beyond her own music and films, as she has inspired a generation of Arabic musicians and artists, including Nancy Ajram and Elissa.

Personal Life

Fairouz is married to Assi Rahbani, a Lebanese musician and composer, and has four children, including Ziad Rahbani, a Lebanese musician and composer. She is known for her private and reserved personality, and has been involved in various charitable activities, including supporting the Lebanese Red Cross and the UNICEF. Fairouz has performed at various benefit concerts, including the Beirut Marathon and the Dubai International Film Festival, and has been recognized for her philanthropic work by organizations like the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and the United Nations Development Programme. Category:Lebanese singers