This is the first post in a monthly series featuring Arab artists from across the Arab World. As we go forward I will introduce one or more artists from each Arab country along with some of their music or their respective art.<\/p>\n
To begin this series I decided to feature Nouhad Haddad, more commonly known as Fairouz (Turquoise), perhaps my favorite Arab artist and singer. Fairouz was born in Cedar Mountain, Lebanon, on November 21, 1935. She is one of the most popular artists in the Arab world, and is widely considered the most famous living Arab artist today. If I had to compare her to a western artist in terms of stature, I would say she is to the Arab world what Frank Sinatra is to western culture. Fairouz was married to Assi Rahbani, a playwright and composer who shaped much of her musical career. Fairouz and Assi had four children: sons Ziad and Hali, and daughters Layal and Rima. Her son, Ziad, who also became a playwright and composer, later took the role of his father and composed for Fairouz. Her daughter Rima is a director and photographer.<\/p>\n
As well as a famous and renowned artist, Fairouz is also considered a cultural icon and a symbol of Lebanese pride. This image owes in part to her musical style, which is very traditional and folkloric. For a lengthy period of time Fairouz’s music was considered melancholic and political, especially works that were written and recorded during the Lebanese civil war (1975-1991). One such song presented below is titled Shady, the name of a boy who goes missing during the war. The story is recounted through the eyes of a little girl who was Shady’s playmate.<\/p>\n