Abdel Halim Ali Ismail Shabana

Abdel Halim is among the most popular artists ever in the Arab world, combing real talents in both singing and acting. He is remembered for his sweet voice, gaining him the nickname the "Tan Nightingale." Most of his songs were romantic in nature, and many were written by Muhammad Abdel Wahhab.

Though the core of his music was traditional, he is noted for having welcomed modern instruments, like the synthesizer, in order to bring forth new dimensions in the music.

Abdel Halim never married, but there were rumours of his doing so in secret. In his younger days, Abdel Halim was about to marry, but his fiancee died shortly before the marriage. This tragic event would come to have much influence on his art.

Abdel Halim recorded albums, but was mainly a live performer. Much of his music is available only from live recordings. Among his most popular songs areQariat al-Fingan, Ahwak, Khosara, Gana el-Hawa andSawah.

He also starred in 16 films.

Biography

1929 June 21: Born in the small town Halawat, in theNile Delta, as son of a local shaykh. His mother dies after giving birth to him.

1934: His father dies, and he moves in with close relatives in Cairo.

1940: Jopins the Academy of Arabic Music in Cairo, taking lessons in singing and learning to play the oboe.

1948: Graduates from the academy.

Around 1950: Plays at night clubs, and is discovered by hazard while singing on national radio by one the executives, Hafez Abdel Wahab. Abdul Halim would add Hafez to his own name in recognition of his importance to his own life and career.

1977 March 30: Abdel Halim dies in London, UK, fromBilharzia, which he had contracted as an 11-year old kid. The crowds following his funeral were reported to have been about 100,000, one of the largest crowds at any funeral ever in Egypt.