Muslum Magomayev – famous baritone opera and pop singer of Azerbaijan
Baku, March 9, AZERTAC
Muslum Magomayev, aptly dubbed the "King of Songs" and the "Soviet Sinatra" was a distinguished Azerbaijani composer and Soviet Azerbaijani baritone operatic pop singer.
He had created spectacular works in the classical music field.
Magomayev (1942-2008) managed to win the hearts of millions of fans from young age with miraculous baritone voice.
Muslim Magomayev's creative activity occupies a special place in the history of Azerbaijani culture.
The magic of his voice and his rich creativity has become a memorable art monument.
His passion for art, a deep musical perception, high scenic culture has presented him as a symbol of performing arts of Azerbaijan.
Magomayev achieved iconic status in Russia and the post-Soviet countries for his vocal talent and charisma.
Muslim earned fame in the USSR as an opera singer with his performance in Rossini's "Barber of Seville". He also became known for his arias from Puccini's "Tosca", Hajibeyov's "Koroghlu" and "Shah Ismayil", which was composed by his grandfather.
He became the art director of the Azerbaijan State Bandstand-Symphonic Orchestra in 1975 and toured in Italy, France, Bulgaria, Finland, Canada, United States, Cuba and other countries.
Magomayev was also known as a composer, writing several film soundtracks and songs.
At the very young age of 31, he was awarded the People`s Artist of the USSR. His repertoire comprised up to 600 compositions.
Moreover, Magomayev acted in films and hosted television and radio broadcasts devoted to prominent musicians of the 20th century.
Muslim Magomayev has gained fame for the Azerbaijani culture with his diverse performances in the most spectacular concert halls of the world.
Having been trained at the La Scala theatre in Milan, he went on to win international competitions held in cities as Helsinki, Sopot and Cannes.
In 1966 and 1969, Magomayev performed in Paris Olympia with great success.
Muslum Magomayev died in 2008 in Moscow. He was buried in the Alley of Honors in his native city of Baku, next to his grandfather. The funeral ceremony was attended by President Ilham Aliyev, Magomayev's family members, friends, as well as state officials and international delegations. Thousands of people came to pay a final tribute to the singer.
