Her fortunes took a downward turn after the "bloodless revolution" of 1952. Because of her supposed royal favor, she was rejected by the Egyptian musicians guild and faced censure. They ordered her songs to be taken from radio airplay. However, when one of the leaders of the revolution, Gamal Abdel Nasser, heard this, he took immediate action. He is quoted as saying "What are they, crazy? Do they want Egypt to turn against us?"
Umm's legacy in the Arab world is astonishing, considering the general attitude towards women in many of the countries. Her monthly concerts were so popular, they cleared the streets of Cairo and other cities throughout the Middle East as people flocked to their homes and other places with radios to hear her. In central Cairo, there is a statue and monument to her and in 2001, the Egyptian government opened the Kawkab al Sharq (Star of the East) Museum in her honor. She passed away in 1975, but she continues to sell millions of records. Her voice was considered highly unusual as she is only one of five female singers ever to be able to hit every single Arabic scale.
Fun Facts
Umm's famous fans include Bob Dylan, Led Zeppelin and Bono.
The legendary Maria Callas considered Umm "an Incomparable Voice."
I appreciate you stopping by today. If you're participating in the big A to Z, please check out more of the incredible participants here.
Glad they were able to save her music. Been a shame if it'd all been destroyed.
ReplyDeleteI know. I found a couple of her pieces on line and what an incredible voice.
DeleteI'm always so inspired by women in countries like this who are able to overcome the cultural obstacles against them. Great story.
ReplyDeleteI hear you, I love their spirit and how they are able to rise above such barriers. I had never heard of Umm before and now I'm really happy I did.
DeleteI love oriental music, my fave such singers are Sertab Erener (especially her songs EVERYWAY THAT I CAN and LEAVE) and I also love Natacha Atlas who is also from Egypt, methinks. but the best one was OFRA HAZA, She could be lovely addition to your series, Melsy, since she fought for piece in a war torn region, managed to bring love with her songs all around the world, had the most angelic of voices, and then died when her husband gave her AIDS :( She's a legend.
ReplyDeleteThese sound like really amazing singers and musicians. you've given me some great artists to check out. Thanks!
DeleteI, too, have a unique singer planned for "Y". Good post, lots of info. I'm curious to hear her voice now.
ReplyDeleteCool! I can't wait to check out your Y post. I'm intrigued. :) Umm does have a really unique and amazing voice.
DeleteI am still on letter T, but can I still have a Pomegranate martini? Glad you caught up. I am working on it.
ReplyDeleteYou may have all the pomegranate martinis you desire. :) I'll be to check out your posts. Sorry I've been so scattered and been away. You are going to rock the rest of this challenge.
DeleteIt's a good thing politics didn't get into the way of her art for too long.
ReplyDeleteYes! I hate when politics has to interfere. It's always bad news when that happens.
DeleteLooks like I missed a few days. She sounds like a fantastic singer. And you're right, that she gained so much popularity in a culture such as hers is astounding. Terrific.
ReplyDeleteNo worries, Rusty! Umm's being able to be such a cultural force in spite of being from a place that looks at women as second class was what really blew my mind bout her story.
DeleteI like that your choices run the gamut from activists to scientists to artists. MB is making A-Z fun and informative for me!
ReplyDelete