Music is a universal language that extends across time, cultures, and borders. Its creators, the stars who formed our collective music, have left legacies that inspire, comfort, and unite us across decades. From legendary Arab voices to global superstars, these musicians have made an unforgettable impression on the world, with their legacies woven into the very fabric of music and culture.

Arabic Music Legends

Umm Kalthoum: The Star of the East

Umm Kalthoum came to be known as Kawkab Al Sharq (The Star of the East) because of her singing power and ability to empathise. For example, her song “Enta Omri” is still played and memorized by millions due to its poetic lyrics and beautiful melody, showcasing her brilliance.  Her live radio performances, broadcast once a month, helped create a shared listening experience across the Arab world and beyond, where everyone admired her brilliance.

Fairuz: The Soul of Lebanon

Millions love her. Fairuz. The "Lady of Mornings." She has the voice of an angel, the lyrics are poetically akin, and the tunes make her a morning necessity for peace and restoration throughout the Arab world that transforms the essence of and acknowledges a revitalized version of morning to this day. Even newer generations reference her. For instance, in Habibi Sabah Al Kheir ("You Shall Wake Up as Fairuz is Singing"), Majid Al Muhandes confesses what it's like to wake up with Fairuz; she is a natural part of a blended whole from which spiritual and physical awakening occur. Her songs have become a morning tradition across the Arab world, passed down through generations, and continue to evoke a response from listeners of all ages.

Abd Al Haleem Hafez: The Romantic Nightingale

"Nightingale of Egypt" made the world sing. Abd Al Haleem sang "Ahwak" and "Zay El Hawa," and while the two titles provided harmony and the gift of sound, they were even more connected to the genuine sentiments that formed a lovely bond at the height of 20th-century Arabic music. Abd Al Haleem was an essential player on the Egyptian big screen for both his musical endeavours and his cinematic performances.

Sabah: A Shining Star Across Generations

Sabah, also known as Shahroura, was the queen of energy and life. To listen to Sa'at Sa'at and other singers of hers was as much joy as it was incentive because this woman was loved by the entire Arab world. There isn't a more perfect woman following a sixty-plus year career.

Talal Maddah and Mohammed Abdu: Voices of the Gulf

"Voice of the Earth" Talal Maddah created the sound that would define modern Khaleeji music. For example, Ma Aqdar Ansak embodies the feel and spirit of the Gulf. In addition, Mohammed Abdu was a critical contributor who took Maddah's sound and structure of perfection and exported important Khaleeji sounds to an international arena. Through their music, these two men did a great deal to advocate for the existence of millions.

Frank Sinatra: The Chairman of the Board

He was the man of the hour. Suave tailoring, fluid speaking, and a crooning charm attracted fans from a modernist position looking back in time. "My Way" and "New York, New York" will undoubtedly remain musical classics for many years to come. But Sinatra was more than just a musical composer and performer. He was Frank Sinatra, an international, intergenerational experience spanning movies and fashion, for he was a fashion alternative for a royal heritage.

Elvis Presley: The King of Rock and Roll

Elvis Presley made a revolution in music and pop culture with his electrifying performances. Songs like Jailhouse Rock and Can’t Help Falling in Love introduced him to the globe. His strong fusion of genres opened the way for countless artists, and his legacy remains unmatched.

Aretha Franklin: The Queen of Soul

Aretha Franklin was the Queen of Soul; she sang with a sultry, deep voice and was known for hits like "Respect" and "Natural Woman." Aretha's status within the industry and her philanthropic efforts helped her champion civil rights and feminist causes, making Aretha more than an industry legend; she's a woman of power and strength who used her art to convey such qualities.

Bridging Past and Present

Artists are sampling the sounds of legends these days. For example, MDLBEAST samples the sound of Umm Kalthoum; then, he merges her sound with beats to render it more electronic for younger ears. On a global scale, Adele samples the sound of Aretha Franklin to craft her version of soul while paying homage to sounds of yesteryear but crafting something new for today's world.

Echoes That Never Fade

These are the legends who prove the impact of music. They resonate with us as feelings and sociocultural events across their respective eras, and with each subsequent play of one of their albums, the listener feels them even more strongly, amplified over time. Fairuz's song Bebali wonderfully expresses how "the echo of my voice stays in the spaces." These words ring true as proof of these legends’ eternal presence, their voices that fill the air, as well as our hearts, making a long lasting impression.