Umm Kulthum

Defining voice of 20th-century Arabic song—marathon tarab performances that held the Arab world to the radio.

Biography

Defining voice of 20th-century Arabic song—marathon tarab performances that held the Arab world to the radio.

Influence

Set the emotional and formal expectations for Arabic classical-popular singing; still the measuring stick for tarab vocalists.

Historical context

Defining voice of 20th-century Arabic song—marathon tarab performances that held the Arab world to the radio. Set the emotional and formal expectations for Arabic classical-popular singing; still the measuring stick for tarab vocalists. First Thursday broadcasts were communal events across the region—song as synchronized public time.

Associated instruments

Vocals

Specimen note

First Thursday broadcasts were communal events across the region—song as synchronized public time.