Abd al-Halim Hafez

Abd al-Halim Hafez was one of the most influential and popular singers in the Arab world. He was known for his emotional and expressive voice, his long and complex songs, and his patriotic and romantic lyrics. He was also a successful actor, starring in 16 movies, mostly musicals. He was orphaned at a young age and raised by his aunt and uncle. He showed a talent for music and singing since childhood and joined the Academy of Arabic Music in Cairo. He became famous in the 1950s and 1960s, collaborating with many renowned composers and poets. He was a close friend of President Gamal Abdel Nasser and supported the Egyptian Revolution of 1952. He also sang for the Arab causes, such as the Palestinian struggle and the Six-Day War. He suffered from schistosomiasis, a parasitic disease, since his youth and had to undergo regular treatments in London. He died there in 1977, at the age of 47, leaving behind a legacy of songs that are still loved and admired by millions of fans.