Abdel Halim Hafez

About

Abdel Halim Ali Shabana (Arabic: عبدالحليم علي شبانة), commonly known as Abdel Halim Hafez (Arabic: عبد الحليم حافظ‎) (June 21, 1929 - March 30, 1977), is among the most popular Egyptian and Arab singers. In addition to singing, Halim was also an actor, conductor, business man, music teacher and movie producer. He is considered to be one of the Great Four of Arabic music (along with Umm Kulthum, Mohammed Abdel Wahab, and Farid Al Attrach). His name is sometimes written as 'Abd el-Halim Hafez. He is known as el-Andaleeb el-Asmar (The Dark-Skinned Nightingale, Arabic: العندليب الأسمر‎). He is also known as an icon in modern Arabic music. To this day, his music is still enjoyed throughout the Arab world. The 2011 Egyptian revolution was influenced by his songs. Early life: Born in El-Halawat, in Al Sharqia Governorate, 80 kilometers (50 miles) north of Cairo, Kingdom of Egypt as Abdel Halim Ali Shabanah, he was the fourth child of Sheikh Ali Ismail Shabanah. He had two brothers, Ismail and Mohammed, and one sister, Aliah. His mother died from labor complications three days after giving birth to him - something that made people around him believe that he brought bad luck. His father …