Umm Kulthum was a celebrated musical performer in the Arab world, and her songs still permeate the international airwaves. This, the first English- language biography, chronicles her life and career. In particular, it examines her success in a society which discouraged women from public performance.
Expert writers present the major traditions of North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia, together with personal accounts of performers, composers, teachers, and ceremonies. A special feature of this volume is the inclusion of dozens of brief snap-shot essays that offer "lifestories" of typical musicmakers and their art, as well as first-person descriptions of specific music performances and events. Also includes maps and music examples.