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Umm Kulthum: Arabic Song and Egyptian Society in the Twentieth Century

Geoffrey Blair

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Published in The Voice Of Egypt : Umm Kulthum Arabic Song And Egyptian Society In The Twentieth Century (Chicago Studies In Ethnomusicology 1997)

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Umm Kulthum Performing On Stage The Voice Of Egypt : Umm Kulthum Arabic Song And Egyptian Society In The Twentieth Century (Chicago Studies In Ethnomusicology 1997)

The Voice of Egypt : Umm Kulthum Arabic Song and Egyptian Society in the Twentieth Century (Chicago Studies in Ethnomusicology 1997)

"The Voice of Egypt": Umm Kulthum, Arabic Song, and Egyptian Society in the Twentieth Century (Chicago Studies in Ethnomusicology Book 1997)

by Virginia Danielson

4.5 out of 5

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Umm Kulthum (1898-1975) was an Egyptian singer, songwriter, and actress who is considered one of the greatest singers of all time. She was known for her powerful voice, her captivating stage presence, and her songs that often dealt with themes of love, loss, and longing.

Umm Kulthum was born in the village of Tamay al-Zahayra in the Nile Delta. She began singing at a young age, and by the time she was a teenager, she was performing at weddings and other social events. In 1923, she moved to Cairo, where she quickly became one of the most popular singers in the city. Her concerts were often sold out, and her songs were played on the radio and in homes throughout Egypt.

Umm Kulthum's music had a profound impact on Egyptian society. Her songs were often used to express the hopes and dreams of the Egyptian people, and they helped to shape the country's cultural identity. Umm Kulthum was also a symbol of female empowerment, and her success inspired many women to pursue their own dreams.

Umm Kulthum's career spanned over four decades, and she recorded over 300 songs. She performed all over the world, and she was awarded numerous awards and honors. She died in Cairo in 1975, and her funeral was attended by millions of people.

Umm Kulthum's legacy continues to live on today. Her music is still popular throughout the Arab world, and she is considered one of the most important figures in Arabic history.

The Book

Umm Kulthum: Arabic Song and Egyptian Society in the Twentieth Century is a comprehensive biography of Umm Kulthum that explores her life, her career, and her impact on Egyptian society. The book is written by Virginia Danielson, a professor of Arabic literature at the University of California, Los Angeles. Danielson has spent years researching Umm Kulthum's life and work, and she has gained access to previously unpublished archival materials. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in Umm Kulthum, Arabic music, or Egyptian history.

Reviews

"Umm Kulthum: Arabic Song and Egyptian Society in the Twentieth Century is a masterful work of scholarship that sheds new light on one of the most important figures in Arab history. Danielson's writing is clear, concise, and engaging, and she provides a wealth of new information about Umm Kulthum's life and work. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Umm Kulthum, Arabic music, or Egyptian history." - Michael Sells, author of The Bridge Betrayed: Religion and Genocide in Bosnia

"Virginia Danielson's Umm Kulthum: Arabic Song and Egyptian Society in the Twentieth Century is a groundbreaking study of the life and career of one of the most iconic figures in Arab history. Danielson's research is impeccable, her writing is elegant and evocative, and her insights are profound. This book is a major contribution to the study of Arabic music and Egyptian history, and it is sure to become a classic." - Dwight Reynolds, author of Arabia and the West: A History of Power and Prejudice

"Umm Kulthum: Arabic Song and Egyptian Society in the Twentieth Century is a beautifully written and deeply researched biography of one of the most important figures in Arab history. Danielson's book is a must-read for anyone interested in Umm Kulthum, Arabic music, or Egyptian history." - Juan Cole, author of The New Arabs: How the Millennial Generation Is Changing the Middle East

Free Download Your Copy Today

Umm Kulthum: Arabic Song and Egyptian Society in the Twentieth Century is available now from all major booksellers. You can also Free Download your copy directly from the publisher, the University of Chicago Press.

"The Voice of Egypt": Umm Kulthum, Arabic Song, and Egyptian Society in the Twentieth Century (Chicago Studies in Ethnomusicology Book 1997)

by Virginia Danielson

4.5 out of 5