THE QUEENS OF SONO CAIRO

OUM KALSOUM

Oum Kalsoum is no doubt the Queen of Egyptian singers and changed the face of Arabic culture and politics.  I cannot begin to describe the power, elegance and beauty with which she brings to life the famous poetry of the Arabic canon.  To get an idea of her prowess and majesty here are a couple of videos::>

I finally found my first and favorite piece of hers on double 7", Beid Annak, though not in the version I recognize.  At the Comptoir Marocain de Distribution de Disques they had many of her discs, and I bought as many as I could.  Included here is::>

Beid Annak Pts. 1-4

Anta El Hob Pts. 1-4

Touf Ou Chouf Pts. 1-2

Here is the .zip

SABAH

Although from Lebanon, Sabah made her mark in Egypt as a singer and actress.  Her career has spanned 5 decades and she has been the subject of several scandals due to her many marriages and possible affairs.  Many consider her to be the Nancy Sinatra of the Arab world due to her bubbly demeanor yet tremendous melancholy, and of course the iconic blonde hair.  Included here are 2 records::>

Habibat Oummaha Pts. 1-2

Hiloua Ou Taiba Pts. 1-2

Demmou Khafif Pts. 1-2

Bini Ou Binek Thar Pts. 1-2

Here is the .zip

FAIROUZ

Fairouz, the "Jewel of Lebanon", made a splash on the international stage and in the 70's was a household name for many Arab-Americans and Europeans.  Her success was a bit stinted by the Lebanese Civil War, but at age 78 she still continues to perform.  Unfortunately, I was unable to get more than 1 record, which I have included here: "Mahrajane El Kamh"/"Saoufa Ahya".

Here is the .zip