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http://en.wikipedia....iki/Ahmad_Zahir

Ahmad Zahir in the 70s
Background information
Birth name Ahmad Zahir
Born June 14, 1946(1946-06-14)
laghman, Afghanistan
Died June 14, 1979 (aged 33)
salang, Afghanistan
Genres Mast rock, pop, ghazals
Occupations Singer, songwriter, composer
Instruments Harmonium, piano, accordion, electronic keyboard, acoustic guitar, electric guitar
Years active 1967–1979
Labels Afghan Music, Aj Musik, EMI, Music Center

Ahmad Zahir (Pashto: احمد ظاهر - Persian: احمد ظاهر - Aḥmad Zāhir; 14 June 1946 – 14 June 1979), was an Afghan singer, songwriter, and composer. Still popular more than a quarter-century after his death, he is considered an icon of music in Afghanistan.[peacock term]

Ahmad Zahir is sometimes called "the King of Afghan Music". Zahir is remembered as having a style similar to Elvis Presley. Yet Zahir is known for his unique touch and soulful interpretations.

Contents [hide]
1 Early years
2 Career
2.1 1960s
2.2 1970s
2.3 Death and legacy
3 Discography
3.1 Afghan Music albums
3.2 Ariana Music albums
3.3 Music Center albums
3.4 Private albums
3.5 Other discography information
4 References
5 External links

[edit] Early years
Ahmad Zahir, was born on June 14, 1946 (Jauza 24rd, 1325 of the Jalali calendar) in laghman,to a pashtun family.[1] His father, Abdul Zahir, was a royal court doctor, minister of health, one-time prime minister, speaker of the parliament and an influential figure in the Zahir Shah era. He helped write the Constitution of Afghanistan after graduating from Columbia University of New York. Due to his noble birth, Zahir's profession as a singer became a point of contention between the singer and his elitist father. Still, Zahir loved to sing and pressure by his fans kept him performing. Zahir's music interest developed in the early 1960s with his involvement in his high school band. The Amateur Band of Habibia High School modeled themselves after such Western musical groups as the Beatles. After high school, his father sent Zahir to India in an attempt to force his son to start a career in the medical field, but Zahir went on to study music instead.

[edit] Career
[edit] 1960s
[edit] 1970s
Zahir was introduced to the best of Afghanistan’s music scene by the thrilled recording studios. He worked with veteran mentors such as the late Ustad Ismail Azami (saxophonist), Ustad Nangalai (trumpeter), Abdullah Etemadi (drummer), and other musicians including Salim Sarmast, Naynawaz, Taranasaz, and Mas'hour Jamal. He recorded over 22 albums in the 1970s. His songs were noted for their mellifluous tone, poetic style, compelling depth, and passionate emotional evocation. His lyrics covered a wide range of subjects. Many of his songs contained autobiographical elements or political criticism of Afghanistan's government. As a result many of his recordings were destroyed by the government.

In the late 1970s, his iconic image transformed to that of a national hero. Many of his songs from this time period reflected his strong political views.

[edit] Death and legacy
Zahir died on June 14, 1979, on his 33rd birthday. Some say he died in a car accident, but it is known that he was shot by an acquaintance and it was made to look like an automotive accident. Ahmad Zahir's son Rishad Zahir currently lives in United States.