Google is celebrating the 78th birthday of former Saudi musician and composer Talal Maddah, also known as “The Golden Throat” and “The Earth’s Voice” with a special Google Doodle in the MENA region.
Maddah had considerable influence over 20th century Arabian culture and was known for playing Oud, the musical instrument popular in the Middle East and North Africa region.
He began his musical journey by singing in school concerts while he was a student in Mecca, going on to learn the oud thanks to one of his classmates Abdul Rahman Khundaneh.
He started his career by emulating singers such as Hassan Jawa, eventually playing in various festivals across Saudi Arabia between 1960 and 2000, as well as participating in a number of shows in Egypt, Syria and Lebanon.
It was the birth of Saudi Arabia’s radio, however, which helped Maddah rise to stardom. His first song, a success, was called Wardak Ya Zarea Al Ward (Grower of Roses).
Through his career, Maddah collaborated with several composers including Gamal Salama and Mohammed Shafiq, and is even credited with mentoring Gulf singer Abadi Al Johar.
He starred in one movie, Fog Street (1965) alongside Lebanese singer Sabah.
Maddah passed away in 2000 aged 60.
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