Umm Kulthum, Egyptian singer whose performances mesmerized Arab audiences from the Persian Gulf to Morocco for half a century. She was one of the most famous Arab singers and public personalities of the 20th century. Learn more about Umm Kulthum’s life
Umm Kulthūm’s father was a villageimamwho sang traditional religious songs at weddings and holidays to make ends meet. She learned to sing from him, and, when he noticed the strength of her voice, he began taking her with him, dressed as a boy to avoid the opprobrium of displaying a ...