Gholām-Hossein Banān (Persian: غلامحسين بنان; 5 May 1911 – 27 February 1986) was an Iranian musician and singer. One of the most prominent Iranian singers of the 20th century, he was renowned for the quality of his voice.[1]
Biography
Born in Tehran, Banān descended from a prominent family "with a background in government service".[1] His father, Karim Khan Banān ol-Dowleh (son of Mohammad-Taqi Mirza Fazlollah Khan Mostowfi Nuri) was an admirer of traditional music.[1] His mother was related to the ruling Qajar dynasty of Iran; she was the daughter of Mohammad Taqi Mirza Rokn ed-Dowleh, a brother of Naser al-Din Shah Qajar (r. 1848–1896).[1] Margaret Caton notes that Banān grew up in an environment where artistic development was fostered; his father sang and played the tar, while his mother played piano.[1] Banān's maternal aunt played the ney, and his sisters studied the tar with Morteza Neidavoud.[1]
From the age of six Gholam-Hossein Banān began to take lessons in singing and playing the piano and organ through the encouragement of Morteza Neidavoud who was quick to recognize him as musically talented. Gholām-Hossein's first teachers were his parents. He subsequently studied with Mirzā Tāher Ziā oz-Zākerin Rasā'í and Nāser Seif. Ali-Naqi Vaziri later introduced him to the acclaimed Rouhollah Khāleghi.
In 1957 or 1958, Banān became blind in his right eye following a car accident.[2]
Banān died 7:00 pm on Thursday 27 February 1986 in Iranmehr Hospital in Gholhak, Tehran.[3] He is still remembered by lovers of traditional Persian music. Among his best-remembered songs are "Ey Iran", "Caravan" and "Elahe-ye Naz".
