NPR Story on Umm Kulthum

Umm Kulthum (or Om Kholtoum, depending on how you spell it) is the original diva of Egyptian modern music. NPR recently covered an excellent story about her effect on the Arab world -- it's especially good for Westerners who are still learning who she is and what makes her so special to her fans. From the article:

'Umm Kulthum's concerts were famous for the spontaneous cheers that would break out whenever her performance seemed to close the gap between poetry and emotion. Poetry is a deeply revered art form in the Middle East, and [Virginia] Danielson [author of A Voice Like Egypt] gives an example. When you hear Umm Kulthum sing, "I'm afraid your heart belongs to somebody else," in the song "Ana Fe Entezarak," she nails that anguish.'

Read the article here >>