Queen Of Song Fairuz Turns 88, Here Are 88 Things We Love About Her

As Fairuz, the iconic Lebanese singer, marks her 88th birthday today, her influence remains timeless, resonating across generations. We thought there was no better reason to celebrate the queen of Lebanon, so here are 88 reasons why Fairuz holds an indelible place in our hearts:

1. Ethereal voice that transcends boundaries.

2. Championing Arab identity through music.

3. Her music being the soundtrack to our drive to school every morning.

4. Her visit to Palestine in 1963.

5. The fact that she gave us some of the most iconic breakup songs (Bektoub Ismak, Saalouni el Nas…).

6. She radiates grace and humility.

7. Li Beirut. Enough said.

8. The fact that she sued Madonna in 1993. (And won.)

9. Her songs about Al Quds (especially Zahrat al Mada’en).

10. She symbolizes home for many Lebanese abroad.

11. When we hear “Laylit Eid” come on during Christmas.

12. How stunning her childhood home is.

@beirut.com Discovering Fairuz’s hidden haven: Exploring her abandoned childhood home, where melodies once echoed 🌟🏡🎶 #beirut#lebanon#fairuz#legend#abandonedhouse#urbex#fyp ♬ Nehna We El Kamar Geeran – Fairouz

13. She comes from humble beginnings, and has remained humble despite her astronomical success.

14. The integral role she played in our fashion history.

15. The longing and nostalgia invoked in “Aatini Al Nay Wa Ghanni.”

16. The fact that she gave us Ziad Rahbani.

17. She inspires a sense of unity.

18. Her resilience despite personal challenges.

19. The fact that she’s created a musical legacy for future generations.

20. Her music transcends language, and is appreciated worldwide.

21. Even Beyonce listens to her music.

22. Her friendship and iconic photographs with Oum Kalthoum.

23. The fact that she put Baalbek International Festival on the map.

24. Symbolizing hope in the post-war era with “Nassam Alayna El-Hawa.”

25. The fact that her music embraces both tradition and change.

26. Her friendship with Mireille Mathieu.

27. Her performance in “Bayya3 el Khawatem.”

28. Giving us the best measure of love, “shayif el bahr shu kbeer…?”

29. The playfulness and authenticity of emotion conveyed in “Kifak Enta.”

30. The ethereal hymns she shares during Easter.

31. Her 1994 performance in Martyrs’ Square to launch the rebirth of the downtown district that was ravaged by the civil war.

32. Her sample of Mozart’s classic symphony with “Ya Ana Ya Ana.”

33. Her level of artistic integrity.

34. She can rock a headdress better than anyone.

35. The evocative simplicity of “Habbaytak Bessayf,” a love ballad.

36. Her cute lullaby-like songs like “Teeri ya Tiyara.”

37. The emotional depth and simplicity of songs like “Zourouni.”

38. Having the best stage name, the Arabic word for “turquoise.”

39. Her agile and tender voice in “Bint El Chalabiya.”

40. Her live show in Las Vegas, which can be considered one of the best live performances ever.

41. Her contributions to Lebanese folklore.

42. Bhebbak ya Libnan.

43. Her adaptation of John Lennon’s “Imagine”.

44. She evokes a sense of national pride.

45. She refuses most interviews, and has let her music speak for her instead.

46. Timeless melodies that echo through the ages.

47. Her plays which pay tribute to Lebanese village life.

48. The melodic storytelling of “A Hadir el Bosta,” capturing the essence of Lebanese culture.

49. The way she rocks a kaftan.

50. Playing “Betzakarak bil Kharif” at the start of every autumn.

51. Her velvet voice.

52. She’s been honored by presidents from all around the world.

53. The fact that she’s known as the “Seventh Pillar of Baalbek.”

54. The way she’s represented hope throughout Lebanon’s tumultuous history.

55. Her music makes every morning infinitely better.

56. The sheer devastation of “La Inta Habibi” which makes you want to break up with your love.

57. The way she has her own stamp at LibanPost

58. The murals of her face that now decorate our city.

59. Her nickname is Jarat Al Qamar or the Neighbor of the Moon

60. Her tender renditions of the “Dal3ona” dabke music.

61. How her voice portrays raw human emotion.

62. This photo.

63. The fact that she is the most listened-to singer in the Arab world.

64. Captivating storytelling through lyrics.

65. Her artistic collaborations with her children.

66. This outfit.

67. The feeling you get when you hear the first few notes of “Ana La Habibi.”

68. This iconic picture.

69. The way she embodies of elegance and poise, both on and off the stage.

70. Her maternal side.

71. Evoking the beauty of Lebanon’s landscapes in her music.

72. All her Christmas music.

73. Her representation of the Lebanese spirit in the deeply moving “Hela Ya Waseh.”

74. The way her music champions the importance of preserving Arabic heritage.

75. Her pioneering role in introducing Western audiences to the richness of Arabic music.

76. The head resonance she utilizes in her singing.

77. Her songs’ ability to evoke nostalgia and memories for listeners across generations.

78. Nassam Alayna el Hawa.

79. The authenticity of her performances.

80. The way her songs pair with sunshine, rain, storms, and beachside getaways.

81. Her performance in the iconic musical “Safar Barlik.”

82. She has released over 800 songs, with over 1500 having been recorded.

83. Her impact on global music.

84. Her portrayal of the universal themes of love, loss, and resilience in her music.

85. She’s a living legend.

86. The richness of traditional instrumentation in her compositions.

87. She is an unrivaled icon.

88. Everything.

Happy birthday to the woman whose 88th birthday serves as a moment to reflect on the immeasurable impact she has had, and continues to have, on music, culture, and the human spirit. Fairuz, the Queen of Song, remains an eternal source of inspiration, her melodies etched in the hearts of millions around the world.