Lebanese born composer, musician and singer Farid El Atrache was one of the most important contributor to Egyptian film music.
Born as a druze in the Syrian mountains in the village of al-Qajra in 1910, Farid al-Attrasj became one of the leading composers of Egyptian music. He featured in many movies on the side of dancer Samia Gamal as well as Tahia Carioca.
Samia Gamal became his girlfriend… Farid Al Atrash acquired some of his oud-playing skills of his mother,
being born in a musical family. His sister Asmahan was also a singer and nearly as popular as Umm Kholtoum before she died in a car accident in mysterious circumstances. Songs like ''Noura Noura'' (with the enchanting ney melody), ''Leyla'', ''Hallet Layali'', and ''Gameel Gamal'' became instant hits.
He not only sang his own compositions but wrote for other arab singers as well.
Over his lifetime, Farid starred in 31 movies and recorded approximately 350 songs. He also composed music for such famous singers as Wadih El-Safi, Warda, and Sabah. Farid El-Atrache has left a legacy to Arabic music. He is considered by Arab musicians as the best oud player of his time. His songs are still popularly used in many belly dance routines today. His voice and sad singing style was so unique and popular that Farid is still one of the most imitated singers. Composers consider Farid a leader in his field.
On December 26, 1974, Farid died in Beirut in Al Hayek hospital . Farid is buried in Cairo, Egypt.