Among the region’s greatest composers? Elias Rahbani. The Lebanese artist died on Monday at the age of 83 due to contracting COVID-19, and we’re here to celebrate him.
Throughout his decades-long career, Rahbani composed over 2500 songs, becoming best known for his work with legendary singer (and his half-sister) Fairuz, as well as the late icon Sabah.
Rahbani’s imprint, like his brothers Assi and Mansour—or as they’re otherwise known ‘The Rahbani Brothers’—stood the test of time. The composer continued to be lauded well into the 2000s, collaborating with the region’s biggest pop stars like Haifa Wehbe.
After his passing, tributes flooded social media commemorating the artist. Lebanese singer Elissa took to Twitter to say that Rahbani was “A honest, loving, and creative artist in every sense of the word, and a person who would never exist again with his instincts, talents and eternal deeds. “May God have mercy and all condolences to your generous family.”
“He took with him the most beautiful musical era in the history of the Lebanese song,” wrote Carole Samaha on Instagram. “Your deeds are immortal in memory and conscience. I extend my deepest condolences to the entire Rahbani family, especially Nina, Jad and Ghassan,” she continued, in reference to his wife who the late composer titled songs after.
In tribute of the artist, MILLE rounds up his greatest songs for you to listen to.
