Galilee's 'Nightingale' Tanous Dies at 86
Translated & summarized from Al-Shams by baba
Tanous, known as the "Nightingale of the Galilee," died at 86. He was a beloved singer whose distinctive voice was heard at events across the region, though he never pursued professional singing. Tanous was influenced by Farid al-Atrash and Wadih El Safi and befriended Palestinian poets like Samih Al-Qasim. His funeral is scheduled for Sunday in Eilaboun.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Tanous, the "Nightingale of the Galilee," passed away at the age of 86.
- He was known for his distinctive voice at weddings and cultural events.
- Tanous was influenced by artists Farid al-Atrash and Wadih El Safi.
- He befriended prominent Palestinian poets Samih Al-Qasim, Mahmoud Darwish, and Tawfiq Ziad.
- His funeral will be held on Sunday at the Church of Saint George in Eilaboun.
Tanous, a beloved singer from the Galilee known as the "Nightingale of the Galilee," has passed away at the age of 86. Though not a professional artist in the traditional sense, Tanous possessed a distinctive voice that made him a familiar presence at weddings, evenings, and cultural events, earning him a wide audience in the Galilee and beyond.
His artistic journey began in the 1960s when Nazareth artist Maroun Ashqar heard him sing at a wedding. Ashqar arranged for Tanous to perform, and his three-hour set that night marked the beginning of his rise to prominence. Tanous never viewed singing as a profession and did not accept payment for his performances, valuing his artistic freedom. Early in his career, he was influenced by artists like Farid al-Atrash and Wadih El Safi, the latter of whom saw in Tanous's voice an expression of longing, alienation, and patriotism.
Tanous also forged friendships with prominent Palestinian poets, including Samih Al-Qasim, Mahmoud Darwish, and Tawfiq Ziad. His work often intertwined with Palestinian poetry, heritage, and reality. Notable songs attributed to him include "Olive Season," "Mill Day Day," and "Ain Al-Batra." He also performed "Dola," a satirical and critical poem by Samih Al-Qasim, which became popular at cultural and national events in the 1970s.
He fondly recalled several meetings with Lebanese artist Wadih El Safi, who admired his voice and once asked him to sing in his place at an event in Taba. Despite not pursuing a professional career, Tanous's presence, voice, and connections left a lasting impact on the popular artistic memory of the Galilee.
Samir Hafez Tanous will be laid to rest on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Church of Saint George for the Greek Catholics in Eilaboun. Condolences will be accepted at the church hall on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.
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