Shohreh Solati
Encyclopedia
Shohreh Solati (born Fatemeh Solati in Tehran, Iran) is a popular Iranian singer. She has had one of the most consistently active and prolific careers among contemporary, women Iranian singers. Since the Islamic Revolution in Iran
, she has continued her music career in exile and achieved acclaim for her contribution to Iranian music.
on January 4, 1957 to a well-to-do family of artists and entertainers, Shohreh developed an interest in music early on - singing at seven years of age. She later went on to study at the National Iranian Music Conservatory, where she received training in singing and the clarinet. Her first album titled Dokhtar-e-Mashreghi (Eastern Girl) was successful, garnering some notability. Magazines directed toward the youth of Iran in the 1970s also gave exposure to the singer.
and soon after married. Since the revolution came unexpectedly, she and other exiled Iranian singers initially faced some difficulties to re-establish the community. However, after the birth of her daughter, Shohreh became more involved in her professional career.
, Shohreh moved to Los Angeles
in the early 1980s, settling with the exiled Iranian music industry of the 1970s, who also established in that city. Working with songwriters, composers and arrangers such as Mohammed Moqadam, Jaklin, Siavash Ghomeishi and Shubert Avakian, she produced and released several new albums. Most of these albums were nostalgic of the golden years of Iranian life just a few years before and thus appealed to a much wider audience, giving Shohreh's fame momentum. The yearning for Iran in Shohreh's music established a strong solidarity amongst the struggling Iranians who found comfort in her songs.
Her notable albums during this period include Jaan Jaan, Salam, Sedaayeh Paa and Shenidam. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Solati managed to increase her appeal by the release of newer albums, each earning commendation. In the 1980s she had many concerts with Siavash Shams
and Andy Madadian
.
However, it was not until the release of the album Zan (1994) that she unequivocally garnered positive reviews from critics. The themes of her songs in that album not only highlighted greater recognition of women's rights, but they also underlined the importance of women's duties. Furthermore, in the video “Ayeneh” (Zan) she donned on a black chador
(the traditional garment worn by women of Iran), a move that evoked affection from the Iranian community toward a singer who represented her background with such pride. This led to the success of her concert at Hollywood Palladium
in October 1995.
At the turn of the millennium, Shohreh continued releasing more albums outreaching her popularity beyond the borders of Iran. With the best-seller releases of Ghesseh Goo, Saayeh, Atr, Safar, Pishooni, and Havas. She has rivaled the work of such singers as Leila Forouhar
and Nooshafarin
. Some have argued that Shohreh in fact has eclipsed these singers in the last few years. Her music albums produced outside of Iran have now outnumbered her numbers before the revolution. She has been credited to have given sold out performances in U.S.
, Canada
, Norway
, Denmark
, Netherlands
, Italy
, Britain, Sweden
, France
, Switzerland
, Germany
, Cyprus
, Turkey
and Israel
.
Shohreh is the mother of model, Tannaz Nayebi, to whom she is said to be close. She dedicated a song to her daughter, Ghasame Tannaz, from her recent album Havas. She has a close-knit family, and she sometimes collaborates with her brother Shahram Solati on various albums. In Panjereha, both were critically acclaimed.
-based Iranian satellite TV station, Shohreh spoke of abuse in the 1970s that resulted in a dislocated shoulder by Mahmoud Ghorbani, Googoosh
's ex-husband. His assistance in starting Shohreh's career is acknowledged by both parties, but after recently re-emerging into the spotlight, he has claimed to have had romantic involvement with the singer. Shohreh has dismissed this statement as egotistically motivated.
It is speculated that due to Shohreh's accelerating fame in recent years, individuals are now asserting a special place in the singer's personal life. As of 2006, beyond a professional relationship, no evidence of romance between the two has come to light.
Iranian Revolution
The Iranian Revolution refers to events involving the overthrow of Iran's monarchy under Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi and its replacement with an Islamic republic under Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the leader of the...
, she has continued her music career in exile and achieved acclaim for her contribution to Iranian music.
Biography
Born in TehranTehran
Tehran , sometimes spelled Teheran, is the capital of Iran and Tehran Province. With an estimated population of 8,429,807; it is also Iran's largest urban area and city, one of the largest cities in Western Asia, and is the world's 19th largest city.In the 20th century, Tehran was subject to...
on January 4, 1957 to a well-to-do family of artists and entertainers, Shohreh developed an interest in music early on - singing at seven years of age. She later went on to study at the National Iranian Music Conservatory, where she received training in singing and the clarinet. Her first album titled Dokhtar-e-Mashreghi (Eastern Girl) was successful, garnering some notability. Magazines directed toward the youth of Iran in the 1970s also gave exposure to the singer.
The Revolution
Shortly before the Revolution in 1978, Shohreh left Iran to perform in a series of concerts in the United States and, due to imposed restrictions of the new leadership on entertainers, was not able to return. She initially settled in New YorkNew York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
and soon after married. Since the revolution came unexpectedly, she and other exiled Iranian singers initially faced some difficulties to re-establish the community. However, after the birth of her daughter, Shohreh became more involved in her professional career.
Wider appeal
Leaving behind New YorkNew York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
, Shohreh moved to Los Angeles
Los Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
in the early 1980s, settling with the exiled Iranian music industry of the 1970s, who also established in that city. Working with songwriters, composers and arrangers such as Mohammed Moqadam, Jaklin, Siavash Ghomeishi and Shubert Avakian, she produced and released several new albums. Most of these albums were nostalgic of the golden years of Iranian life just a few years before and thus appealed to a much wider audience, giving Shohreh's fame momentum. The yearning for Iran in Shohreh's music established a strong solidarity amongst the struggling Iranians who found comfort in her songs.
Her notable albums during this period include Jaan Jaan, Salam, Sedaayeh Paa and Shenidam. Throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, Solati managed to increase her appeal by the release of newer albums, each earning commendation. In the 1980s she had many concerts with Siavash Shams
Siavash Shams
Siavash Shams is a popular and famous Persian and World music singer, songwriter, composer and record producer who has released 7 successful albums.-Early life:...
and Andy Madadian
Andy Madadian
Andranik Madadian , better known by his stage name, Andy , is a famous Iranian-Armenian singer-songwriter. He is a naturalized American and currently lives in Los Angeles, California.-Early life:...
.
However, it was not until the release of the album Zan (1994) that she unequivocally garnered positive reviews from critics. The themes of her songs in that album not only highlighted greater recognition of women's rights, but they also underlined the importance of women's duties. Furthermore, in the video “Ayeneh” (Zan) she donned on a black chador
Chador
A chādor or chādar is an outer garment or open cloak worn by many Iranian women and female teenagers in public spaces. Wearing this garment is one possible way in which a Muslim woman can follow the Islamic dress code known as ḥijāb. A chador is a full-body-length semicircle of fabric that is...
(the traditional garment worn by women of Iran), a move that evoked affection from the Iranian community toward a singer who represented her background with such pride. This led to the success of her concert at Hollywood Palladium
Hollywood Palladium
The Hollywood Palladium is a theater located at 6215 Sunset Boulevard in Hollywood, California. It was built in a Streamline Moderne, Art Deco style and includes an 11,200 square foot dance floor with room for up to 4,000 people.-History:...
in October 1995.
At the turn of the millennium, Shohreh continued releasing more albums outreaching her popularity beyond the borders of Iran. With the best-seller releases of Ghesseh Goo, Saayeh, Atr, Safar, Pishooni, and Havas. She has rivaled the work of such singers as Leila Forouhar
Leila Forouhar
Leila Forouhar is a singer and actress from Iran. She relocated to Los Angeles after the Iranian Revolution.-Career:Leila is the daughter of the late Iranian actor Jahangir Forouhar, who had already established a solid background in the Iranian entertainment industry by the early 1970s. She speaks...
and Nooshafarin
Nooshafarin
Nooshafarin is a popular Iranian singer. She is part of a large network of Iranian singer, composer, and songwriter exiles of the 1970s era who live and work in Southern California. Her name means "creator of joy" in Persian.-Early years:...
. Some have argued that Shohreh in fact has eclipsed these singers in the last few years. Her music albums produced outside of Iran have now outnumbered her numbers before the revolution. She has been credited to have given sold out performances in U.S.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, Norway
Norway
Norway , officially the Kingdom of Norway, is a Nordic unitary constitutional monarchy whose territory comprises the western portion of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Jan Mayen, and the Arctic archipelago of Svalbard and Bouvet Island. Norway has a total area of and a population of about 4.9 million...
, Denmark
Denmark
Denmark is a Scandinavian country in Northern Europe. The countries of Denmark and Greenland, as well as the Faroe Islands, constitute the Kingdom of Denmark . It is the southernmost of the Nordic countries, southwest of Sweden and south of Norway, and bordered to the south by Germany. Denmark...
, Netherlands
Netherlands
The Netherlands is a constituent country of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, located mainly in North-West Europe and with several islands in the Caribbean. Mainland Netherlands borders the North Sea to the north and west, Belgium to the south, and Germany to the east, and shares maritime borders...
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, Britain, Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
, France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
, Switzerland
Switzerland
Switzerland name of one of the Swiss cantons. ; ; ; or ), in its full name the Swiss Confederation , is a federal republic consisting of 26 cantons, with Bern as the seat of the federal authorities. The country is situated in Western Europe,Or Central Europe depending on the definition....
, Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
, Cyprus
Cyprus
Cyprus , officially the Republic of Cyprus , is a Eurasian island country, member of the European Union, in the Eastern Mediterranean, east of Greece, south of Turkey, west of Syria and north of Egypt. It is the third largest island in the Mediterranean Sea.The earliest known human activity on the...
, Turkey
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
and Israel
Israel
The State of Israel is a parliamentary republic located in the Middle East, along the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea...
.
Recent involvements
In 2008, Shohreh held a concert at Kodak Theatre to mark the release of her CD "Ashegham".Personal life
Unlike her career, little is known about Shohreh's personal life. She is divorced from her husband, Khosrow Nayebi, and has not married since. Whether past marital problems prevented her from future marriage commitments, she does not elaborate.Shohreh is the mother of model, Tannaz Nayebi, to whom she is said to be close. She dedicated a song to her daughter, Ghasame Tannaz, from her recent album Havas. She has a close-knit family, and she sometimes collaborates with her brother Shahram Solati on various albums. In Panjereha, both were critically acclaimed.
Claims
In a recent interview broadcast on a Los AngelesLos Ángeles
Los Ángeles is the capital of the province of Biobío, in the commune of the same name, in Region VIII , in the center-south of Chile. It is located between the Laja and Biobío rivers. The population is 123,445 inhabitants...
-based Iranian satellite TV station, Shohreh spoke of abuse in the 1970s that resulted in a dislocated shoulder by Mahmoud Ghorbani, Googoosh
Googoosh
Faegheh Atashin also known by her stage name Googoosh is an Iranian singer and actress. She is known for her contributions to Iranian pop music, but also starred in a variety of movies from the 1950s to the 1970s. She achieved the pinnacle of her fame and success towards the end of the 1970s...
's ex-husband. His assistance in starting Shohreh's career is acknowledged by both parties, but after recently re-emerging into the spotlight, he has claimed to have had romantic involvement with the singer. Shohreh has dismissed this statement as egotistically motivated.
It is speculated that due to Shohreh's accelerating fame in recent years, individuals are now asserting a special place in the singer's personal life. As of 2006, beyond a professional relationship, no evidence of romance between the two has come to light.
Discography
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|
e class="wikitable" style="font-size:90%">
| ||
| RANK | SONG | ALBUM | YEAR |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Dokhtar-e-Mashreghi | Dokhtar-e-Mashreghi | 1975 |
| 2 | Tab | Ghessehgoo | 1996 |
| 3 | Ghessehgoo I & II | Ghessehgoo | 1996 |
| 4 | Ayeneh | Panjereha | 1994 |
| 5 | Aksasho Pare Kardam | Aksasho Pare Kardam | 1998 |
| 6 | Peyghaam | Sayeh | 1999 |
| 7 | Safar | Safar | 2002 |
| 8 | Sar Beh Hava | Havas | 2005 |
| 9 | Gharibeh Aashegh | Mehmoon | 1993 |
| 10 | Nasoozi | Sayeh | 1999 |
| 11 | Atish | Pishooni | 2003 |
| 12 | Ayeneh | Zan | 1995 |
| 13 | Salam | Salam | 1984 |
| 14 | Bemiram | Ham Nafas | 1991 |
| 15 | Boghz | Safar | 2002 |
Videography
- Shohreh Live in Canada
- Best of Shohreh and Shahram
- Best of Shohreh #1
- Best of Shohreh #2
- Zan Album Videos (Selected Videos)
- Ghesseh Goo Album Videos (Selected Videos)
- Nemizaram Beri Album Videos (Selected Videos)
- Atr Album Videos (Selected Videos)
- Safar Album Videos (Selected Videos)
- Pishooni Album Videos (Selected Videos)
- Havas Album Videos (Selected Videos)
Trivia
- Solati is also an actress. She played in several movies at the age of 14.
- Solati designed the costumes of her Havas album herself.
- Solati has one Daughter.
- Solati has two sisters and three brothers.
- Solati's brother Shahram Solati is also a singer.
- Solati in the beginning of the song Boro is saying Gia the title of Greek singer Despina VandiDespina VandiDespina Malea , known by her stage name Despina Vandi , is a Greek singer. Born in Tübingen near Stuttgart, West Germany, Vandi's family returned to Kavala, Greece when she was six years old and she later enrolled at the University of Thessaloniki, but eventually dropped out to begin a career in...
's song.