Dawood Hosni facts for kids

Dawood Hosni was a famous Egyptian music composer. He was born David Haim Levi on February 26, 1870, and passed away on December 10, 1937. He created many beautiful songs and was a very important person in Egyptian music history.

His Early Life and Musical Journey

Dawood Hosni grew up in an Egyptian Jewish family. His father was a jeweler. When Dawood was just ten years old, he started working for a bookbinder. One day, a customer named Sheikh Mohammed Abdu noticed Dawood's talent. He encouraged Dawood to study music and singing.

Even though his father didn't want him to become a musician, Dawood followed his passion. He traveled to Mansoura, a city in Egypt. There, he learned from a great composer named Mohammed Sahabaari. Dawood learned how to compose music and play the oud, which is a stringed instrument like a lute.

When he returned to Cairo, Dawood began singing songs by Sheikh Mohammad Abdelrahim. By the time he was twenty, Dawood started composing his own music. He wrote songs in different styles, like adwar and taqtuqa, and copied the singing style of Mohammed Uthman. In 1932, Dawood was chosen to record some of Mohammed Uthman's famous works.

A Pioneer in Egyptian Music

Dawood Hosni was a true pioneer. He composed the very first Egyptian opera, which was called "Shamshoon and Delilah." This was a huge step for Egyptian music and theater.

He also wrote music for many plays and musicals. Famous actors and singers like Muneera al-Mahdia and Naguib al-Rihani performed his songs. Some of his popular musical works include "Marouf al-Askafee" and "al Layalee al Milah."

Dawood Hosni was also a wonderful teacher. He taught many talented singers, including the legendary Umm Kulthum. He also taught Amal al-Atrash, whom he famously called "Asmahan," a name she became known by.

His Family and Legacy

Dawood Hosni's first wife, Qamar, passed away when she was young. Some people believe he wrote the song 'Qamar al Layli' ('Moon of Many Nights') to honor her memory. He married again in 1920 and had two children. Neither of his children became professional musicians.

His last professional work was for a musical program on the National Radio Station. Dawood Hosni passed away in 1937, leaving behind a rich legacy of beautiful music and a lasting impact on Egyptian culture.