Sussan Deyhim facts for kids

Sussan Deyhim (born December 14, 1958) is an Iranian-American singer, composer, and artist. She is famous around the world for creating her own unique style of singing. She uses her voice to make incredible sounds that mix ancient traditions with modern technology. The LA Times newspaper has called her "One of Iran's most potent voices in exile."

Early Life and Dance

Sussan Deyhim was born in Tehran, the capital city of Iran. She was the youngest of eleven children. Her home was always filled with many different kinds of music.

When she was young, Deyhim went to a special arts camp where she learned dance. At just 13 years old, she joined the Iranian National Ballet Company. She was so talented that she was offered a scholarship to study performing arts in Brussels, Belgium.

In 1976, she was accepted into the famous Béjart Ballet, a world-class dance company in Europe. In 1980, she moved to New York City to focus on music. Deyhim wanted to create something new that blended her Iranian heritage with the modern art scene she found in New York.

Music Career

Deyhim's music is a powerful mix of Eastern and Western sounds. She uses special vocal techniques and digital tools to create music that connects with ancient traditions from the Middle East.

Starting Out

Deyhim's career in the arts began when she was 13, dancing with Iran's Pars National Ballet company. She even performed on Iranian television every week. During this time, she traveled across Iran to learn from master folk musicians and dancers.

After joining the Béjart Ballet, she trained in dance, music, and theater from all over the world. When she moved to New York, she began working with many famous artists. These included musicians like Ornette Coleman, Bobby McFerrin, Peter Gabriel, and Rufus Wainwright.

Creating Her Own Sound

Deyhim is known for using her voice like an instrument. She often sings in Farsi, the language of Iran. Her unique sound has been featured in many projects.

• The famous rock band U2 used one of her compositions, "Windfall/Beshno Az Ney," during their 360 tour.
• She has performed with major orchestras, like the Polish Radio Orchestra.
• She has performed at famous venues all over the world, including Carnegie Recital Hall in New York and the Royal Albert Hall in London.

Work as an Activist

Sussan Deyhim uses her art to support important causes. She has performed at many events to help people and promote peace.

• In 2001, she performed at a special meeting of world spiritual leaders at the United Nations.
• She performed at the Royal Hope Gala in London to raise money for medical aid for children in Iraq.
• In 2009, she performed at a concert at the UN to help children in Pakistan who had lost their homes.

Deyhim is also a strong voice for women's rights. One of her projects, "Dawn of the Cold Season," was inspired by the poet Forough Farrokhzad. Because she speaks out for women's freedom, she has been unable to return to Iran for over 30 years.

Selected Recordings

Deyhim has released many albums. Here are a few of her key works:

• Madman of God: Divine Love Songs of the Persian Sufi Masters
• Shy Angels (with Bill Laswell)
• Majoun (with Richard Horowitz)
• Desert Equations (with Richard Horowitz)
• A Gift of Love (a project for Deepak Chopra with stories told by famous people like Madonna and Martin Sheen)
• City of Leaves

Film and Television Music

You may have heard Sussan Deyhim's voice in movies without even knowing it! She has contributed her vocals to the soundtracks of several major films.

• Argo: A film directed by Ben Affleck. The score was nominated for an Oscar.
• The Last Temptation of Christ: Music by Peter Gabriel.
• The Kite Runner: Music by Alberto Iglesias.
• Any Given Sunday: Music by Richard Horowitz.
• Tobruk: The music for this film won a Czech Lion Award.

Awards

In 2008, Sussan Deyhim won the Czech Lion Award for Best Music for the film Tobruk.

Videos

• Sussan Deyhim with Polish Radio Orchestra
• Deyhim at the Grand Performances in Los Angeles
• Deyhim in Argo recording sessions
• Deyhim live with Maetar
• Deyhim at Grand Performances 2011– Sange Khara
• Beyond Conventions: Live Performance by Susan Deyhim
• A short film about the Sussan Deyhim Exhibit at Shulamit Gallery
• Interview with Sussan Deyhim
• Sussan Deyhim at the Catalina Jazz Feb.2017