Zeki Müren facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Zeki Müren
The bust of Zeki Müren in front of his house in Bodrum, where he settled before his death.
Born	(1931-12-06)6 December 1931 Bursa, Turkey
Died	24 September 1996(1996-09-24) (aged 64) İzmir, Turkey
Education	Bursa Osmangazi School Boğaziçi High School Istanbul State Academy of Fine Arts
Occupation	Singer songwriter actor
Musical career
Genres	Turkish classical music
Years active	1950–1996
Labels	Grafson Plak, Coşkun Plak LP, Kalan, Türküola LP, Minareci Kaset, Sahibinin Sesi Greece, Balkan Plak, Yavuz Plak, Lider Plak, Elenor LP
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Zeki Müren (born December 6, 1931 – died September 24, 1996) was a very famous Turkish singer, songwriter, actor, and poet. People called him "The Sun of Art" and "Pasha" because he was so important in Turkish classical music. He was even named a "State Artist" in 1991 for his amazing work in art. Zeki Müren was the first singer in Turkey to get a gold record. Throughout his career, he released hundreds of songs.

Zeki Müren's Life

Early Years and School

Zeki Müren was born in Bursa, Turkey, on Ortapazar Road. He was the only child of Kaya and Hayriye Müren. His father worked as a timber merchant. Zeki was a small and energetic boy.

He went to Bursa Osmangazi School. His teachers quickly noticed his talent for music. He started taking on big roles in school plays and musicals. His very first role was playing a shepherd.

After finishing middle school in Bursa, Zeki asked his father to let him go to Istanbul. There, he attended Istanbul Boğaziçi High School. He was a top student and finished first in his class. Later, he passed his exams and joined the Istanbul State Academy of Fine Arts. From 1950 to 1953, he studied decorative arts there.

Music Career Highlights

On November 19, 1953, Zeki Müren gave his first concert at the Great Cinema in Atatürk Boulevard.

In 1950, while still a university student, Zeki Müren joined a music contest at TRT Istanbul Radio. He won first place out of 186 people! On January 1, 1951, he had his first live performance on Istanbul Radio. Critics loved it. Famous musicians like Hakkı Derman and Şükrü Tunar played with him. Another famous singer, Hamiyet Yüceses, even called in to congratulate him.

Back then, TRT Ankara Radio was heard all over Turkey, but Istanbul Radio was harder to hear. In the same week, the clarinet player Şükrü Tunar took Zeki Müren to his recording studio. There, Zeki recorded his song "Muhabbet Kuşu." This song helped him become famous across Turkey.

After his first successful radio show and record, Zeki Müren started performing many different songs on Turkish radio. His radio shows continued for 15 years, often with live music. Later, he focused on giving concerts and recording new songs. His first live concert was on May 26, 1955. He often wore clothes he designed himself on stage. He also introduced new ideas, like wearing special uniforms and using a "T-podium" stage.

Zeki Müren performed with another famous singer, Behiye Aksoy, at Maksim Casino for 11 years. In 1976, he became the first Turkish artist to perform at the famous Royal Albert Hall in London, England.

During his career, Müren recorded 600 tapes and records. His first song on a record was "Bir Muhabbet Kuşu." In 1955, his song "Manolyam" made him the first Turkish artist to receive a gold record. In 1991, he was honored as a State Artist.

Other Talents

In 1965, Zeki Müren published a poetry book called Bıldırcın Yağmuru, which means The Quail Rain. This book had almost 100 poems. Some of the poems in it were Pembe Yağmurlar (Pink Rains) and Bursa Sokağı (Bursa Street).

Personal Life

Zeki Müren never married. He was known for his unique style and stage presence. In the early part of his career, he wore regular clothes. But later, he started wearing more feminine-styled clothes, new hairstyles, and makeup for his performances.

People called him the "Pasha of Music." In 1969, after his concert in Aspendos, people in Antalya especially loved him. He was happy for their support. He also served in the military as an assistant officer in different cities in 1957–1958. Since 2012, December 6, Zeki Müren's birthday, has been celebrated as Turkish Art Music Day.

Health and Passing

One of the clothes exhibited at Zeki Müren Art Museum in Bodrum.

For the last six years of his life, Zeki Müren stayed away from public life. He had heart disease and diabetes. He lived quietly at his home in Bodrum. He called this time a period of "listening to oneself." On September 24, 1996, he had a heart attack during a special ceremony for him at TRT İzmir Television. He passed away that day.

Many people attended his funeral. His body was taken to his hometown, Bursa, and buried in Emirsultan Cemetery.

In his will, Zeki Müren left all his money and belongings to two foundations: the Turkish Education Foundation and the Mehmetçik Foundation. These foundations help students and soldiers. In 2002, they built the Zeki Müren Fine Arts Anatolian High School in Bursa. The Zeki Müren Scholarship Fund has helped thousands of students over the years.

After his passing, the house where Zeki Müren lived in Bodrum was turned into the Zeki Müren Art Museum. The Ministry of Culture opened it to the public on June 8, 2000. Many visitors have come to see it.

Music Albums

Studio Albums

Singles (Individual Songs)

Compilation Albums

Albums Released Abroad

Duo Albums

Albums Released After His Death

• 2000: Muazzez Abacı ve Zeki Müren Düet
• 2002: Zeki Müren: 1955-1963 Kayıtları
• 2005: Selahattin Pınar Şarkıları
• 2005: Sadettin Kaynak Şarkıları
• 2006: Batmayan Güneş
• 2008: Baş Başa Radyo Günleri 1
• 2008: Baş Başa Radyo Günleri 2
• 2008: Baş Başa Radyo Günleri 3
• 2009: Lunapark Konseri
• 2009: Saklı Kayıtlar 1952-1984

Movies

Zeki Müren also acted in many movies. Here are some of them:

See Also

In Spanish: Zeki Müren para niños

• Turkish classical music
• Turkish music