Author Archives: aratopouzian

A Savior of Greek Music

Posted on 03/21/2019

It goes without saying that Meletios (Meleti) Pouliopoulos loves and respects his Greek music and heritage. Growing up in a household where music surrounded him, Meleti fondly remembers how his parents would sing and dance in their house. He remembers that his … Continue reading →

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Karim Bader, Legendary Arab Oudist

Posted on 03/02/2019

Abdul Karim Bader, renown Arab oud master has passed away on February 24, 2019 in Farmington Hills, a suburb of Detroit, Michigan. Bader was born in Beirut, Lebanon in 1921.  “Abdel Karim” means “servant of the generous,” a reference to … Continue reading →

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Louise Manoogian Simone (1941-2019)

Posted on 02/19/2019

She has been called a civic leader, a philanthropist, businesswoman, patron of the arts and devoted to preserving the Armenian culture. Louise Manoogian Simone, daughter of the late Alex and Marie Manoogian has passed away at the age of 85. … Continue reading →

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Chick: The Blue Collar Musician

Posted on 02/11/2019

As I was growing up listening to Armenian music, there were different groups of instrumentalist musicians that I was aware of that played folk music. One of those groups of musicians were oud players. As far as I was concerned, … Continue reading →

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Amer-abic Percussionist Remembered: Eddie “the Sheik” Kochak

Posted on 01/14/2019

2018 marked the end of another legendary icon of Middle Eastern music in America, his name was Eddie “the Sheik” Kochak. He was 97 years old. Another way to describe Kochak would be to refer to him as a personality. … Continue reading →

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His name was George Righellis

Posted on 01/03/2019

My name is George and I never sing about the bitter-sweet issue of love I’m not used in rending daisies, I don’t wait for anyone’s comeback These are the lyrics to Me Lene Giorgo, a song that George Righellis made … Continue reading →

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Hello, 2019

Posted on 01/01/2019

It was inevitable You and I knew it wouldn’t last No matter how much we try to defy the odds, there is always still much more to grasp I think we gave it a really good run Much to be … Continue reading →

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