Houshmand Aghili

Houshmand Aghili was born in 1937 in the city of arts and literature, in the historic city of Isfahan, Iran. Aghili spent his entire life in the city of his birth until he received his bachelors in literature from the University of Isfahan. Aghili's father recognized his vocal talents early on in his childhood and encouraged him to pursue an education in the arts. Aghili's father's steadfast support served as a pillar to further his musical career. At 13 years of age, Aghili attended vocal lessons, under the supervision of master musician Taj Esfahani, an acclaimed musical instructor of the time. Taj Esfahani familiarized Aghili with various Persian songs and musical arrangements, which served as an important foundation in Aghili's career-to-come. While Aghili was receiving his musical education, he was invited to perform at "Radio Isfahan" and participated in various musical programs that brought further publicity to Aghili's exceptional talents. Soon afterwards, Aghili was chosen as one of two major vocalists for the Isfahan Student's Orchestra. This brought further notoriety to Aghili's talents, which lead to performances throughout various university-sponsored events, in addition to Iranian, British, American and other organizations and institutions throughout Isfahan. This created a sudden rise in admiration and popularity for Aghili. Aghili then moved to Tehran where he began his career by working for the Tehran municipality, which lead to a more important position at the department of Expansion, Unification and Development under the supervision of the Iranian prime minister. While working in government posts, Aghili studied journalism and graduated soon after wards, earning a second degree. Aghili's great love for music propelled him to continue his musical education through private classes, which were instructed by master musicians Mahmoud Karimi and Ismail Khan Mehrtaash. At the inauguration of the Iranian National Television, Aghili was invited to perform with the prestigious National Orchestra. This allowed Aghili to work closely with many other gifted composers and instrumentalists of the time, including Morteza Hanaaneh and Ghavami. This close partnership allowed Aghili to work with even more musicians, including the famed Farhang Sharif, Nasrollah Zarin Panjeh, Lotfollah Majd, Asghar Bahari and Hassan Nahid; all of which were prominent musicians of the time. Aghili's work at the department of Expansion, Unification and Development earned him a scholarship through UNESCO and allowed for him to visit the United Kingdom. After Aghili's return to Iran, he decided to join the "Fanoos" organization -- an organization which included the most prominent artists and vocalists of the time, including the Grand Dame of Persian classical music, Delkash. Soon afterwards, Aghili began working closely with his childhood friend, Jahanbakhsh Pazookie and started composing songs that were highly popular among the public. These songs included the acclaimed "Ey Khoda," "Sheneh Daagh" (Darya), "Farda Toh Miaay" and "Cheraagheh Khooneh". The songs were performed and produced at the Caspian Film and Music Studio in Tehran, Iran and were eventually broadcasted and distributed internationally. This production brought immediate stardom to Aghili's burgeoning musical career, and rendered him a gifted classical musician. The quick advancement in Aghili's career allowed him to work with the most prominent Persian composers, lyricists and arrangers of Iran, including Amir Homayoon Khoram, Ali Tajvidi, Morteza Hananeh and Akbar Mohseni. Together, these gifted musicians, with the help of Aghili's soft and harmonious voice, produced hit songs such as "Agar," "Ghessehgoo," and "Hamash Jangeh." The compositions, nearly three decades old, still evoke feelings of nostalgia among those who remember these songs of a distant and fading past. Afterwards, Aghili's uncanny passion for music fueled him to recreate classic Persian musical pieces, such as "Morgh-E-Sahar," "Elaaheyeh Naaz," "Taraaneyeh Man," "Karoon," "Khazan-E-Eshgh" and "Ou Nayamad." The songs were compiled on one album and distributed by Caspian Film and Music. In 1977, shortly before the tumultuous and uncertain years ahead, Aghili moved to the United States where he still resides today. Aghili's wide range of talents, including a deep affection and appreciation of literature, in addition to a strong connection with the arts, allowed him to create music with an intrinsic understanding of this divine art. Above all, Aghili is, and shall always be, a messenger of memories. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.