Fairuz Biography: Husband, Age, Net Worth, Awards, Songs, Parents, Education

Fairuz is a legendary Lebanese singer and actress widely regarded as one of the most iconic vocalists in the Arab world.

Known for her angelic voice and emotive performances, she has become a cultural symbol, often referred to as “The Voice of Lebanon,” “The Cedar of Lebanon,” and “The Moon’s Neighbor.”

Profile

• Full Name: Nouhad Wadie Haddad
• Stage Name: Fairuz
• Born: November 21, 1934
• Age: 90 years old
• Birthplace: Beirut, Lebanon
• Nationality: Lebanese
• Occupation: Singer, Actress
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Wadie Haddad, Lisa al-Boustani
• Siblings: Huda Haddad, Amal Haddad, Joseph Haddad
• Spouse: Assi Rahbani
• Children: Ziad Rahbani, Hali Rahbani, Layal Rahbani, Rima Rahbani
• Relationship: Widowed
• Net Worth: $1.5 million to USD 51 million

Early Life and Education

Fairuz, an iconic singer and actress, was born Nouhad Wadie Haddad on November 21, 1934, in Beirut, Lebanon, to a family of Syriac Orthodox and Maronite Christian descent.

The eldest of four children, she grew up in the modest Zuqaq al-Blat neighborhood, where her father, Wadie Haddad, worked as a typesetter, and her mother, Lisa al–Boustani, managed the household.

Her family’s humble circumstances fostered a close-knit environment, and young Nouhad spent summers in her grandmother’s village, absorbing traditional songs and stories that later influenced her artistry.

Initially hesitant, her conservative father permitted her studies on the condition that her brother accompanied her.

Her early exposure to Koranic recitation (tajwid) and Egyptian singers, such as Layla Murad, shaped her versatile vocal style.

Career

Fairuz, a celebrated singer and actress, began her musical journey in the late 1940s as a chorus member at Lebanon’s national radio station.

Her stage name, meaning “turquoise” in Arabic, was suggested by Halim Al-Rumi, reflecting her crystalline voice.

Her breakthrough came in 1952 with the romantic ballad “Itab,” recorded with the Rahbani Brothers, Assi, and Mansour, which catapulted her to stardom across the Arab world.

In 1957, she performed at the Baalbeck International Festival, earning the prestigious Cavalier medal from President Camille Chamoun.

Collaborating closely with Assi Rahbani, whom she married in 1955, and Mansour, Fairuz starred in over 20 musical theater works, blending Arabic folk traditions with Western influences.

Her repertoire, spanning over 1,500 songs and 80 albums, includes classics like Albaalbakiya (1961) and Eh Fi Amal (2010).

During Lebanon’s civil war (1975–1990), she limited public appearances but remained a unifying symbol, with a ceasefire famously declared for her husband’s funeral in 1986.

In the 1990s, she staged a comeback with a concert in Beirut. She continued to evolve her sound, incorporating jazz and funk into albums like Bebalee (2017), which featured covers of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” Fairuz has performed globally in cities such as Cairo, Paris, and New York, solidifying her status as a cultural icon.

Social Media

• Facebook Handle: Fairuz
• Twitter Handle: @Fairuz_fan (unofficial)
• YouTube Channel: Fairuz Official

Personal Life

Fairuz, a revered singer and actress, married composer Assi Rahbani in 1955 at the Greek Orthodox Annunciation Church in Beirut, converting from her Syriac Orthodox and Maronite background to Greek Orthodoxy.

The couple had four children: Ziad (a composer and pianist), Hali (who was paralyzed since childhood due to meningitis), Layal (who died in 1988), and Rima (a photographer and director).

Known for her reserved nature, Fairuz separates her private life as Nouhad from her public persona, maintaining a modest demeanor reflective of traditional Lebanese values.

Her stage fright led to a distinctive, still, prayer-like performance style. Widowed since Assi died in 1986, she resides in Beirut’s Rabieh suburb, rarely granting interviews.

In 2020, she hosted French President Emmanuel Macron, a testament to her enduring cultural significance.

Discography

• Itab (1952, single)
• Albaalbakiya (1961, album)
• Reminiscing with Fairuz (1971, album)
• Maarifti Feek (1984, album)
• Eh Fi Amal (2010, album)
• Bebalee (2017, album)

Filmography

• The Exile (1964, film)
• The Guard’s Daughter (1968, film)
• The Ring Seller (1965, film)
• The Bracelet (TV program)
• Jerusalem in My Heart (TV program)

Net Worth

Fairuz, an iconic singer and actress, has an estimated net worth ranging from $1.5 million to $51 million, according to various reports.

Her wealth stems from a prolific career that spans over 1,500 songs, 80 albums, and numerous musical theater performances.

Additional income comes from global concerts and royalties, as her music remains a staple on Arabic radio stations. Her enduring popularity and cultural impact continue to sustain her financial success.