From: r2hmv@akronvm.bitnet
Newsgroups: rec.music.indian.misc
Subject: In memory of Md. Rafi
Date: 31 Jul 92 15:16:38 GMT
Article-I.D.: VM1.168359E96.R2HMV
Organization: The University of Akron

Hi Rafi Fans :
 
This day in 1980 was a very sad one for us as our immortal hero
left this world. Following is a brief biography of Rafi, I have tried
to put in as much info as I could get.
 
Hari Vattyam            r2hmv@akronvm.bitnet
 
------------------------------ CUT HERE ----------------------------
 
     Few people will doubt the fact that Md. Rafi was perhaps the
greatest playback singers of all time. He left the world on this
day in 1980, and I would like to present a brief biography of the
late Md. Rafi.
 
     Md. Rafi was born on 24th September, 1924 in Kotla Sultanpur
(presently in Pakistan after the separation). He was born in a
middle class muslim family. His brother, Hamid, was the first to
take notice of the divine gift in Rafi's voice. Then he decided to
concentrate all his efforts in providing all the support needed by
his younger brother to make it big in the music world. At a very
young age Md. Rafi learnt Hindustani classical music under the
renowned Bade Ghulam Ali Khan. Rafi's great interest and dedication
payed off and he was soon trained to be one of the greatest singers
of all time.
 
     Rafi had several opportunities to sing in public. His first
opportunity in films came under the music direction of Shyam Sunder
in Lahore, for the film Gull-Balaach. The film was released on 28
February, 1944 and soon Rafi's first songs were being hummed by
people, children and adults alike. During that time popular actor
Nazeer heard of Rafi and his songs, and realizing his potential
invited him to Bombay.
 
     Md. Rafi arrived in Bombay, and was to live there for the next
36 years. Again he had the opportunity to sing under the baton of
Shyam Sunder for the film "GaoN ki Gori". Soon Rafi's fame spread
far and wide and several eminent music directors signed him up.
Rafi utilized these great opportunities and soon carved a niche for
himself in the Hindi film world by singing for Naushad, Madan
Mohan, S.D. Burman, Hemanth Kumar, Vasanth Desai, Sardaar Mullick,
and others.
 
     In 1948 on the death of Mahatma Gandhi, Md. Rafi sang the song
"Suno, suno ae duniya vaaloN, bapuji ki amar kahaani", written by
Rajinder Krishan and music scored by Husnlal Bhagatram. Rafi's
voice echoed the sadness of this great tragedy and listeners soon
had their eyes filled with tears. Such was the magic in his voice
and soon he became the favourite of millions. With the start of the
famous "Binaca Geet Mala" in 1952, the program aired the immortal
songs of the film "Baiju Bawra" and this really launched Rafi as
a popular singer for all ages. Thousands of request for Rafi's
songs poured into Sri Lanka Radio.
 
     Md. Rafi easily became the favourite of many music directors.
His understanding and seriousness to give his best was well
appreciated. It is also well known that several films with mediocre
actors became hits just because of his songs. Rafi is also known to
help young and upcoming music directors by singing for them and
helping them out in scoring the music. Indeed he was loved by one
and all his fans and colleagues.
 
     The great Rafi breathed his last on 31st July, 1980 in Bombay,
a couple of days after he recorded his last song for the film
"Aaspaas" (I think it was "Mohabbat rang layegi, janaab aahista
aahista", scored by Anu Mullick (s/o Sardaar Mullick)). He may be
absent from this world but his golden voice will echo for
generations to come.
 
                              -- x --