full biography of Fairuz (Arabic: فيروز), the legendary Lebanese singer now around 90 years old, Age & Early Life
- Born Nouhad Wadie Haddad on November 20, 1934 or November 21, 1935, according to varying records. Official Lebanese documents favor November 20, 1934, while some family sources note November 21, 1935
- That makes her approximately 90 years old as of late 2024 or early 2025
- Raised in a working-class Christian family in Beirut’s Zuqaq al‑Blat district, she studied at the Lebanese Conservatory and joined the national radio choir as a teenager
Rise to Musical Icon
- Discovered by composer Halim al‑Roumi, who gave her the stage name “Fairuz” (meaning turquoise) and connected her with the Rahbani Brothers, eventually becoming her husband in 1955
- Rose to fame with the hit song “Itab” in 1952, and made her public debut at the Baalbeck International Festival in 1957, earning the Cavalier Order Medal of Honour from Lebanese President Camille Chamoun
Music & Legacy
- Fairuz is celebrated as the Bird of the East, the Voice of Lebanon, and the Ambassador to the Stars—symbols of her transcendent voice and cultural unity
- With the Rahbani Brothers and later her son Ziad Rahbani, she created a new musical fusion of Arabic traditions with Western orchestration, jazz, and poetic lyricism
- Her repertoire spans over 1,500 songs, more than 80 albums, and participation in at least 20 musical theatre productions
Symbol of Unity & Recognition
- Known for remaining in Lebanon throughout the civil war (1975–1990) and refusing to align with factions—earning her widespread reverence across communities
- Has received major honors including Lebanese and Jordanian orders of merit, the French Legion of Honor (Commandeur and Chevalier levels), the key to Jerusalem, and an honorary doctorate from the American University of Beirut
Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Nouhad Wadie Haddad (stage name: Fairuz) |
| Date of Birth | Nov 20, 1934 (official) or Nov 21, 1935 (family sources) |
| Estimated Age | ~90 years (late 2024 / early 2025) |
| Origin | Beirut, Lebanon |
| Breakthrough | “Itab” (1952); Baalbeck Festival debut (1957) |
| Signature Roles | Singer, actress, cultural icon, symbol of unity |
| Notable Works | 1,500+ songs, 80+ albums, 20+ stage musicals |
| Honors & Awards | Orders of Arts & Literature, Legion of Honour, key to Jerusalem, etc. |