Azad-Hye
Paul Baghdadlian passed away on 28 June 2011 in Glendale, California after suffering from long illness.
Baghdadlian was born in Aleppo, Syria in 1953 and began his career in Breirut at the age of 21, just before the Lebanese Civil War. In 1977 he moved to Los Angeles but was always on the move performing in different Armenian communities worldwide.
He has written and produced many songs, mostly love ballads.
Joe Kazazian says “Paul gave Armenian music a much needed edge for its time, especially when Armenian music in the 70s were more based on sounding like folk music than pop music. The Armenian ensemble or Orchestra became the Armenian wedding band with Paul?s music. By the beginning of the 1980s, Paul had become a local celebrity, playing weddings, christenings, and most famously the barahantes.” (Read complete article here).
After his death several facebook accounts were opened and in some of them there were bitter arguments initiated by people who claimed to be close to him.
Here are some of the comments posted in memory of Paul:
– The King's voice was unmatched, full of emotions and it came from the bottom of his heart and soul. Combine that with the killer lyrics of his and you will be convinced that he was The Greatest Armenian Singer and entertainer of all time! (H. Jamgochian).
– Paul was a soulful man. His songs were always echoing at my home parties, in my car and I listened to him on my own time. Paul may you rest in peace (S. Der Bedrossian).
– Youre songs will always will be engraved in our hearts forever. Still can't believe this. No matter how many years pass by you will never ever be replaced! We love you and will continue spreading your great songs to our children, grandchildren (R. Demirjian).
Collection of Paul's songs:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Evwd4t9MgSs
In Loving Memory Of Paul Baghdadlian
Prepared by Joseph Krikorian
Parts 1 and 2
