Lebanese Music Legend Dies Aged 87

This time the rumors are true. Sabah, the Lebanese diva, has passed away at dawn on Wednesday.

In the death of Sabah, aged 87, the world has lost a voice that captivated millions of music lovers across the Arab World. Words are not enough to pay tribute to the legend, who not only entertained millions of fans with her phenomenal and ground-breaking music, but also devoted herself to Lebanon.

Born as Jeannette Feghali in Wadi Shahrour in 1927 to a Christian family, Sabah has performed more than 3000 songs, starred in at least 83 movies and appeared in 27 stage plays.

Known popularly as ‘Shabbouha’, a diminutive for "Sabah",  the music icon was admired by millions of fans across the Middle East.

Sabah was the first Arab singer to perform at Olympia in Paris, Carnegie Hall in New York, Piccadilly Theatre in London and the Sydney Opera House, has more than 50 albums to her credit.

The famous composer, lyricist and director Romeo Lahoud voiced deep grief over the loss of a friend that he loved so much; a real star whose loss is irreparable.

Sabah's friend and hair stylist Joseph Gharib told MTV website that the diva "has gone in peace", saying that with her death, "his life has become worthless".  

In a career that spanned several decades, the world was witness to the enigmatic Sabah effortlessly scaling the heights of music, leaving behind a massive body of work that has inspired millions of fans and fellow artists all over the world.  We may never see another like Sabah.