Lebanese Music Icon Ziad Rahbani Dies at 69

Ziad Rahbani, a highly influential Lebanese composer, playwright, and musician, has passed away at the age of 69 after a prolonged illness. Rahbani was renowned for his unique musical style, which fused Arab traditions with Western jazz and funk, and for his satirical plays that offered sharp critiques of Lebanese politics. His work resonated deeply with generations of Lebanese, particularly those who experienced the country's civil war and its aftermath, capturing the era's complexities and hardships. He was the son of iconic singer Fayrouz and composer Assi Rahbani, and later became a key collaborator with his mother, evolving her musical direction.