Azerbaijani tenor Rashid Behbudov was the first singer to be recognized as a Hero of Socialist Labor.
Rashid Behbudov: Childhood and youth
On December 14, 1915, the third child was born in the family of Mejid Behbudala Behbudov and his wife Firuza Abbaskulukyzy Vekilova. The boy was named Rashid. The son of the famous performer of Azerbaijani songs Majid and Firuza received a unique set of creative genes from his father and mother, which influenced his life and destiny.
There was always music in the house. It is not surprising that all the children in the Beibutov family sang and highly appreciated folk art. Rashid also sang, although at first he was shy, trying to hide from everyone. However, the love of music won over embarrassment, and already in his school years the guy was a soloist in the choir.
After graduating from school, Rashid studied at the railway technical school. Not because he dreamed of the profession of a railway worker, but simply because he needed to get a specialty. The only consolation of student years is the orchestra, which was organized by the melodious Beibutov, bringing together classmates who are in love with song and music. After college, he served in the army, where Rashid again remained faithful to music - he sang in an ensemble.
Career: stage, jazz, opera, cinema
A person who cannot imagine himself without music will never part with it. After military service, Beibutov already knew that his future was the stage. He entered the Tbilisi pop group as a soloist, and a little later became a member of the State Yerevan Jazz. This is an illustrious team that performed on tour in the Land of Soviets, where A. Ayvazyan led. I really liked the lyrical and gentle tenor of Rashid Behbudov.
Not only jazz interested the young Azerbaijani singer. He sang in the opera, however, at first he performed small solo passages.
In 1943, the film "Arshin Mal Alan" was filmed. This hilarious film, filled with jokes and melodic songs, is included in the golden collection. The filmmakers believed that such a light movie would help people survive in difficult war times and not lose their fortitude. The main role in the musical comedy was played by Rashid Behbudov.
The film was released in 1945, and Beibutov became famous. Rashid's image on screen and his gentle, clear tenor captivated the audience. For this work, the artist was awarded the Stalin Prize.
Rashid Behbudov toured a lot, traveled around the Soviet Union and was abroad many times. The repertoire also included folk songs of the country where the performances took place.
The singer lived in Baku, and from 1944 to 1956. performed at the Philharmonic. He devoted many years to his solo career at the opera house.
Many recordings of Beibutov's voice were created: "Caucasian drinking", "Baku", etc. The songs performed by the popular singer Beibutov do not age, they are still loved by fans of his talent.
The brainchild of the singer
In 1966, Rashid Behbudov created a special song theater based on the concert lineup previously created by the singer. A feature of the creative brainchild of Beibutov was the dressing of musical compositions in theatrical images. The title of People's Artist of the USSR Rashid was awarded two years after the creation of the theater.
For fruitful creative activity, the Azerbaijani singer was nominated for the State Prize of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This event took place in 1978. Two years later, the artist received the title of Hero of Socialist Labor.
Rashid Behbudov was repeatedly awarded orders and medals, his work and talent were highly appreciated in the republics of the Land of Soviets. He was the owner of the honorary titles "Honored Worker" and "People's Artist".
Rashid Behbudov, in addition to creativity, devoted time to state activities. The deputy of the Supreme Council of the Behbuds, elected in 1966, held this position for five convocations.
Personal life of the artist Rashid Behbudov
The artist met his future wife Ceyran when the girl was a student at a medical institute. Later, Ceyran said that Rashid saw her through theater binoculars, watching the girl "flocks" on the street.
1965 was a special year for Beibutov - his wife gave him a daughter. The girl, who was named Rashida, inherited her father's talent.
Time is nothing to memory
The incomparable Asker died a year before the collapse of the Soviet Union, in 1989. There are several versions why the life of the Azerbaijani singer ended in the 74th year. According to one version, due to the serious workload that the elderly Rashid subjected himself to, combining creative and state activities, his heart could not stand it.
According to the second, the actor was beaten on the street, which led to his death. There is a third version, which is followed by the singer's relatives. Rashid Behbudov's health deteriorated sharply due to the conflict with Mikhail Gorbachev during the Karabakh tragedy, when tanks entered Azerbaijan. For the national hero of the republic, these were monstrous actions. The singer died on June 9th. The Alley of Honor in Baku received another worthy son of the Fatherland.
In memory of Rashid Behbudov, a Baku street and the Song Theater are named. One of the music schools is also named after the singer. In memory of the famous tenor, in 2016, a monument was unveiled by the architect Fuad Salayev. A three-meter figure of a talented singer and leader is installed on a pedestal next to the building of the Song Theater.
