"Artist Highlight" is a new blog topic I've started so we can discuss and reflect on the works of various artists. In this edition, we'll focus on zendeyaad Fereidoon Foroughi.

If I were to ask you to name a few great Iranian singers, you probably wouldn't have trouble naming several, such as Dariush, Ebi, Googoosh, Hayedeh, and Farhad, among others. How many of you would name Fereidoon Fouroughi? I would!

For those of you who grew up in Iran, you are surely familiar and he requires no introduction. My purpose in writing this article is for those of you who may be less familiar with him and his work. We all tend to do a pretty good job in keeping up with with new music and new artists -- so, instead of writing about a new release, I thought I'd take this opportunity to hit "rewind."

Fereidoon Foroughi was born on January 29, 1951, and he passed at the young age of only 50. Foroughi was a true musician, in that he played the piano and guitar, and composed music, in addition to singing. He actually started his musical career playing the drums. His voice was distinct, strong, well-controlled, and authentic -- truly unmatched. I can only imagine what it would have been like to see him perform live.

His songs are meaningful and timeless. He is well known for many great songs, such as "Niyaz", "Adamak", "Gereftar", "Yare Dabestani", "Khak", "Divaneye Man" and "Zendoone Del", just to name a few. And make sure you hear his rendition of "Dota Cheshme Siyah Dari". You can find and enjoy his music here. Take a moment to listen and add to your collection. For some of you this may bring back endless memories, and for others they may represent memories to come... Roohesh shaad.

Cheshmaye aabiye to mesleye darya mimooneh
Dele khasteye manam mesleye mahi mimooneh
Mahiye khasteye man mikhad tooye darya bemooneh
-Fereidoon Foroughi "Mahiye Khasteye Man"

Below is a recording of the song "Zendoone Del" from one of his live performances. His voice is strong enough that he barely needs the microphone. The video quality is fair at best, as it is from an old VHS. Remember VHS? Yeah, they didn't have iPhones and HD video cameras back then, so we're limited on the footage we have of this great Iranian singer.

What's your favorite Foroughi song? Share your thoughts!