Yesterday was the birthday of the great Egyptian singer Umm Kulthum, at least as far as records in her home province indicate. The 30th of December is also cited sometimes, but Google took notice yesterday and marked the occasion with a Google Doodle on the Egyptian version of their site. Given her significance in Egyptian culture, indeed Arab culture as a whole, the tribute is appropriate. Indeed, she probably ranks among the best known and most loved singers the world has ever know.
I dare say, however, that few in America that are not of Arab descent have ever heard of Umm Kulthum. I certainly hadn’t until I was introduced to her by Middle Eastern television. To me that begs a question. Google Doodles are a learning opportunity, as the are accompanied by links to whatever the image represents. Of course Google wins points my honoring this great diva in Egypt and it also does its part in keeping her memory alive for a younger generation that, like young people all over the world, is becoming used to shorter pop songs, accompanied by slick video images.