Iran's Icon Googoosh Starts Farewell Tour, Releases Memoir

Googoosh, Iran's most celebrated singer, is currently undertaking a farewell tour while simultaneously launching her memoir, "Googoosh: A Sinful Voice." Born Faegheh Atashin, the 75-year-old artist reflects on a life marked by constant negotiation between personal and professional spheres. Her early years were spent performing as a child acrobat with her father, foreshadowing a future in the spotlight.

Following her rise to stardom during the shah's era, Googoosh faced a prolonged period of silence after the 1979 Islamic Revolution, banned from performing in her homeland. The memoir bravely recounts her tumultuous personal life, including struggles with substance abuse and near-suicidal thoughts, alongside political harassment and imprisonment under the new theocracy.

Her eventual return to the stage in 2000 allowed her to perform abroad for expatriate Iranians, though she remains a figure scrutinized by hard-liners. As Iran experiences significant societal shifts, particularly among women advocating for basic rights, Googoosh's farewell tour and book offer a poignant reflection on resilience, freedom, and the enduring power of artistic expression.