Known for her international fame as a prominent actress, songwriter and singer, Umm Kalthoum had fans across the world. Many of whom would fly to Egypt for one night just to attend one of her concerts.
Her concerts, which took place on the first Thursday of every month, were well known for their content as well as their duration as a typical concert would consist of 3 to 4 songs over a period of 4 hours.
During the Golden Age era, Umm Kalthoum went on a world tour and was an instant hit. Crowded streets became empty and had a deafening silence, coffee-shops were crowded but quiet, and all radios in all houses were tuned in to play Umm Kolthoums concert.
She was quite simply a star, and like her title, Umm Kalthoum proved to be Kawkab al- Sharq or "Star of the East."
Her to trip to Paris in 1967 was no different and the world fell silent whenever she sang her tunes with those strong and unique vocal characteristics that had a profound impact on everyone - not just her fans.
Her spontaneous creativity as a singer and a performer was remarkable as she was able to provide different and yet very thrilling experiences to her audience and listeners whenever she sang different renditions of the same songs over a span of 5 years.
This intensity of the relationship she had with her audience allowed them to have individual and personalized relationships with her; she was able to connect with her fans individually, touching them on a personal level and thus, her ultimate and unchallenged success remains to this day.
Even though some of her fans didn't speak Arabic, and therefore, did not understand a lot of what she sang about, her unique voice and vocal abilities still allowed the audience to emotionally interpret the songs and lyrics.
During her concert in Paris, however, the close connection she had with her audience caused a bit of a stir when a fan was able to get through security and launched themselves at the star. Startled, she took a fall. Nevertheless, after the fan was taken off grounds and she regained her posture, she took the stage once more and continued the concert.
Language was no barrier for Umm Kalthoum's influence on the musicians and artists in the Arab world and abroad. Jah Wobble, Led Zeppelin, Marie Laforet, Maria Callas, and Bono are just a few of the international and successful musicians who were influenced by the Star of the East.
Youssou N'Dour, who was instantly hooked on Umm Kalthoum's music since the early stages of his life, recorded his album "Egypt" with the Egyptian orchestra to honor her legacy.
Furthermore, Bob Dylan was a major fan of Umm Kalthoum and when he was asked about his admiration for the star, he was quoted as saying "She is great. She really is. She is really great."
At the age of 76, on Feb. 3 1975, the Star of the East passed away. The funeral was a national event with more than 4 million grieving and shocked Egyptians taking over the streets to mourn the fallen star.
Despite the crowds of grief stricken people on the street, President Anwar Sadat insisted on joining the public to pay his respect and honor Umm Kalthoum, which was an ultimate nightmare for his personal security officers who were also mourning her death.
Her legacy remaiss legendary with celebrities around the world calling her one of the greatest musicians to have ever lived. To this day, youngsters from around the Arab region and the globe idolize the Star of the East, rendering her close to a near mythical status.
Her records are still sell over a million copies a year and she remains popular in Israelis with an Arab heritage.
The Egyptian government opened Kawkab Museum in her memory and display her signature sunglasses and scarves along with never-before-seen images, recordings and other possessions.