A member of the Big Five who contributed to the creation and development of Radio Liban and Radio Orient during the 1940s and 1950s. In spite of his fame, he was always struggling to get by financially.
He was remembered for his anthem song "Rajeh Yittammar," which gained special resonance during the civil war. Translated it meant "Lebanon will be rebuilt." He often wrote patriotic music.
He developed a roster of new singers for whom he would craft material uniquely tailored to their talents.
He was born and raised in Machghara, Lebanon, the Beqaa Valley's largest town. His family exposed him to music and country folk poetry while he was still young.
He and Ibrahim Maalouf were both famous Lebanese musicians.