Separated by half a world he left Iran to pursue his music!
10/2010 - Interview by Annick Elzière
Admired by more than 100 million people, he has recorded over 270 songs, has released 30 Albums and performed in 23 countries. From Lanxess Arena in Cologne, Germany to Royal Albert Hall in England, MGM in Vegas, Kodak Theater and Cabaret Tehran in California. He is the favorite of The Persian Royal Family and Persian's most idolized vocalist artist of our contemporary time. His name is Hassan Sattar "SATTAR".
His fame began at the age of 22 with the release of the theme song "Khaneh Bedoosh" which literally means ‘Homeless’ for "Morad Barghi", a popular television show in Persia. The show made him an instant star. Young, talented, and handsome, he soon became an Icon all over the Middle East. In 1978, Sattar migrated to the United States and continued his singing career in Los Angeles, California. In 1980, he got married and eventually became a father. His career blossomed further through the years, leading him on tours all over the world.
ANNICK ELZIERE: Hello! What a pleasure being able to chat with you. In the past were you an independent musician or hired by the Royal family of Iran?
SATTAR: I was an independent vocalist who had the honor of often being invited to perform before the royal family and at state events. Moreover, on several occasions I was privileged to be the ambassador of our music in foreign countries and perform before foreign heads of states and dignitaries.
ANNICK ELZIERE: The name of Persia was well known to Westerners but then the Shah changed the name to Iran in the 30's, I believe. Iran is still Persia. Isn't it? I guess that's why we call him the Shah of Iran…but you are saying that you were doing very well and were a very popular Persian Musician until the strong Shiite opposition against the Shah, lead by Ayatollah Khomeini, came into power. That's very sad. I do remember when we had all our gas stations closed in the USA. Those were not fun times for anyone, I believe. It must have been very difficult for all Iranians to no longer be able to lives as they used to.
SATTAR: It wasn’t just Khomeini or Shi'ite opposition! This was carefully orchestrated in lieu of a new geo-political and economical decision at the time, and Khomeini was simply their element. And of course in these sorts of games the public will always pay the price and get the burdens. I am sure you, the United States and the whole world can see now how those events of post 1979 had its turn and today that region is in an appalling situation.
ANNICK ELZIERE:ANNICK ELZIERE: Yes, it’s sad to watch beautiful Persia being transformed for the worse and see you all lose your freedom. Many Persians end up fleeing the country in order to live well and at peace but I am sure, it was very painful for you and your family. When did you decide to leave Iran and how difficult was it for you to make this decision to leave? As a popular Musician, you probably did not hesitate to abandon everything and just pray for the best to come. Please, tell us more about how you felt about such drastic changes in those days. Thank you.
SATTAR: I had my overseas Europe and US tours and I came to the US for a two-week concert in New York and Los Angeles when the unrest started and eventually the revolution happened and we never could return back and now it is exactly 32 years that I am here. Yes, It was very difficult, especially because I had to take care of my band too. I often say this: When I recorded my first ever song, “Homeless” for that TV show, I never thought that it would one day apply in my life too. It was a new beginning and here I had to start again and build up a new life.
ANNICK ELZIERE: As we say everything happens for a reason. Do you think that everything worked out for the better in your life or do you miss your native country. I am sure, you do.
SATTAR: Yes, I do. I believe everything happens for a reason. There are things that are out of our control but one should have good faith and stay positive.
ANNICK ELZIERE: Do you have any regrets and would you ever want to return back to Iran and live there?
SATTAR: As Frank Sinatra says: “A few, but yet too few to mention”. I would love to go back but not until democracy is restored and Islamic Republic is gone. I hope any day soon, the world community will take our people’s side and support our people to free themselves from this theocratic and undemocratic government.
ANNICK ELZIERE: Do you have all your family with you when you left Iran behind you? Are they musicians, too or are you the only talented person in your family?
SATTAR: My father passed away in 2007 in Iran but I couldn’t be there for his funeral for obvious reasons. We arranged one memorial over here in LA and one in New York. My mother is in Iran. I live with my wife in LA and my daughter ‘Sheena’, who just received her Master’s in Psychology and is working in San Francisco. No, my family are not musicians but are in support of that.
ANNICK ELZIERE: That's wonderful that you are all together enjoying the freedom to be. There is a lot of Persian music that is wonderful. What were your greatest hits in Iran? Were you as successful there as you are in the USA?
SATTAR: My signature song is ‘Hamsafar’, literally meaning ‘Travel Mate’ and I had many hit songs back then including ‘Gole Sangam’, which was recorded as a cover song by several other non-Iranian singers. As for the US and overseas, within the Persian community, which consists of 6-7 million people in Diaspora, yes and I believe I could maintain my career pretty dynamically.
ANNICK ELZIERE: Persian music is one of my favorite music. I really enjoy listening to your singing. Your voice is very pure. Any hit songs in this country?
SATTAR: During the past 30 years in the US, I had approximately 40 hits. Since I sing in Persian, the majority of my fans are Persians and Farsi speakers of other countries. I often receive fan letters and emails from India to south East Asia, from the Middle East to North America and Canada. I am truly delighted that I can meet with my fans in cultural venues and concert halls.
ANNICK ELZIERE: I have noticed that you sing a lot with Mahasty who is also a very famous Persian singer. Did you meet her in the States?
SATTAR: Mahasty and I knew each other back in Iran and shared many stages. And in the US we had many duets and several joint records.
ANNICK ELZIERE: It's wonderful. What is your greatest source of inspiration and who do you enjoy listening to?
SATTAR: I usually get my inspiration from people and the world affairs around me. I enjoy listening to: Lionel Richie, Julio Iglesias and Andrea Bocelli.
ANNICK ELZIERE: From your concert tours and announced dates, one can guess how pretty engaged you are, do you also allocate time and have interest in performing at festivals and charitable events?
SATTAR: My performing calendar year usually reads a balance of 60/40, i.e. 60% of my performances take place overseas and 40% within the US. I often attend international cultural events. Provided that my prior commitments permit, whenever I receive an invitation to a festival, which is professionally managed or to a charitable event, which is close to my heart, I gladly accept.
ANNICK ELZIERE: Standing up with your friends and supporting them with your presence in the rallies is wonderful. Do you trust that most Musicians were able to leave Iran?
SATTAR: Mostly did but some didn’t want to leave and eventually became almost inactive.
ANNICK ELZIERE: That is too bad because everyone loves Persian music. Do you have any project of your own that you are working on and wish to share with us?
SATTAR: My new Album with 8 songs is on its way.
ANNICK ELZIERE: I seem to always go back to Iran because Persia was a global hub of culture, art and religion in the world, Persia was admired by everyone and again who doesn't love to dance to the sound of Persian music. Will Iran ever be liberated again?
SATTAR: Over 65% of Iran’s population of 70 million is under 30 years of age. I am hopeful for the future of Iran, as I am sure this generation will get their country back.
ANNICK ELZIERE: Yes, I trust it will. We say what goes up goes down and vice versa. I know that everything is going to change and it's a matter of time. It's in God's hands. Would you like to share your personal message of courage and hope with our readers?
SATTAR: A courageous person dies once, a coward dies every minute. Sometimes the most courageous thing is to have tolerance and listen and sometimes to stand tall and speak up. Love yourself, value and enjoy your being, because hope and fortune attract those who value themselves.
ANNICK ELZIERE: Thank you for sharing such a lovely message. Is there any language that you prefer singing in or is Farsi your preferred language?
SATTAR: So far my songs have all been in Farsi, but I can sing in English too. Here I am happy to announce that I am now examining the possibilities of recording a few songs in English.
ANNICK ELZIERE: That's wonderful to hear. Sattar, thank you so much for taking the time to answer my questions. The friends at Treasures of Wonderment wish you and your family all the best. May all of stay safe and blessed!
SATTAR: Thanks for speaking with me.
Music: reverbnation.com/sattarmusic
Website: sattarmusic.net