Ali Farka Tour?? (born 1939 in Niafunk??, Mali, died March 7, 2006) was an African blues singer and guitarist, known throughout the continent as one of its most famous performers. As the first African bluesman to achieve widespread popularity on his home continent, Tour?? was often known as "the African John Lee Hooker". Musically, the many superpositions of guitars and rhythms in his music were more reminiscent of R.L. Burnside hypnotic blues style. Tour?? usually sang in one of several African languages, as on his breakthrough album, Ali Farka Tour??, which established his reputation in the world music community. 1994's Talking Timbuktu, a collaboration with Ry Cooder, sold promisingly well in western markets, but was followed by a hiatus from releases in America and Europe. He reappeared in 1999 with Niafunk??, a more traditional album focusing on African rhythms and beats. Tour?? is noted as the mentor to popular Malian musician Afel Bocoum.
In 2004 Ali Farka Tour?? became mayor of Niafunk??.
In September 2005, Tour?? released the album In The Heart Of The Moon, a collaboration with Toumani Diabat??
On Tuesday 7th of march 2006 the Ministry of Culture of Mali announced the passing away of Ali Farka Tour?? at the age of 67. He died of an undisclosed illness from which he had been suffering for some time.
DocMcCoy
"Go and laugh in your own country!" 5,917 Posts
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damn...
RIP