Mohammad Reza Lotfi was one of the most prominent and influential figures in contemporary Iranian music, particularly in the realm of Persian classical music. Born on January 1, 1947, in Gorgan, Iran, Lotfi began showing an interest in music from an early age and learned to play the tar, a traditional Persian lute, which would become his signature instrument. He studied music at the National Conservatory in Tehran and later at the University of Tehran, where he refined his skills in composition and musicology.

Lotfi's career was marked by a deep dedication to preserving and revitalizing traditional Persian music while exploring new avenues for its expression. His mastery of the tar and setar (another type of Persian lute) combined with his scholarly approach to music made him a seminal figure in Iran's cultural landscape. As a member of the renowned music ensemble Chavosh, he contributed significantly to the development of creative and innovative music projects. His body of work includes numerous albums and collaborations that exhibit his virtuosic musicianship and deep understanding of Persian modal system, or "dastgah." Lotfi's compositions often embody a blend of poetic lyricism and profound emotion, earning him a passionate following both in Iran and among the Persian diaspora. His passing on May 2, 2014, marked the end of an era, but his legacy lives on through his extensive recordings and the many students he inspired.