Ali Farka Touré was a celebrated Malian singer and multi-instrumentalist, esteemed for his pivotal role in melding the traditional music of his home country with the blues, thereby laying the groundwork for what is often termed 'desert blues.' Born in 1939 in the Timbuktu region, he grew up in a historically rich area that formed the crossroads of various trans-Saharan cultures and musical traditions. Touré's hypnotic guitar playing, steeped in African rhythms and melodies, evoked the spirit of the blues with a profound authenticity that captured the attention of listeners worldwide.

He gained notable recognition after collaborating with Ry Cooder on the Grammy Award-winning album "Talking Timbuktu" in 1994, which brought his music to the international stage. Over the years, Touré released numerous acclaimed albums, including "Savane," deemed one of his masterpieces, and "In the Heart of the Moon," a collaboration with kora virtuoso Toumani Diabaté. Despite his passing in 2006, Touré's legacy lives on through posthumous releases and the continuing influence of his music on both African and Western artists. His final collaborative record with Diabaté, "Ali & Toumani," released in 2010, is a testament to his enduring artistry and the profound cultural legacy he left behind.

Genres

Afropop

Desert Blues

Malian Blues

World

Related Artists

Toumani Diabaté

Oumou Sangaré

Amadou & Mariam

Tinariwen

Salif Keita

Habib Koité

Vieux Farka Touré

Rokia Traoré

Boubacar Traoré

Baaba Maal

Fatoumata Diawara

Ballaké Sissoko

Latest Release

Voyageur

Ali Farka Touré

Album - 9 Tracks - Released March 10, 2023