Munir Bashir, often hailed as the "King of the Oud," was an Iraqi musician and one of the most prominent oud players in the world. Born in Mosul, Iraq in 1930 to a musical family, Bashir was immersed in the rich traditions of Arab music from a young age. He is credited with elevating the oud, a central instrument in Middle Eastern music, from a largely accompaniment or folk instrument to a solo performance vehicle capable of expressing a wide emotional and dynamic range. Bashir received formal musical training at the Baghdad Music and Ballet School, later studying Western musical styles and incorporating these influences into his performances and compositions, which added a unique character to his music.

Throughout his illustrious career, Bashir travelled extensively, bringing the sound of the oud to international audiences and collaborating with musicians from different cultural backgrounds. His extensive discography includes works like "Iraq - Irak: The Art of the 'ûd," "Masters of Oud," "Méditations," and "Master of the Arab Lute," which showcase his technical proficiency and his deep exploration of maqamat (modes in Arabic music) and meditative improvisations. Bashir's music transcends the boundaries of traditional Middle Eastern music, as he often infused his compositions with elements of Western classical, flamenco, and jazz genres. Even after his passing in 1997, Munir Bashir's legacy lives on, inspiring a new generation of musicians and continuing to enchant audiences with his meditative and soulful mastery of the oud.