Omar Khorshid

Omar Khorshid (; April 9, 1945 – May 29, 1981) was an Egyptian guitarist, musician, composer, accompanist and actor. Born in Cairo, he was a well-known guitarist who accompanied many singers, including Farid Al Atrash, Umm Kulthum, Mohamed Abdel Wahab and Abdel Halim Hafez.

Biography As a child, Khorshid taught himself the violin, guitar and piano which eventually led him to a private music institute in downtown Cairo for further education. In 1966, he formed a band with friends called Les Petits Chats (The Small Cats), a band that played music influenced by Western sounds. The group played in small venues and eventually worked its way up in terms of fame in Egypt.

Death On May 29, 1981, Khorshid was driving at a high speed on El Haram Street in Giza, Egypt, with his wife, Dina, when he lost control of the vehicle and collided with a street light pole. Though Dina suffered critical injuries, she survived. Khorshid was ejected from his seat and suffered blunt trauma to his skull, neck and spine, killing him instantly.

Legacy Khorshid's musicality in orchestra performances, original songs and film scores was considered revolutionary at the time in the Middle East. Belly Dance with Omar Khorshid [Voix d'Orient - GVDL 9] Belly Dance with Omar Khorshid Vol. 2 [Voix d'Orient - GVDL 202] Belly Dance with Omar Khorshid Vol. 3 [Voix d'Orient - GVDL 203] Belly Dance from Lebanon [Voix d'Orient - GVDL 521] Omar Khorshid: Tribute to Oum Kalsoum [Voix d'Orient - GVDL 223] Omar Khorshid: Tribute to Farid El Atrache [Voix d'Orient - GVDL 248] Rhythms from the Orient [Voice of Lebanon - VLMC 39] Omar Khorshid with Love [Voice of Lebanon - VLMC 87] Omar Khorshid with Love Vol. 2 [Voice of Lebanon - VLMC 88] Guitar El Chark