Shahram Shabpareh

Shahram Shabpareh (; born 6 February 1948) is an Iranian singer, songwriter, composer, and actor. He is a pioneer of Iranian pop music, having begun his career in the 1960s. Alongside his brother Shahbal Shabpareh, he co-founded the music group Black Cats. Shabpareh also appeared in several films and, following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, immigrated to Los Angeles, where he continued his career. As a producer and composer, he has collaborated with prominent Iranian artists, including Shohreh Solati, Ebi, Siavash Ghomayshi, Sattar, Googoosh, Leila Forouhar, Shahram Solati, and Andy.

In July 2023, during his final concert, Shabpareh announced his retirement from the music industry.

Early life Shahram Shabpareh was born on 6 February 1948 in Tehran, Iran. His father, Mohammad Shabpareh, was a retired army colonel. Shahram’s older brother, Shahbal Shabpareh, is also a musician. Shahram began his musical career in 1961 as a drummer.

He launched his professional career as a singer in the summer of 1964, at the age of 17, performing at Motel Ghoo in Salman Shahr, northern Iran, with a band. That same year, he co-founded the band The Rebels alongside Siavash Ghomayshi, Homayoun Jamali, and Kambiz Moeini.

Departure from Iran Before the 1979 Iranian Revolution, Shahram Shabpareh immigrated from Iran with Shohreh Solati. He currently resides in Los Angeles, California. Over the course of his career, he has released more than 20 albums and, after over five decades of professional activity, remains a highly popular and acclaimed artist in Iran.

In September 2024, Shabpareh claimed in an interview with Kambiz Hosseini on Iran International that he married Ramesh in a bid to assist her with her move to the United States, even though she was a lesbian.

Career He started his career as a drum player in the early 1960s when he was 13. In the mid-1960s at the age of 17, he formed a band of his own named "Rebels".

He was a member of Black Cats from 1964 to 1979, which was started by his brother Shahbal Shabpareh. He embarked a solo career starting in the 70s.

After the Islamic Revolution in 1979, Shahram, who had migrated to California a few years earlier, did not have the opportunity to return to his homeland. Since then, he has been living in the United States. and his concerts are well received by Iranians all over the world. He is a judge on Persian Talent Show.

Collaborations Shahram Shabpareh has collaborated with numerous prominent Iranian singers, including Shohreh Solati, Shahram Solati, Ebi, Siavash Ghomayshi, Farhad Mehrad, Sattar, Googoosh, Leila Forouhar, Shahrokh, Nahid, Sharareh, Andy, and Kouros. In addition to releasing his own albums, he has played a significant role in identifying and introducing new talent to Iranian pop music.

Artists such as Pirouz, Nahid, Andy, and Kouros gained recognition in Los Angeles through their association with Shahram Shabpareh, leveraging his guidance to develop their careers. Ebrahim Hamedi (Ebi) also began his collaboration with Shabpareh and the Black Cats band following a chance encounter at the Hilton Hotel.

Recognition In honor of over half a century of contributions to Iranian pop music, often referred to as the "leading man of Iranian pop music", BBC Persian hosted a special program for the 2025 Nowruz celebration titled Nowruz Celebration 1404 with Shahram Shabpareh. Hosted by Shohreh Aghdashloo, the program invited music enthusiasts to perform covers of Shabpareh's songs. The program featured 15 of Shabpareh's songs.

Discography

Studio albums

Year Album Label / Notes 2012 Taar Taa Geetaar Avang Music 2008 Tapesh 2005 Fire 2001 Donya 1999 Didar 1998 Rhythm of the Night 1995 Do Rahi 1995 Story 1994 Summer of 94 1992 Summer of 92 1991 Shagerde Aval 1988 Khejalati 1987 Bagheh Alephba 1986 Shaparak 1985 Madreseh (Pariyah) 1984 Telesm 1983 Khodaya Che Konam? 1982 Iran Iran 1981 Mosafer 1980 Hich Koja Iran Nemisheh 1980 Deyar 1999 Gorg-o Bareh ℗ 1999 Taraneh Enterprises Inc 1978 Rock & Roll

Filmography

Year Film 1978 Booye Gandom 1977 Mahiha Dar Khak Mimirand 1976 Alafhaye Harz 1975 Shabe Ghariban 1974 Aroose Dejleh