Morteza: A Journey Through Music and Art

Morteza Barjesteh, better known by his stage name Morteza, is a renowned Iranian pop singer-songwriter and composer whose music has left an indelible mark on the hearts of many. His career spans several decades and reflects his passion for both music and the arts. In this article, we delve into the life and career of this iconic artist.

Early Life and Introduction to Music

Morteza was born in Tehran and spent his formative years in the bustling capital of Iran. His educational journey led him to study architecture and graphic design. During this period, he honed his artistic skills and worked with various advertising companies as a designer. Little did he know that his artistic journey would eventually lead him to the world of music.

At the age of 16, Morteza's musical talent began to emerge. He embarked on his singing career by participating in an Iranian TV show called "Mikhak-e Noghre-yi" (Silver Carnation) in 1969, hosted by the iconic Fereydoon Farrokhzad and broadcast on Iran's national television. This marked the beginning of his professional singing journey.

Musical Career in Iran

Morteza's early career in music was characterized by collaborations with renowned Iranian songwriters and composers. His debut song, "Eshgh-e Zood-gozar" (Fleeting Love), written by Masoud Hooshmand with music composed by the late Parviz Maghsadi, gained him recognition and set the stage for his musical journey.

Until the Islamic Revolution of Iran in 1979, Morteza recorded approximately 180 songs and lent his voice to around 50 songs for Iranian films. His contribution to Iranian music during this period was significant, earning him a dedicated fan base.

Music in Exile

In 1981, two years after the Islamic Revolution, Morteza made the difficult decision to leave Iran and seek refuge in the United States, eventually settling in Los Angeles. Despite facing financial pressures and the challenges of starting anew, he remained committed to his artistic endeavors.

During his time in exile, Morteza released two well-received albums, "Dayeh Dayeh" (Nanny Nanny) and "Anar Anar" (Pomegranate). Given the political climate of Iran during the 1980s, he also sang political songs, with "Darugheh" (The Sheriff), written by Masoud Amini, standing out as one of the most prominent.

Morteza continued to nurture his graphic designing talents and even designed album covers for his own works and those of other artists.

Social Contributions and Activism

In addition to his artistic pursuits, Morteza founded the cultural center "Iran Culture House" in 2002. This institution aimed to bring together the Iranian community in the United States, fostering cultural and artistic activities, including theater and music, while also providing lectures and art classes.

Following the 2009 Iranian presidential election and the subsequent protests, Morteza became one of the few artists to address the political events through his music. Notable among these was the bilingual song "Hamishe ba Neda" (United for Neda), in which he collaborated with fellow Iranian artists like Dariush and Sattar, as well as American artists. This song served as a poignant expression of solidarity with the Iranian people during a challenging time.

Discography

Throughout his career, Morteza recorded over 300 songs, with approximately 180 sung in Iran and more than 130 recorded in Los Angeles. Additionally, around 50 of his songs graced the soundtracks of Persian films. His last album, "Sepasgozar" (The Grateful), was released in 2009 to commemorate his four decades of artistic activity.

Here is a list of some of Morteza's notable albums:

Dayeh Dayeh (1983)

Himeh (1984)

Jang (1985)

Darougheh (1986)

Vaveyla (1988)

Gol Agha (1990)

Az Gol Ta Gol (1993)

Robat (1995)

Romance (1999)

Sin Ti (2000)

Millennium Beat (2000)

Doniaye Rangi (2002)

Friends (2008)

Sepasgozar (2009)

Morteza's musical journey has been characterized by his unwavering dedication to art and his ability to use music as a means of expression, connection, and social engagement. His impact on Iranian music and culture is immeasurable, and his legacy continues to inspire both artists and audiences alike.