Batir Zakirov

Botir Zokirov (26 April 1936 – 23 January 1985) was an Uzbek and Soviet singer, painter, actor and a prominent cultural figure, who is considered to be the founder of Uzbek pop music. He was awarded the title of People's Artist of the USSR at age 29.

Botir Zokirov studied at the Tashkent Institute of Theatre and Arts named after Ostrovskiy.

In 1972, Zokirov created the first in the East and the third in Soviet Union troupe titled Music Hall. Together with the Russian director Mark Zakharov and an actor of Moscow Satire Theatre Alexander Schirwindt, Zokirov created the musical 1973rd journey of Sinbad the Sailor. Prominent singers such as Vladimir Vysotsky, Irina Ponarovskaya and bands such as Poyushchiye Gitary, Yalla (band) from various countries of USSR performed in Music Hall too.

He was one of the founders of the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic State Estrada Orchestra.

Zokirov was awarded with the title of People's Artist of the USSR and became one of the youngest male singers to be granted this award in USSR (at the age of 29).

In 1964 he spend several months in Kremlin Hospital, (currently Central Clinical Hospital) followed by a lung surgery. Botir Zokirov died on 23 January 1985 in Tashkent.

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