Houshmand Aghili (August 2, 1937 – September 14, 1404) was an Iranian singer, composer, and performer of traditional and classical Persian music. Over the span of seven decades, his voice became associated with refinement, elegance, and nostalgia, bridging generations both inside Iran and in the diaspora. Aghili’s career began in the mid-1950s, and from the very start, his training under some of Iran’s greatest masters gave his music an authentic and enduring character. He lived much of his later life in Los Angeles, where he remained an active cultural figure until his passing.
Early Life and Family Background
Houshmand Aghili was born as Houshmand Aghili Mehr on August 2, 1937, in Isfahan, one of Iran’s most historically and culturally significant cities. Isfahan’s long-standing reputation as a hub of Persian art, architecture, and music undoubtedly influenced his early exposure to beauty and creativity.
His father’s surname had originally been Ali Gholi, but following administrative requirements by the Statistics Center, the family surname was changed to Aghili Mehr after moving to Isfahan. This change reflected a common practice in Iran in the early to mid-20th century, when many families were encouraged—or sometimes required—to adopt more standardized surnames.
