The 1940s were transformative years for Abdullah Taleh. In 1941, amid political turmoil and the Allied occupation of Iran, Taleh moved to Tehran, which was fast becoming the cultural and artistic heart of the nation. The capital offered a space where writers, musicians, and intellectuals could exchange ideas and collaborate. Taleh quickly immersed himself in this atmosphere, pursuing his multiple passions—music, writing, and theater.
In 1944, his talents brought him to the attention of the newly established Radio Tehran, a revolutionary platform that would redefine Iran’s musical landscape. There he collaborated with the greatest musicians of his time, including Morteza Neydavoud and the legendary singer Qamar al-Muluk Vaziri. Interestingly, Taleh’s relationship with Qamar and Neydavoud dated back to his youth: he had met them during a concert at Ekbatan Cinema in Hamedan when he was only eighteen. That early acquaintance blossomed into a long-lasting professional friendship.
On the radio, Taleh worked as both a composer and performer. His voice, rich and emotional, reached thousands of Iranian homes, although he often preferred anonymity, letting his art speak for itself. His compositions blended the classical forms of Persian dastgah music with the accessible rhythm of popular songs. This fusion made his works beloved among both elite listeners and ordinary citizens.
