Tanju Okan

Tanju Okan — Biography

Tanju Okan (27 August 1938, Tire – 23 May 1996, Urla) was a Turkish singer, musician and film actor. He finished primary school in Manisa and high school in Balıkesir before travelling to Italy for his musical training. A turning point came in 1958 during his military service, when he met jazz musician Selçuk Sun; through Sun's encouragement he began singing as an amateur at the officers' club in Ankara, a step that grew into a professional career.

With his powerful, sorrow-tinged voice he became one of the leading figures of Turkish pop music, while also appearing on screen. He made his acting debut in Cüppeli Gelin (1964) and went on to feature in more than twenty productions, among them İnatçı Gelin (1965), Şekerli Misin Vay Vay (1965) and Kadifeden Kesesi (1971).

Okan died in Urla on 23 May 1996. He is remembered each year on the anniversary of his death at his graveside and is regarded, together with Barış Manço and Cem Karaca, as one of the masters of Turkish music.