obituaries

Today the sad news came to us that Özkan Uğur passed away. Uğur represented Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest twice: in 1985 and 1988, both times as a member of the group MFÖ. Özkan Uğur was 69 years old. Early years Born on February 16, 1954, in Ankara, Turkey, Özkan Uğur is a renowned Turkish musician, singer, and songwriter. His career is spanning several decades Uğur’s passion for music blossomed at a young age. Growing up in a musically inclined family, he was exposed to various genres, from traditional Turkish folk music to Western rock and pop. This diverse musical upbringing played a crucial role in shaping Uğur’s artistic identity, allowing him to effortlessly blend different styles and create a unique sound of his own. Mazhar-Fuat-Özkan In the late 1970s, Uğur’s career took off when he became the lead vocalist and bassist for the influential Turkish rock band MFÖ (Mazhar-Fuat-Özkan). Alongside his bandmates Mazhar Alanson and Fuat Güner, Uğur contributed to the band’s success with his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. MFÖ’s innovative approach to rock music, infused with elements of Turkish folk and pop, resonated with audiences and propelled them to national stardom. MFÖ and Eurovision Uğur’s collaboration with MFÖ resulted in numerous hit songs, including “Ele Güne Karşı Yapayalnız,” “Peki Peki Anladık,” and “Mazeretim Var Asabiyim Ben.” Their distinctive sound and energetic performances earned them a dedicated fan base, and they continue to be revered as pioneers of the Turkish rock scene. In 1985, MFÖ represented Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time. Their song “Didai didai dai (aşık oldum)” reached a 14th place. Three years later, the band was in Eurovision again with the song “Sufi”, being 15th in the ranking. Solo career Despite his success with MFÖ, Uğur embarked on a solo career in the 1980s, eager to explore his creative boundaries beyond the confines of a band. His solo albums showcased his versatility as an artist, as he experimented with various musical genres, including pop, jazz, and even classical music.  Collaborations Throughout his career, Uğur has collaborated with numerous prominent musicians and songwriters, further solidifying his reputation as a versatile artist. He has worked with notable Turkish composers such as Fikret Kızılok, Timur Selçuk, and Sezen Aksu, contributing his unique vocal talents to their compositions. Uğur’s collaborations have resulted in timeless classics, including “Küçük Bir Aşk Masalı,” “Benimle Oynar Mısın,” and “Öpüşmek İstiyorum.” Film and television Aside from his musical endeavors, Uğur has also ventured into acting, showcasing his versatility as a performer. He has appeared in several films and television series, earning critical acclaim for his on-screen presence and natural acting ability. Awards Özkan Uğur’s contributions to Turkish music have been recognized with numerous awards and accolades. He has received prestigious honors, including the Golden Butterfly Award for Best Male Performer and the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Kral TV Music Awards.