# Ali Farka Touré

> Malian musician (1939–2006)

**Wikidata**: [Q334947](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q334947)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ali_Farka_Touré)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/ali-farka-toure

## Summary
Ali Farka Touré was a renowned Malian musician celebrated for blending traditional West African music with modern styles like blues. Born in 1939, he gained international acclaim and won multiple Grammy Awards, leaving a lasting impact on global music. His work revitalized interest in Malian culture and influenced cross-cultural musical collaborations.

## Biography
- **Born:** October 31, 1939
- **Nationality:** Malian
- **Known for:** Fusion of traditional Malian music with blues and international recognition
- **Employer(s):** World Circuit (record label)
- **Field(s):** Music, specifically blues and world music

## Contributions
- **Albums:** Released critically acclaimed albums such as *Radio Mali* (1970s-1980s), *Ali Farka Touré* (1970s), *Hondo* (1970s), *Sahel* (1970s), *Mopti* (1970s), and *Niafunké* (1970s). Collaborated with Toumani Diabaté on *Ali & Toumani* (2010, posthumous release).
- **Grammy Awards:** Won the Grammy Award for Best World Music Album in 1995 for *World Circuit* and in 2005 for *In the Heart of the Moon* (with Toumani Diabaté).
- **Cultural Revitalization:** Contributed to the global recognition of Malian music and culture, particularly through his work with the World Circuit label.

## FAQs
- **What genres of music is Ali Farka Touré known for?**  
  He is renowned for blending traditional Malian music with blues, creating a unique fusion that gained international recognition.
  
- **What awards did Ali Farka Touré win?**  
  He won multiple Grammy Awards, including Best World Music Album in 1995 and 2005, for his contributions to global music.

- **Where was Ali Farka Touré from?**  
  He was from Mali, a landlocked country in West Africa, and his music reflected his cultural heritage.

## Why They Matter
Ali Farka Touré's music bridged traditional Malian sounds with global audiences, earning him international acclaim and multiple Grammy Awards. His collaborations, such as with Toumani Diabaté, introduced Malian music to new listeners worldwide, fostering cross-cultural appreciation and influencing contemporary world music. Without his contributions, the global recognition of Malian musical traditions might have remained limited.

## Notable For
- **Grammy Award Wins:** Best World Music Album (1995, 2005)
- **Cultural Ambassador:** Revitalized interest in Malian music globally
- **Collaborations:** Worked with renowned musicians like Toumani Diabaté
- **Record Label:** Associated with World Circuit, a prominent label for world music

## Body
### Early Life and Career
Ali Farka Touré was born on October 31, 1939, in Mali. Before pursuing music full-time, he worked as a farmer and a mechanic. His music career began in the 1970s, recording albums that blended traditional Malian styles with blues influences.

### Musical Style and Influences
Touré's music was characterized by its fusion of traditional Malian instruments and rhythms with modern blues elements. This unique style garnered international attention, particularly through his association with the World Circuit record label, which he joined in the 1980s.

### Major Works and Collaborations
- **Album Releases:** His early albums, such as *Radio Mali* and *Niafunké*, showcased his distinctive sound. Later collaborations, including *In the Heart of the Moon* with kora player Toumani Diabaté, further solidified his reputation.
- **Grammy Recognition:** Touré's Grammy wins in 1995 and 2005 highlighted his impact on world music, introducing Malian traditions to global audiences.

### Legacy and Impact
Touré's music not only achieved commercial success but also played a crucial role in promoting Malian culture internationally. His work influenced a generation of musicians and expanded the definition of world music, emphasizing the richness of African musical heritage.

### Death and Posthumous Releases
Ali Farka Touré passed away on March 6 or 7, 2006. His posthumous album *Ali & Toumani* (2010) continued to celebrate his musical legacy, ensuring his contributions remain influential in contemporary music.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. Virtual International Authority File
3. BnF authorities
4. Dictionary of African Biography
5. International Standard Name Identifier
6. MusicBrainz
7. Find a Grave
8. filmportal.de
9. [Source](http://www.nytimes.com/2006/03/08/arts/music/ali-farka-toure-grammywinning-musician-of-west-africa-dies.html)
10. [Source](http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/ali-farka-toure-6107180.html)
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. BBC Things
13. Library of Congress Control Number
14. Quora
15. National Library of Israel Names and Subjects Authority File
16. Montreux Jazz Festival Database
17. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
18. [Source](https://www.musik-sammler.de/artist/ali-farka-toure)