Sing It Loud and Proud

The diva is cloaked in a white flannel bathrobe, bare feet up on a chair, her face looking its age in the harsh fluorescent light. She pouts between sips of hot tea as a makeup artist chases her lips with a brush dipped in waxy violet gloss. The dressing room scene is not a pretty picture. But it doesn't matter because this is Googoosh, the most famous Iranian singer of the 20th century, a living icon who touches the heartstrings of her fans as if she were Barbra Streisand, Maria Callas and Edith Piaf rolled into one. In a few moments,...

Want the full story?

Subscribe Now

Subscribe
Subscribe

Learn more about the benefits of being a TIME subscriber

If you are already a subscriber sign up — registration is free!