Dariush was born in Tehran on February 4, 1951 and spent his early years in Mianeh, Karaj and Kurdistan. His talent was first recognized at an early age of nine, when he appeared on stage at his school. Hassan Khayatbashi introduced him to the public at the age of twenty through Iranian Television. He immediately became popular with his legendary song, “ Do Not Tell Me I Love You ”. His contemporary and unique style opened a new era in the Iranian music.
Dariush has never compromised his deeply held beliefs. Whether he sings poems of Shamloo and Naderpour or lyrics of Janatti-Attaei , Ghanbari and Biat the one theme that runs through all his music is that of love, peace, freedom and justice. In post-revolutionary Iran, there was no place for Dariush’s art. By necessity, he left his native land and now lives in United States with his wife and seven-year old daughter.
His body of work consists of over 200 songs in 25 albums . He has had sold-out performances in concert halls around the world notably Wembley (London), Carnegie Hall (New York), Kennedy Center (Washington DC), Koncertos (Stockholm), Greek Theater (Los Angeles) and Universal Amphitheater (Los Angeles). Dariush has also explored the art of images and has acted in two films, Yarran and Faryadeh Zireh Ub .
Dariush's music and message has gone beyond his own culture. The Arab world, with its rich musical culture, has embraced Dariush with great enthusiasm. In a recent International Festival of Music Video and Tele-Media held in Bahrain, Dariush was recognized as the sole representative of contemporary Iranian music. He was awarded the highest Peace Trophy. In the closing ceremonies of the Festival, Dariush sang of freedom, particularly in his homeland, Iran.
