Salah Ragab

Salah Ragab was an Egyptian drummer and jazz composer born in Cairo in July 25, 1935. He is credited with founding Egyptian jazz. Mr. Ragab first listened to jazz in 1954 on radio. He was left fascinated after listening to Lionel Hampton Orchestra’s music. An officer in the Egyptian Army, Mr. Ragab led the Nile Diamonds for six years from the beginning of 1958. He formed the first Egyptian jazz band in 1964 along with the American saxophonist Mac X. Spears. In 1968 Mr. Ragab formed the first Egyptian big band, named The Cairo Jazz Band. In 1971 Salah Ragab met Sun Ra in Egypt. Salah Ragab died in June, 2008 at the age of 72.