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This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.

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Paul Baghdadlian, entertainer of Armenian Americans, dies

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Paul Baghdadlian, entertainer of Armenian Americans, dies

Popular Armenian American singer Paul Baghdadlian died this week. He was 57.

Baghdadlian started his music career in Lebanon in the early 1970s, and several years later moved to the U.S. His songs about love and Armenian nationalism gained a following among Armenians across the world.

His brother Joe says he’s received more than 100 calls in recent days from people in Lebanon, Canada and other countries.

“Wednesday morning, some lady called me. We have a small town back home in Lebanon. ... She says to me all the young people they are opening Paul’s music loud in the streets.”

Doctors diagnosed Baghdadlian with brain cancer last year.

His funeral is scheduled for July 9 at Glendale Armenian Church. Later that day, the Pasadena Armenia Center will host a memorial celebration.

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