Orhan Gencebay Biography: Career, Genre, Albums, Movies, Controversy, Net Worth, Age, Wife, Children

---

Orhan Gencebay is a distinguished Turkish musician, composer, and actor, widely recognized as one of the pioneers of the arabesque music genre in Turkey.

Born on August 4, 1944, in Samsun, Turkey, Gencebay began his musical journey at a young age, learning to play various traditional instruments such as the violin and baglama.

His blend of Turkish folk music with elements of jazz, rock, and other genres led to the creation of a new sound that resonated deeply with audiences.

Profile

• Full name: Orhan Gencebay
• Date of birth: August 4, 1944
• Age: 80 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Samsun, Turkey
• Nationality: Turkish
• Profession: Musician, composer, actor
• Height: N/A
• Parents: N/A
• Siblings: İlhan Aytan, Burhan Kencebay, Doğan Gencebay
• Spouse: Azize Gencebay (m.1966; div. in 1977), Sevim Emre (married in 1978)
• Children: Alban Gencebay and Gökhan Gencebay
• Relationship status: Married
• Religion: Islam
• Ethnicity: Turkish
• Net worth: $32 million

Early Life and Education

Orhan Gencebay is now at the age of 80. He was born on August 4, 1944, in Samsun, Turkey. From a young age, he showed a keen interest in music and began taking violin and mandolin lessons at six years old.

By seven, he had started playing the baglama, a traditional Turkish instrument. His early musical education included lessons in Turkish folk music and classical Ottoman court music. At the age of ten, he composed his first piece.

During his teenage years, Gencebay started engaging with jazz and rock music while attending high school. He played tenor saxophone in various orchestras and continued to develop his skills at the Istanbul Conservatory. After completing his military service, where he played saxophone in the military band, he pursued opportunities in radio and film music.

Personal Life

Orhan Gencebay has been married twice. His first wife: Azize Gencebay (married in 1966; divorced in 1977). His second wife: Sevim Emre (married in 1978). Orhan has two children including Alban Gencebay and Gökhan Gencebay.

Career

Orhan Gencebay’s professional career began in earnest during the late 1960s when he started recording singles that showcased his innovative style. His first major success came with the release of “Bir Teselli Ver” in 1970, which established him as a leading figure in Turkish music.

Over the years, Gencebay developed a unique fusion of traditional Turkish folk music with influences from various genres including jazz and rock.

In addition to his work as a musician, Gencebay has acted in numerous films and served as a music director for many Turkish cinema productions. He founded Kervan Record Company in 1972, which became instrumental in promoting other artists within the genre.

Throughout his career spanning over five decades, Gencebay has released nearly thirty-five singles and fifteen albums while composing around a thousand works. His albums have sold over sixty million copies worldwide.

Awards

• Recognition as one of the most influential figures in Turkish music history
• Numerous awards for contributions to Turkish cinema
• Honorary titles from various cultural institutions

Net Worth

Orhan Gencebay’s estimated net worth is around $32 million, accumulated from his extensive and successful music career.

Controversy

Orhan Gencebay’s career has not been without controversy. While he is celebrated for his contributions to Turkish music, some critics have debated the classification of his work within the arabesque genre.

Gencebay himself rejected this label at times, arguing that it inadequately defined his diverse musical style that incorporates elements from various genres.

His departure from traditional norms also led to criticism from purists who felt that his fusion approach diluted the authenticity of Turkish folk music. Despite this criticism, Gencebay’s innovative sound has garnered him a massive following and solidified his status as a cultural icon.

Social Media

• N/A

Filmography

• “Gurbet Kuşları” (1983)
• “Dert Bende” (1985)
• “İkimizin Yerine” (1987)
• “Yıkılmadım” (1989)

Discography

• “Sensiz Olmaz” (1970)
• “Bir Teselli Ver” (1971)
• “Dil Yarası” (1973)
• “Kır Zincirlerini” (1980)
• “Mavi Mavi” (1985)

---

---

---

---

---

---

---