Formerly censored by authorities, 75-year-old Olivia Newton-John of Iran showcases her 'sinful voice'

The first time Googoosh was asked to write a memoir, the request came not from publishers, but from interrogators of Iran's Islamic Republic. Their aim was for her to craft a cautionary tale. Naturally, the iconic singer refused. Once considered the Olivia Newton-John of Iran, Googoosh had her public career abruptly halted in 1979 when female performers were banned under the new regime. I didnt want to cooperate with them, she recalls. I hated to tell my story to them.

Decades later, Irans most celebrated pop star has broken her silence with a new book titled Googoosh: A Sinful Voice. She describes writing it not as a choice, but as a necessary duty. The memoir traces her life from childhood to the present, detailing her four marriages and the highs and lows she endured during decades of house arrest while Tehran experienced war. The narrative is unflinchingly honest, discussing multiple abortions, struggles with drugs, and moments of suicidal thoughts. If people dislike me for it, thats fine. That was my life, she says, adding that her intention was never to appease readers. Throughout, she conveys a deep affection for her homeland: Iran is part of my being. You can take Googoosh out of Iran, but you cant take Iran out of Googoosh.

Born Faegheh Googoosh Atashin in 1950 in Tehran to Azerbaijani-Iranian parents, she began performing as a toddler in cabarets under her fathers guidance. Mostly self-taught, she mimicked popular singers and quickly moved into film. By the 1970s, she had become Irans most prominent pop export, sharing international stages with artists like Ray Charles and Tina Turner. Her dynamic voicewhether delivering energetic disco tracks or heart-wrenching balladsleft a lasting imprint on Iranian culture.

Her career came to a sudden halt with the 1979 revolution. She writes, The revolution swept across my homeland like a raging storm, unraveling the delicate fabric of a world once interwoven with tradition, modernity, and poetry. Almost overnight, the shimmering parties, film premieres, and music were replaced by fear, uncertainty, and darkness.

In recent years, Googoosh has spoken about the process of finally writing her memoir. She worked closely with Tara Dehlavi, a 39-year-old former clinical psychologist in exile in France, who co-wrote the book in English. I said lets write it in English, Dehlavi explains, aiming to share Googooshs untold story with the world. Googoosh emphasizes that it was Dehlavi who enabled the project, stating, With Tara, I opened my heart. I was free to talk about myself.

Since relocating to the West in 2000first Canada, then Los AngelesGoogoosh has returned to performing, playing iconic venues such as the Hollywood Bowl, Madison Square Garden, and the Sydney Opera House. Her enduring popularity is reflected in a loyal fanbase, both longstanding and new. Notably, she appeared in Ed Sheerans music video for Azizam, where she delivers a memorable cameo and lends her vocals for a Persian version of the song, which became an instant success.

Dehlavi, who grew up close to Googooshs family, played a pivotal role in preserving the singers authentic voice. I couldnt let anyone else narrate her story. I became a bodyguard of her voice, Dehlavi recalls. Over a decade, the two developed multiple drafts before arriving at the version released today.

The memoir is structured chronologically, blending personal reflections with glimpses into her harrowing experiences under the Revolutionary Court system. It concludes with references to Iranian womens rights activism, particularly the slogan Woman, Life, Freedom, linking Googooshs personal narrative with broader struggles. She reflects on the current restrictions on women in Iran, expressing hope that her story might help amplify their voices. I pray that very soon, they, too, will have reclaimed their voices, she writes.

Ultimately, Googoosh: A Sinful Voice stands as both an intimate self-portrait and a testament to resilience, offering readers an unvarnished look at one of Irans most beloved cultural figures.

Author: Sophia Brooks