The Syrian singer Bassam Hassan passed away on Wednesday evening, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy and a long history of creativity and uniqueness.

In one of his final statements, Hassan said: "I chose to step away willingly, out of respect for my art—which is the culmination of my life's work—and because I’m not inclined to optimism." His words expressed a sense of frustration and disappointment toward production companies and the media.

Bassam Hassan was considered one of the classical generation of artists who believed in the power of lyrics and melody—before the rise of modern songs characterized by simplicity and rapid commercial success, especially with the spread of satellite channels and social media technologies.

A Shining Star in the World of Art

Hassan began his musical career in the 1980s, gaining recognition for his warm voice and unique stage presence. He later shifted to composition and songwriting, writing and composing many of his own songs, while also collaborating with prominent Syrian and Arab composers.

Among the notable composers he worked with are Baligh Hamdi, Sayed Mekkawi, Farouk Salama, Samir Helmy, Abdel Fattah Sukkar, Ibrahim Joudat, Amin Al-Khayyat, Radwan Rajab, Majed Zain Al-Abidin, Hussein Zahra, Sadeeqi Dimashq, Vahe Damergian, and Youssef Al-Ali.

His song “Bel Hadaweh”, composed by Samir Helmy, marked his first appearance on Syrian radio and television in the 1980s. The song laid the foundation for his later artistic path—one marked by seriousness and a deep emotional connection.

Hassan continued along this artistic direction, releasing well-known songs such as “Kallimni”, “Daqqou El-Ahbab ‘Al Bab”, “Kol Marra Lamma Wa’adak”, “Haddi El-Khatawi”, “Junoon Junoon”, “Soutak Helou”, and “Helweh El-Denya”—all of which earned widespread popularity.

Nevertheless, his music couldn’t entirely escape the influence of the prevailing style of Arab music at the time, as elements of the “committed” song genre occasionally seeped into his romantic repertoire.