Alim Qasimov

Alim Qasimov (born 1957) is an Azerbaijani musician. He is one of the foremost mugam singers in Azerbaijan. He was awarded the International Music Council-UNESCO Music Prize in 1999. It is one of the highest international honors for music. His music is characterised by his vocal improvisation. It is a move away from the traditional style of mugham. Qasimov has recorded nine albums, three of which are mugham albums with his daughter, Ferghana Qasimova.
Influence and legacy.
In 21 November 2009, he was included in a "500 most influential Muslims of world" book. The Icelandic singer Björk complimented Qasimov, by naming him as her "favourite singer alive today". In 2010, Alim Qasimov was nominated for the United States National Public Radio's "50 great voices in recorded history" award.