Jo‘raxon Sultonov

A mature Uzbek singer, instrumentalist, and folk *hofiz* (master singer), who captivated listeners with his pleasant songs, earned a firm place in the hearts of the people, and became a master singer recognized by all. He was a recipient of the "Order of Great Service" (*Buyuk xizmatlari uchun*).

The mature Uzbek singer, instrumentalist, and folk *hofiz* Jo‘raxon Sultonov was born in Margilan in 1903.

In 1920, when M. Qoriyoqubov formed the first ethnographic ensemble and invited Yusufjon Qiziq Shakarjonov, Usta Olim Komilov, To‘xtasin Jalilov, Ahmad Umrzoqov, and Abduqodir Ismoilov, Jo‘raxon Sultonov also joined the ensemble on creative tours to Moscow, Saint Petersburg, Kazan, Astrakhan, and Baku, captivating listeners with his pleasant songs.

Having returned from this tour with great success, the *hofiz* worked in musical drama from 1928, at the Uzbek State Musical Theater from 1932, at the Uzbek State Philharmonic from 1936 to 1939, at the Muqimiy Musical Drama and Comedy Theater from 1940 to 1950, at the Uzbek State Estrada from 1950 to 1958, and from 1958 until the end of his life, he worked in the "Maqom" ensemble of Uzbekistan Radio.

The roles he played in musical drama theaters—Parpi *hofiz* in "Tohir va Zuhra" and the Norqo‘zi character in "Nurxon"—stand out for their charm and vitality.

J. Sultonov, who had secured a firm place in the art of song and was widely respected by the public, actively participated in the Decade of Uzbek Art held in Moscow in 1937 and in major national construction projects in our republic.

In 1939, together with Asad Ismatov, Lutfixonim Sarimsoqova, Ma’murjon Uzoqov, and other artists, he provided cultural services during the construction of the Great Fergana Canal and was awarded the title of "People's *Hofiz* of Uzbekistan" in that same year.

Based on folk tunes and *usuls* (rhythmic patterns), he created several songs such as "O‘lmasun" (Navoiy), "Keling, ey ahboblar" (Furqat), "Bir qadah" (Chustiy), and "Mubtaloman naylayin" (S. Abdulla). Art enthusiasts still listen with great joy and derive spiritual nourishment from the melodious and pleasant songs he performed and recorded on magnetic tape, such as "Ul maxluqo", "Gulizorim", "Ko‘ring", "Ne balo", "Oh kim", and "Sayri gulzor", while *hofiz* and singers still cherish him as a master.

Jo‘raxon Sultonov passed away in the city of Margilan in 1965.