Today (Thursday) marks the 21st death anniversary of the Qawwali maestro, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.

Khan died at the age of 48 on August 16, 1997 leaving a legacy of over 125 albums.

Born in Faisalabad, Khan was the fifth child of musician, vocalist and Qawwal, Fateh Ali Khan.

Going against his father’s will, who wanted him to be a doctor, Khan extended the 600-year old Qawwali tradition of his family and is widely credited for introducing Sufi music to international audiences.

Considered one of the greatest singers ever recorded, Khan possessed a six-octave vocal range and could perform at a high level of intensity for several hours.

Known as ‘Shahenshah e Qawwali’ that means ‘The King of Kings of Qawwali’, Khan having to his name a total of 125 albums, holds the world record for the largest recorded output by a Qawwali artist.

Some of the maestro’s works of Khan are Wohi Khuda Hai, Haq Ali Maula, Kisay Da Yaar Naa Vichray, Tumhein Dillagi Bhooljani Parraygi, Ali Maula Ali Dum Dum, Mere Rashk e Qamar, Dulhay Ka Sehra Suhana Lagta Hai.