Guy Chookoorian, Harsnikit Bidi Barem/No Name Bar
Name/Title
Guy Chookoorian, Harsnikit Bidi Barem/No Name BarDescription
Gaizag “Guy” Chookoorian was born in November 15, 1923, Kenosha, WI and was a celebrated Armenian-American musician, singer, comedian, and actor. A World War II veteran, he served in the 331st Bomb Squadron of the 94th Bomb Group, flying 32 missions over Europe. The son of Armenian Genocide survivors from Yerzinga (Erzincan), he co-founded the Armenian-American Theater Group in Fresno, CA, in the mid-1940s. Throughout his Hollywood career, he actively promoted Armenian culture, helping preserve the folk songs of his father’s heritage. Guy's contributions to Armenian-American culture and his community spanned many decades. He passed away in January 31, 2021 in Granada Hills, CA. Chookoorian’s songs are infused with humor and rich cultural references, often featuring Armenian translations of lyrics and playful inside jokes. In Harsnikid Bidi Barem, Chookoorian declares that not only will he dance at your wedding, but he’ll also do the Tamzara, drink continuously, flirt with the young women, and—true to his trademark deadpan absurdism—“carry water in sieves” (an Armenian idiom for performing a futile task) and “slice basturma.” The No Name Bar features Sue Chookoorian, Guy’s sister, as the vocalist.Audio Format
78 RPM RecordRecording Type
MusicCategory
Vinyl Record