Guy Chookoorian, Choriner/Amoosini Vokhperkuh
Name/Title
Guy Chookoorian, Choriner/Amoosini VokhperkuhDescription
Gaizog “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, Western Armenia, 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 cultural references, often translating lyrics into Armenian and adding inside jokes. In Choriner, he describes a mule train that knows the familiar road from Yerzinga to Arapger. The flip side of Choriner features an interesting story. Entitled Amoosini Voghperkuh or The Husband’s Lament, it’s an original melody and lyric written by Chookoorian based on a suggestion from Assyrian dumbeg player Joe Elby. In the song, a man describes the various “hardships” he has faced since getting married, such as his wife’s cooking: “the bread is like a rock, the coffee is like mud, and the chicken is like wood.” He ends by warning young men to flee at any mention of the word “daros” (a wedding greeting meaning “may you be next”)! With a catchy Armenian-style melody and lyrics that, while comical, are not as absurd or satirical as Chookoorian’s other songs, Amoosini Voghperkuh could easily be mistaken for an Armenian folk song. For years, many people assumed it was, with artists like the Vosbikian Band and others covering the song without realizing it was written by Chookoorian himself. He would politely call these artists to say he didn’t need any royalties, but he would appreciate it if they credited him as the composer.Audio Format
78 RPM RecordRecording Type
MusicCategory
Vinyl Record