This is the last album of a great artist whose life was the embodiment of music itself. His music was a reflection of life in its entirety, a reflection of joys, sorrows, beauty, love and truth. The great artist who was ANDO is not gone. He lives forever in the hearts of anybody who seeks beauty and truth in this world.
- Rahman

Andranik Assatourian, or Ando,  was born on August 27th, 1941 in Hamadan, Iran.

As a child, his greatest passion was music, which led him to play the accordion at the age of ten. Within a year, he was playing professionally in wedding parties and social events.

At the age of seventeen, he moved to Tehran to pursue an education in music. He attended Tehran's Conservatory of Music studying piano and clarinet. At eighteen, a Russian instructor trained him vocally. He formed his first band at nineteen, playing music influenced by great American Jazz artists.

In July of 1968, he married the love of his life, Aida.

In 1972, he entered into the Persian music scene, creating a fusion between Persian and Western music with his own unique style. This would become the beginning of his passion to revolutionize the Iranian music industry.

It is during this time that Ando began working with some of the biggest Iranian singers, helping to shape and define their musical careers.

On the brink of the Iranian revolution, Ando moved his family to the United States, in search for artistic freedom. In 1978, he settled into a life in Los Angeles, and continued to compose, arrange and sing for the Iranian community.

Ando was a composer, arranger, conductor, celebrated authority on Iranian music, and regarded as a national treasure on the Iranian music scene. He was one of the most unique pioneers of modern music and was recognized as the father of Iranian pop music.

In addition to a 50-year illustrious career, set apart by his creativity and lasting masterpieces, he was immensely popular for his graceful character, and distinguished humanitarian virtues. He commanded widespread respect from the Iranian people and freedom-lovers alike.

Ando joined the National Council of Resistance of Iran in 1999 and alongside his artistic work, was very active in the campaign to bring democracy and freedom to Iran. He dreamt of returning to his country, hand-in-hand with the People's Mujahedin. He described a blue sky with a light-filled air full of love and freedom. A place he lovingly referred to as the second Ashraf.

Ando's life was always driven by a sense of purpose. A true revolutionary, he began his career as a defiant musician who was determined to bring a new face to Iranian music... And he did just that. He helped innumerable artists find a sound that was unique and original, giving them a contemporary and relevant voice in the industry. But the evolution of Ando's life and career were still in motion, as he found a higher calling. His involvement with the National Council of Resistance of Iran re-energized him and shifted his focus to a greater purpose. He had the courage and insight to see that his country and her people, whom he loved and adored, were in need of change, liberation, and basic human rights.

There are many attributes that set Ando apart from his contemporaries, but those who were closest to him would note that it was his humanity that made him shine. A call for justice and freedom were the bookends of all his days…. His waking thought, and his last prayer to God before he rested his eyes.

Ando is greatly missed by his family, friends, fans and all who had the honor of knowing him.  

His legacy lives on...