The son of a fisherman, this Saudi singer had a challenging start in life before launching his musical career in the '60s. Building his repertoire on mawrouth, the centuries-long tradition of Bedouin songs, Abdu's oud-accompanied jalsat brought attention to his amazing talent. With a mile-long list of stunning albums—Danani Al Shoug and Ounshoudat Al Matar, among many others—plus a never-ending trail of collaborations with Arab music giants and young stars alike, including Farid Alatrsh, Talal Maddah and Myriam Fares, he remains one of the true pioneers of the Gulf's musical movement.