İlham Gencer Obituary

Turkish pianist singer, İlham Gencer has been reported dead. He was 101 years old.

“My father is the father of Turkiye, my dear, the reason for my existence. We lost Bozkurt İlham Gencer, the world’s best human being. We are in great sadness, we have worked very hard. I wish we had more to do. “He was a healthy person. We weren’t expecting it, unfortunately, it happened suddenly. He felt ill at home and was taken to the hospital. They struggled there, but unfortunately, we lost my father,” his son Bora wrote.

Gencer was known for several songs including Kiss of Fire, Japanese Rhumba, Besame Mucho, Kiss, La Vie En Rose, I Had To Be You, There Goes My Heart, Blue Moon, When I Fall In Love, Come Prima, and more.

He was one of Turkiye’s first pianist singers who played a significant role in Turkish jazz music. He celebrated his 100th birthday with a special event in Bodrum in 2022.

Gencer started his career at the young age of 5, with lessons from his mother and playing the console piano at their home. He continued his career to the very last end of his life.