Turkey’s Immortal King of Pop

By Margarita Krtikashyan, Yerevan
keghart.org
Few figures have left as profound an impact as Onno Tunç on the landscape of Turkish music. Widely regarded as Turkey’s immortal king of pop, Tunç’s contributions to music transcended generations, genres, and borders. His mastery as a composer, arranger, and musician reshaped the Turkish pop scene in the 1980s and 1990s, making him a cultural icon whose melodies continue to echo in the hearts of listeners.
Born Ohannes Tunçboyacıyan on December 20, 1948, in the Feriköy district of Istanbul, Onno Tunç was deeply influenced by his Armenian heritage. From an early age, he was immersed in the rich cultural traditions of both his Armenian and Turkish roots. Tunç began his musical journey in church choirs, where he honed his vocal and instrumental skills. His early exposure to music in these settings shaped his deep understanding of melody and harmony.
As a teenager, he expanded his musical horizons by forming a Black Stones band. His professional career took off in 1965 when he joined Üstün Poyraz Set Orkestrası as a bass guitarist. Tunç’s versatility in music continued to grow, and by 1967, he was collaborating with jazz orchestras, including the Emin Fındıkoğlu Orchestra.
The 1970s marked a turning point in Tunç’s career as he gained recognition for his arranging skills. His innovative arrangements for artists such as Özdemir Erdoğan, Nilüfer, and Bülent Ortaçgil set him apart as a top-tier arranger and composer. His first notable composition, Söz Sevgilim Söz, was performed by Cömert Baykent in 1973. This was the beginning of a fruitful career, where he would go on to contribute to the works of legendary Turkish musicians.
Tunç’s musical genius shone brightest in his collaborations with Sezen Aksu, the queen of Turkish pop. Their partnership produced timeless classics such as Gülümse (“Smile”) and Tükeneceğiz (“We Will Exhaust Ourselves”), songs that became cultural landmarks in Turkish pop music. Over the years, Tunç’s arrangements and compositions, including Sen Ağlama (“Don’t Cry”) and Gülümse, helped define the sound of Turkish pop.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Onno Tunç’s musical contributions became integral to the works of some of Turkey’s most iconic artists. As a producer and music director, he played a crucial role in shaping albums for Aşkın Nur Yengi, Bülent Ortaçgil, and Harun Kolçak, among others. His unique ability to blend traditional Turkish sounds with contemporary pop elements left an indelible mark on the music scene. Beyond pop music, Tunç’s compositions also included pieces for film, such as his scores for Aaahh Belinda and Büyük Yalnızlık.
Tunç’s musical brilliance extended into the world of orchestration as well. His composition Su (“Water”), performed by the Istanbul Symphony Orchestra, highlighted his deep understanding of orchestral arrangements, while his bass guitar performances on albums by artists like MFÖ and Okay Temiz showcased his versatility as a musician.
On January 14, 1996, Onno Tunç’s life was tragically cut short in a plane crash near Armutlu, Yalova, when his flight, traveling with his friend Hasan Kanık, crashed due to adverse weather conditions. His untimely death left the Turkish music world in mourning, but his legacy remains immortal through his work and the artists he mentored.
Sezen Aksu was a professional collaborator with Onno, also his great love — they lived together for 10 years after his first marriage. During a concert, she once said, “You know, I was Onno’s fiancée for 10 years. Therefore, all Armenians are naturally my relatives.” She was warmly applauded by the audience.
In honor of his contributions, the album Onno Tunç Şarkıları was released in 2007, featuring reinterpretations of his songs by a new generation of artists, including Sezen Aksu, Sertab Erener, and Mor ve Ötesi. This album served as a testament to the lasting influence of Tunç’s music on Turkish culture and pop music history.
Onno Tunç’s younger brother, Arto Tunçboyacıyan, has also carried the family’s musical legacy forward, becoming a world-renowned percussionist and vocalist. Arto’s works, much like Onno’s, explore themes of cultural identity and resilience, resonating deeply with audiences worldwide. The “Ararat” song, in particular, has become a popular anthem among Armenians, reflecting themes of identity and heritage that Onno himself championed.
Onno Tunç’s music continues to inspire and captivate listeners around the world. His unique ability to blend the musical traditions of his Armenian roots with the vibrancy of Turkish pop has left an indelible mark on the Turkish music industry. Tunç’s compositions, arrangements, and performances remain a gold standard for artists in Turkey and beyond, cementing his status as a timeless cultural figure.
Onno Tunç’s legacy is not just in the notes he wrote but in the way his music brought people together, transcending ethnic and cultural barriers. He remains a true immortal king of pop whose melodies will forever reign in the hearts of those who cherish the universal language of music.