Serj Tankian celebrates 48th birthday today

Serj Tankan, the popular US Armenian band singer, composer and multi-instrumentalist, his celebrating his birthday on August 21.

The System of a Down lead vocalist turns 48.

Born in Beirut, Lebanon to the family of the famous Armenian singer Khachatur Tankian, the musician inherited his talent from his father. He was eight when the family moved to the United States. After leaving a Los-Angeles based US-Armenian school with distinction, Tankian was admitted to the California University, where he started his first lessons of music.

The early beginnings of System of a Down lie in a band named Soil with Tankian on vocals & keyboards, Daron Malakian on vocals and lead guitar, Dave Hakopyan on bass and Domingo Laranio on drums.

Tankian is also a well-known political activist. Throughout his musical career, he has been leading an active campaign for the recognition of the Armenian Genocide. His views are reflected both in individual and band songs.

For his efforts in the Genocide recognition campaign and contribution to the development of international rock music, Tankian was honored with a medal in Yerevan.