On October 3, 2024, Google Doodle is celebrating the 94th birthday of A.T. Mahmud, a famous Indonesian composer and songwriter. He was well-known for creating children’s songs that many generations loved. His songs were popular for their simple, catchy tunes and educational value. The Doodle art for this celebration is inspired by one of his most loved songs, “Ambilkan Bulan” (Take the Moon). Mahmud was born on this day in 1930 in Palembang, South Sumatra.
Life and Career of Abdullah Totong Mahmud:
A.T. Mahmud, or Abdullah Totong Mahmud, showed an interest in music at a young age. He started learning music formally when he was just 11 years old. Later, he studied at the Jakarta Teacher’s Training Institute. Thanks to a government scholarship, he went to Australia to teach.
When he returned to Indonesia, Mahmud worked as a teacher at a school for kindergarten teachers. It was here that he started writing songs for children. His songs were simple, fun, and easy for kids to sing. One of his early songs, “Cicak di Dinding” (Lizard on the Wall), became very popular with children across Jakarta.
During his career, Mahmud wrote over 500 children’s songs. Some of his most famous works include “Pelangi” (Rainbow), “Ambilkan Bulan” (Take the Moon), and “Anak Gembala” (Shepherd Boy). He also hosted two popular music TV shows called “Lagu Pilihanku” (Song of My Choice) and “Ayo Menyanyi” (Let’s Sing) for 20 years.
Mahmud’s contributions to children’s music earned him many honors, like the Artists Award from the Minister of Education and Culture, the AMI Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Bintang Budaya Parama Dharma Medal. In 2003, he published his autobiography, “A.T. Mahmud Meniti Pelangi: Sebuah Memoir.”
This tribute through Google Doodle ensures that his legacy in children’s music will continue to inspire young minds.
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