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Old Sounds
From the Archives

Old Sounds

Old Sounds

1976. Riyadh. Riyadh TV, Id Al-Adha, the Haj. Courtesy Aramco Archives.

By Rym Al-Ghazal
March 20th, 2023

For those who grew up on traditional TVs and radios, the static noise that comes on when switching between channels and searching for that station brings back memories of perhaps a much simpler and “less choices” time.

Streaming and watching shows and movies on mobile phones and laptops have taken away a great part of the social aspect of watching something together with the rest of the family, as well as fighting over the remote control.

Here, we look back on moments of history, where music and video shops were popular, traditional musical instruments came alive during public and national holidays, and live musical performances were a coveted activity.

Rarities from the Aramco Archives.
1977. Al-Khobar. Man standing behind the cash register at Al-Khobar's music store.
1976. Riyadh. Riyadh TV, Id Al-Adha, the Haj. Courtesy Aramco Archives.
1948. Hofuf. A Saudi national playing a flute.
1954. December. Dammam. Boys playing bagpipes during the SAG school opening held in Dammam.
1970. Riyadh. Musicians at the Royal Institute in Riyadh.
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