Ali Farka Touré was a renowned Malian musician and one of Africa's most celebrated guitarists. Born on October 31, 1939, in Timbuktu, he blended traditional Malian music with blues, creating a unique sound that resonated globally. His music often featured the use of the ngoni, a traditional string instrument, and he sang in Bambara and Songhai languages. Touré gained international recognition with his albums, particularly "Talking Timbuktu," a collaboration with Ry Cooder. He won several awards, including a Grammy Award, and was instrumental in bringing African music to a wider audience. He passed away on March 7, 2006, leaving a lasting legacy.