Mahmut Mazhar Alanson, a renowned Turkish musician, guitarist, and actor, was born on February 13, 1950, in Ankara, Turkey, to a family of musicians. His father, the head trumpeter in the State Philharmonic Orchestra, passed away, and Mazhar continued his education at Kadiköy Anadolu Lisesi in Istanbul.
Mazhar began playing the guitar during his high school years and formed the band Kaygisizlar with Fuat Güner and Sadik Kuyas in 1966. They played popular music and collaborated with Baris Manço. Later, Özkan Ugur joined the band, and they renamed themselves MFÖ in 1972. The band released their first album, "Türküz Türkü Çigiririz," and gained popularity with the song "Güllerin Içinden."
Between 1972 and 1982, Mazhar Alanson acted at the Ankara State Theatre, performing leading roles in major plays. MFÖ represented Turkey in the Eurovision Song Contest twice, in 1985 and 1988, with songs written and performed by themselves.
Aside from his work with MFÖ, Mazhar released two solo albums: "Hersey Çok Güzel Olacak" in 1999 and "Türk Lokumuyla Tatli Rüyalar" in 2002, written during his time abroad. He was awarded "Best Songwriter of the Year" in 1984 for his album "Ele Güne Karsi Yapayalniz."
Mazhar Alanson is a former jury member on the popular TV show "O Ses Türkiye" and is considered one of Turkey's most important songwriters. He has composed and produced many well-known MFÖ songs and has also played in several TV commercials and films.
