[2] He achieved widespread recognition throughout Russia and the post-Soviet world for his vocal talent and charisma,[3] including a People's Artist of the USSR award in 1973.

Magomayev's father, Mahammad Magomayev, who died two days prior to the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II while serving as a soldier in the Soviet Army, was a gifted scenic designer; and his mother, Aishet Kinzhalova, was an actress, who deserted him with his paternal grandmother when he was less than a year old.

[5] His performance was noted by Yekaterina Furtseva, then Minister of Culture of the Soviet Union, who offered him to be a soloist at the Bolshoi Theatre.

[9] In 1964 and 1965, Muslim was a visiting artist at La Scala in Milan, but turned down the invitation to sing in the Moscow Bolshoi Theatre upon his return.

He used to gave three concerts a day filling huge arenas all across the Soviet Union, while his albums sold millions.

In addition, Magomayev acted in films and hosted television and radio broadcasts devoted to prominent musicians of the 20th century.

Magomayev was an influence on many important Soviet musical figures, including Alla Pugacheva, who often spoke fondly of him.

[15] The funeral ceremony was attended by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Magomayev's widow Tamara Sinyavskaya, his daughter Marina, as well as state officials and international delegations.