Widely regarded as one of the greatest voices ever produced, he had an exceptional variety of vocal talents and was able to work for many hours at a high intensity. Extending his family's 600-year-old Qawwali heritage, Khan has a significant credit for bringing Qawwali music to foreign audiences. He is popularly identified as 'Shahenshah-e-Qawwali' which means 'The Emperor of Qawwali.'
Khan had his first appearance in public at the age of 16, in the chelum of his father. In 1971 he was head of the qawwali family party. In the early 1980s, he was recruited by Oriental Star Agencies, Birmingham, England. Khan proceeded to produce film scores and records in Europe, India, Japan, Pakistan and the United States. He has collaborated with Western musicians in projects and experiments, being a well-known world music musician. He made massive tours, playing in more than 40 nations. He has had a significant influence on contemporary South Asian mainstream culture, including Pakistani pop, Indi-pop, and Bollywood music, in addition to popularizing Qawwali music.
Longing - Night Song
Tumhen Dillagi Bhool Jaani Padegi - 50 Greatest Hits Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan
Pride of Performance - President of Pakistan's Award - 1987
UNESCO Music Prize - 1995
Exceptional Contribution to the Art of Cinema - Grand Prix des Amériques at Montreal World Film Festival - 1996