Iraj (Hossein Khaje Amiri), was born on the 2nd day of January, year 1932, (Persian: یازدههم دی ماه، سال 1311 خورشیدی ) in Khaled Abad (Persian: روستای خالد آباد) a small town located 55 kilometers west of Kashan, Iran. He began his musical career at the age of 6 by practicing traditional Persian singing (Avaz) under his father's direction. According to the book "Masters of Iranian Music" Iraj’s grandfather was a designated singer at the court of Nasereddin Shah, a king of the Ghajar dynasty.

He moved to Tehran for further school education. After a while he was introduced by Hamid Vafaadaar to a master named Ostaad ("Master" in Persian language) Sabaa for Persian classical music education which lasted for 2 years.