Country Yossi facts for kids

Yossi Toiv (born January 9, 1949) is an American composer, singer, and writer. He is widely known by his stage name, Country Yossi. He has also been a radio show host and a magazine publisher.

Yossi Toiv is famous for his Jewish music. He was part of a group called Or Chodosh ("New Light") in the early 1970s. Later, he released several albums as "Country Yossi and the Shteeble Hoppers." He also created a popular series of children's albums called Kivi and Tuki.

His stage name, Country Yossi, came from his unique style. He would take popular country music songs and change their lyrics. These new lyrics would share Orthodox Jewish themes and messages. He then used this name for his magazine, radio show, and children's books. Many of his works are for the Orthodox Jewish community in the United States. Yossi Toiv is also known for composing the famous Kars4Kids jingle.

Early Life and Music Beginnings

Yossi Toiv was born and grew up in East New York, Brooklyn. His father, Chaim Toiv, was a well-known cantor, a person who leads prayers with singing. As a child in the 1950s, Yossi loved listening to country music. He enjoyed writing Jewish versions of popular songs.

He attended a Jewish school called a yeshiva in Brooklyn. There, he met Rabbi Shmuel Brazil. They formed a band together called Ohr Chodosh, meaning "New Light." While Rabbi Brazil mainly helped with writing songs, Yossi and other band members performed concerts.

The Country Yossi Show

After a few years, Yossi Toiv met a bandleader named Heshy Walfish. Yossi told him about the country music parodies he used to write. Walfish encouraged him to start performing again with a new style, as Country Yossi. They worked together on new songs.

In 1986, Yossi Toiv started his own radio program. It was called the Country Yossi Show and aired in New York City. The show played music, had conversations, and asked questions about Jewish law. Listeners could win prizes for correct answers. The Country Yossi Show was on the air from 1986 until 2015.

Country Yossi Magazine

In 1988, Yossi Toiv began publishing a monthly magazine. It was called Country Yossi Magazine and was written in English. The magazine was given out in New York City. It covered many topics, including Jewish teachings, humor, and real-life stories. It also discussed different opinions and sometimes controversial issues.

Through his magazine and radio show, Yossi Toiv helped many new singers. He supported entertainers who performed for the Orthodox Jewish community. His work has inspired many other artists in Jewish music.

Music and Songs

Yossi Toiv has worked with Heshy Walfish on many fun music albums. These albums have Orthodox Jewish themes and are often for children. Many of the songs are parodies, meaning they are funny versions of popular songs. Yossi changed the lyrics to share Jewish messages. He created characters like Kivi and Tuki for these albums.

He also wrote lyrics for a CD in 2008 called The Jewish Version. This CD parodied popular pop, rock, and punk songs. For example, he changed "Hey There Delilah" to "Hey There Gedaliah." He also wrote the lyrics for "Daddy Come Home" by the Yeshiva Boys Choir. The music video for this song has been watched millions of times online.

Personal Life

Yossi Toiv married Hadassah Buchinger in October 1973 in Brooklyn. They have four daughters. Yossi Toiv also earned a master's degree in psychology from Long Island University.