Shlomo Artzi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Shlomo Artzi
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Shlomo Artzi in concert in Caesarea, 2010
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| Background information | |
| Native name |
שלמה ארצי
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| Born | November 26, 1949 Alonei Abba, Israel |
| Genres | Folk rock, pop rock |
| Years active | 1969–present |
| Labels | Hed Artzi |
Shlomo Artzi (Hebrew: שלמה ארצי; born on November 26, 1949) is a very famous Israeli musician, songwriter, and singer. He also produces music and used to host a radio show. Shlomo Artzi is known as one of the most popular and successful musicians in Israel. He sings a mix of folk rock and pop rock music.
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About Shlomo Artzi
Shlomo Artzi was born in a small community called Alonei Abba in Israel. His parents were survivors of the Holocaust, a terrible time in history when many Jewish people were persecuted. Their experiences greatly influenced Shlomo and his sister, Nava Semel, who became a writer. His father, Yitzhak Artzi, was a political activist and later became a member of the Knesset, which is like Israel's parliament.
When Shlomo was eight years old, his family moved to north Tel Aviv. In elementary school, his friends thought he would become an actor because he was so good at it. However, when he was twelve, he started playing the guitar and singing. He performed with his boy scout group and at friends' parties.
Shlomo Artzi has been married twice. He has three children from his first marriage: Ben Artzi, who is also a singer; Shiri Artzi, who is an author; and Jonathan Artzi.
Today, Shlomo Artzi lives in Ramat Gan, a city in Israel. He is a big fan of the Maccabi Netanya football (soccer) team. He even wrote a song for them when they won a championship in 1971.
Shlomo Artzi's Music Journey
Starting Out: Teen and Army Bands
When Shlomo Artzi was 16, he began writing his own songs. He started performing for soldiers with his classmate, Rivka Menashe. She later became a well-known singer named Riki Gal.
During his time in the army, Shlomo joined the Israeli Navy Band. This was a special army music group. He performed in their shows alongside other people who would later become famous, like Rivka Zohar and Riki Gal. At first, he didn't stand out much. But soon, he became the main singer and one of the biggest stars in the band. He sang lead on many songs on their albums.
Becoming a Solo Star in the 1970s
In 1970, while still in the army, Shlomo Artzi entered the Israel Song Festival. This was a big music competition. He sang a song called Pitom Achshav, Pitom Hayom (Suddenly Now, Suddenly Today). This song won first place! It was put on his first album, also called Shlomo Artzi, which came out in 1970. The song became a number one hit, and Shlomo Artzi was named "Singer of the Year."
In 1975, Shlomo Artzi was chosen to represent Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest. He sang his own song, At Ve'Ani (You and Me). The song placed 11th in the competition.
For a few years after that, Shlomo's albums didn't sell very well. He didn't have many hit songs. But in 1977, he released "He lost his way…" (Gever Holekh Le'ibud). This song was a big success and convinced him to keep singing. In 1979, he recorded Drachim (Ways), which had a fresh, new sound. His 1981 album "Khatzot" (Midnight) continued this new style.
Rising to Fame in the 1980s
Shlomo Artzi became much more famous in the 1980s. His albums "Dance" (Tirkod) and "Restless Night" (Layla Lo Shaket) sold tens of thousands of copies. He started performing in the biggest parks and theaters across the country.
In 1980, Shlomo Artzi also started hosting his own radio show called "Od lo Shabbat" (It's not Sabbath yet). It was on Israel's Military Radio station. On his show, he would talk about the news and share interesting stories.
His albums "Tirkod" (Dance, 1984), "Layla Lo Shaket" (Restless Night, 1986), and "Hom Yuli August" (July-August Heat, 1988) sold hundreds of thousands of copies. His live concerts were always sold out.
Big Hits in the 1990s
Shlomo Artzi started the 1990s with the album "Kartis Laluna Park" ("Ticket to Luna Park"). Even though his previous albums were huge hits, this one didn't have as many popular songs. However, it didn't stop his success.
In 1992, Artzi released Yareah (Moon). This became one of his most successful albums ever. Eight of its twelve songs became radio hits, making Shlomo Artzi a true legend in Israeli music.
In 1995, many Israeli musicians recorded a CD called "Shalom Chaver" to remember Yitzhak Rabin, who was the Prime Minister of Israel and was sadly assassinated. Shlomo Artzi sang two songs at the memorial service that became very important during that time: "Haish Ha'hu" (That Man) and "Uf Gozal" (Fly Little Bird). The second song was originally by Arik Einstein.
In 1996, Artzi released a double album called "Shnayim" ("Two"). It sold an amazing 160,000 copies, which is a lot for Israel! Many songs from this album became famous, like the title track sung with Israeli singer Rita, "Hi Lo Yoda'at Ma Over Alai" ("She Doesn't Know What I'm Going Through"), and "Menagev Lakh Et Hadmaot" ("Wiping Away Your Tears"). This album marked the start of many more successful albums for Shlomo Artzi.
New Music in the 2000s and 2010s
In 2000, Artzi released "Ahavtihem" ("I Loved Them"). This album was a collection of his love songs, many of which he had written for other artists. It included a new version of his hit "Ahavtiha" ("I Loved Her") and duets with other singers like Nurit Galron and his son, Ben Artzi. This album sold over 200,000 copies, which was a huge achievement in Israel.
His 2002 album, "Tzima'on" ("Thirst"), featured songs like "Al-Pi Tnuat Harakavot" ("The Way the Trains Run"). While it sold well, some critics felt it wasn't his best work.
In 2007, Artzi released "Shfuyim" ("Sane"). This album included the popular song "TeTa'aru Lakhem" ("Imagine Yourselves"). This song became one of his most loved hits, with a hopeful message: "Imagine yourselves a beautiful world, a little less sad than it actually is, and there we are, walking, with sunshine in our pockets."
In 2012, Artzi released "Osher Express" ("Happiness Express"). This album was praised by critics and was very popular. It featured new songs and special duets with other famous Israeli singers, like Arik Einstein and Abraham Tal. Songs like "Khozrim Habaita" ("Coming Home") and "Kol Yom" ("Every Day") were big hits.
His most recent album, "Katzefet" ("Whipped Cream"), was released in 2016. Shlomo Artzi continues to be a beloved and influential artist in Israel.
See also
In Spanish: Shlomo Artzi para niños
- Music of Israel
