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 (born November 26, 1949) is a very famous Israeli musician. He writes songs, sings them, plays instruments, and even hosts radio shows. He is known for his folk rock and pop rock music. Many people in Israel love his songs, making him one of the country's most successful artists.
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About Shlomo Artzi's Life
Shlomo Artzi was born in a place called Alonei Abba in Israel. His parents had survived the Holocaust, a terrible time when many Jewish people were killed. Their experiences greatly affected Shlomo and his sister, Nava Semel, who became a writer. Shlomo's father, Yitzhak Artzi, was a leader in a movement called Zionism when he was young. Later, he 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. At school, his friends thought he would become an actor because he was very good at acting. But when he was twelve, he started playing the guitar and singing. He performed in a boy scouts group and at parties with friends.
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. Shlomo lives in a city called Ramat Gan. He is a big fan of the football team Maccabi Netanya. 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 in the 1960s
When Shlomo Artzi was 16, he began writing and composing his own songs. He started performing for soldiers with his classmate, Rivka Menashe. She later became famous as Riki Gal.
During his time in the army, Shlomo joined the Israeli Navy Band. In this band, he performed in shows with other people who would become famous Israeli stars. At first, he didn't stand out much. But in the second show, he became the main singer and one of the biggest stars. He sang lead on many songs on the band's albums.
Becoming a Solo Singer in the 1970s
In 1970, Shlomo Artzi took part in the Israel Song Festival. He was still in the army and wore his uniform. He sang a song called Pitom Achshav, Pitom Hayom (Suddenly Now, Suddenly Today). This song won first prize! It was put on his first album, also called Shlomo Artzi, which came out in 1970. The song became number one on the radio charts, and Shlomo Artzi was named Singer of the Year.
In 1975, he was chosen to represent Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest. He sang his own song, At Ve'Ani (You and Me). It finished in 11th place.
For a few years after that, Shlomo's albums didn't sell very well. But in 1977, he released "He lost his way…" (Gever Holekh Le'ibud). This album was a big success and made him want to keep singing. In 1979, he recorded Drachim (Ways), which had a fresh, new sound. His 1981 album "Khatzot" (Midnight) was like a second part to "Drachim".
Rising Fame: The 1980s
Shlomo Artzi became much more famous in the 1980s. His albums "Dance" (Tirkod) and "Restless Night" (Layla Lo Shaket) sold many copies. He started performing in the biggest parks and theaters across the country.
In 1980, Shlomo also started hosting his own radio show. It was on Israel's Military Radio station. On his show, called "Od lo Shabbat" (It's not Sabbath yet), he talked about the news and shared 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 full.
Big Hits: The 1990s
Shlomo Artzi started the 1990s with the album "Kartis Laluna Park" ("Ticket to Luna Park"). He wrote most of the songs on this album, including "Nikhnast Lechayay" and "Rocker Chayay". Even though his past albums were huge hits, this one didn't have as many popular songs. But it didn't stop his success.
In 1992, Artzi released Yareah (Moon). This was one of his most successful albums ever. Out of twelve songs, eight became popular radio hits. This album really made him a superstar in Israeli music.
In 1995, many Israeli musicians recorded a CD together to remember Yitzhak Rabin, who was the Prime Minister. The CD was called "Shalom Chaver". Shlomo Artzi sang two songs at the memorial service: "Haish Ha'hu" (That Man) and "Uf Gozal" (Fly Little Bird). These songs became very important during that time.
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 hits, like the title song, which he sang with Israeli singer Rita. Other popular songs included "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"). "Shnayim" was the start of many more successful albums for Shlomo Artzi.
New Millennium Success: The 2000s
In 2000, Shlomo Artzi released "Ahavtihem" ("I Loved Them"). This album was a collection of his love songs, many of which he had written for other singers. It included new versions of his hit "Ahavtiha" ("I Loved Her") and "At Va'ani" ("You and Me"). He also sang a duet with his son, Ben Artzi, called "Shir Preda" ("A Goodbye Song"). This album sold over 200,000 copies, which was a huge achievement in the Israeli music world.
His 2002 album, "Tzima'on" ("Thirst"), had popular songs like "Al-Pi Tnuat Harakavot" ("The Way the Trains Run"). This album sold many copies quickly, but some critics didn't like it as much. Shlomo Artzi later said he thought these albums had some flaws.
In 2007, Artzi released "Shfuyim" ("Sane"). The main song from this album was "Ha'amiti" ("The Real"). He also had a popular song called "Nitzmadnu" which helped his reputation. Then came one of his most loved songs, "TeTa'aru Lakhem" ("Imagine Yourselves"). It has a beautiful message: "Imagine yourselves a beautiful world, a little less sad than it actually is, and there we are, walking, with sunshine in our pockets."
Continued Hits: The 2010s
In 2012, Shlomo Artzi released "Osher Express" ("Happiness Express"). This album was praised by critics and sold very well. It had many new songs and popular singles. One special song was "Khozrim Habaita" ("Coming Home"), which featured the famous Israeli singer Arik Einstein. Other popular songs included "Kol Yom" ("Every Day") and "Latet Velakakhat" ("Negotiating"), which was a duet with Dudu Tasa. The album also had songs like "Ometz" ("Courage") and "Florida".
In 2016, Artzi released his album "Katzefet" ("Whipped Cream").
See also
- Music of Israel
In Spanish: Shlomo Artzi para niños
