Terribly sad news. One of Israel's iconic singer-songwriters has died aged 74. Arik Einstein was one of the generation who grew up with the state and, in some ways, were seen as synonymous with it. In the way he married his folk roots with what he learned from rock 'n' roll, he even symbolized the growing up of a new country.
In contemplating his demise, Israel will be in mourning.
Yet, Einstein had not sung on stage for quite some time. He decided in his 40s that performing in public was stressful and unhealthy for him. He continued to record and indeed act, appearing frequently on Israeli television. His popularity never really waned. In 2010, he was reportedly the most played artist on Israeli radio stations.
A new career had beckoned for Einstein, as the day before he collapsed at home and subsequently passed away, it had been announced that he would start to write a regular newspaper column.
The hospital administrator who announced his death declared that, "There is nobody to sing for us anymore."
Israeli President Shimon Peres released a statement saying, "[His music] was a soundtrack to the whole nation. He moved the earliest generations and the newer ones as one. Nobody questioned the depth of his feeling. The nation drank thirstily his beloved voice that flowed from the depths. Also in passing, his songs will continue to play to life and hope."
Upon the announcement of his death, Israeli television and radio channels switched to playing footage of the iconic entertainer.
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