Izhar Cohen & the Alphabeta
Early Life
Izhar Cohen was born on March 13, 1951, in Tel Aviv, Israel. His family was deeply rooted in music, with his father, Sarah'le, and his grandfather, Ruven, being well-known performers of Jewish music. Izhar's early exposure to music sparked his interest in the field, and he began his musical journey at a young age.
Career
Izhar Cohen started his career as a solo artist in the late 1960s. He gained popularity in Israel and was soon noticed by the Alphabeta, a musical group that was looking for a lead singer. In 1973, Izhar joined the Alphabeta and they began to create music together. Their unique blend of pop and traditional Jewish music quickly gained them a following in Israel.
In 1978, Izhar Cohen & the Alphabeta represented Israel in the Eurovision with their song "A-Ba-Ni-Bi". The song, written by Nurit Hirsh and Ehud Manor, was a play on a Hebrew children's game and was a departure from the traditional ballads that were common in the contest. The upbeat song and energetic performance captivated the audience and the judges, and Izhar Cohen & the Alphabeta won the contest, marking the first time Israel had won the Eurovision Song Contest.
Following their Eurovision win, Izhar Cohen & the Alphabeta enjoyed a successful career in Israel and abroad. They released several albums and singles, and their music was featured in various television shows and films. Despite their success, the group disbanded in 1981, and Izhar Cohen continued his career as a solo artist.
Solo Career
After the disbandment of the Alphabeta, Izhar Cohen released several solo albums. His music continued to blend pop and traditional Jewish music, and he remained a popular figure in the Israeli music scene. In 1985, Izhar returned to the Eurovision stage, representing Israel once again with his song "Ole, Ole". Although he did not win, his performance was well received and the song became a hit in Israel.
Legacy
Izhar Cohen & the Alphabeta's win at the Eurovision Song Contest marked a turning point for Israel in the competition. Their victory brought international attention to Israeli music and opened the door for other Israeli artists to participate in the contest. Izhar Cohen's successful solo career also contributed to the popularity of Israeli music both domestically and internationally.