Zohar Argov (born Zohar Orqabi)
זוהר ארגוב
DEATH 7 Nov 1987
Zohar Argov (born Orkabi), is one of Israel's most prominent and controversial singers.
He had risen from dire poverty to regional stardom.
In Israel he is known as "the King of Mizrahi Music", this genre being one that he helped pioneer and bring into the mainstream of Israeli music. His music heavily influenced other singers of his genre and related genres throughout Israel and the region. Born to Jewish parents who migrated to Israel from Yemen, Ovadia and Yona Orkabi, he was the oldest child of nine siblings. Performing in school and on stage from a young age, his unique voice and talent was noticed by many of his peers. He dropped out of school at the age of 14, and began work as a builder. In 1972 he got married and had a son, Gili who also became a singer with a notable career.
In 1977, he released his first single which did not see much success. At this time he also changed his last name from "Orkabi" to Argov which he perceived as being a more favorable name, this name was shared by one of Israel's most prominent composers, (Sasha Argov). The same year, he and his wife separated due to ongoing financial stress caused by his attempts at establishing a career in music.
In 1978, he was arrested for the first time on suspicion of rape. The judge in charge of his trial was Dov Levin, who would later become a judge on the Israeli Supreme Court. Dov Levin is best known as a Supreme Court judge who served during the trial of notorious Nazi, (John Demjanjuk). Argov made inappropriate comments in regards to his victim during the trial and due to this and based on other evidence, he was convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment. The same year, he and his wife divorced.
After he served his sentence and was considered reformed in 1979, he was released from prison. He quickly joined a band and they primarily performed at small gatherings.
His first album, "Elinor" was released in 1980, this saw him become an instant success, among the songs written, was one devoted to his ex-wife, Bracha. As of 1980, he was one of the first singers from the "Mizrahi" genre, to see commercial and mainstream popularity and success.
In 1982, Zohar won a music contest with the song "HaPerah BeGani", this further strengthened his popularity in the mainstream of Israeli music. Also at the same time while touring in the United States he became addicted to drugs and this was detrimental to his career and health. He continued to sing while under the influence of drugs however the addiction would cause him to miss performances.
In 1984, Zohar continued touring around the world including France and America, he was arrested when returning from Paris on charges of drug trafficking and possession. Subsequently over the next few years he would be arrested on similar charges.
In 1986, Argov would again see commercial and widespread success with albums released, however he would not perform regularly at this period and was contemplating entering rehab. He was later committed to rehab for drug abuse and completed his program in 1987. He was frequently invited to appear on TV shows and would remind the audience of the fact that his rehab was successful. However shortly after he lapsed and became addicted to drugs again. The same year a record company released his final album without his approval, this is something he challenged with legal action which was not successful.
In July 1987, he was arrested again, this occurred several times with the final charge being on attempted rape. He died pending investigation from suicide by hanging in his cell at the age of 32. It is believed by some that he was killed and the suicide was staged.
In regards to his legacy he remains a controversial figure, his songs are now some of the most famous in Israel and have been performed as covers by many singers over the years from Israel and overseas. A movie has been made which chronicles his life and career, "Zohar" this movie was a local hit, multiple musicals and plays about him have been staged, and three streets in Israel have been named in his honour, including after his most famous song "Ha'Perah Be'Gani" these streets are located in Herzliya Pituah and Rishon Lezion.
In 2022, in Rishon Lezion, a street has been named in his honour, it is known as "Zohar Argov Street", however many of his family members and friends did not attend the official inauguration of the street, due to the media scrutiny over his life. Although many have lamented the fact that streets has been named after him, due to his crimes and behavior, with some stating "He is not fit to be the king", others have praised the decision. As of 2023, with 35 years after his death, he is still the 18th most played artist on Israeli Radio.
(Sources)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zohar_Argov
-
https://www.timesofisrael.com/unfit-to-be-the-king-how-singer-zohar-argovs-legacy-continues-to-be-whitewashed/
-
https://www.timesofisrael.com/herzliya-debates-naming-street-after-late-singer-zohar-argov/amp/
-
https://m.jpost.com/metro/years-have-passed-revisiting-the-legendary-zohar-argov-411898
Subject of the film "Zohar: Mediterranean Blues," the musician pioneered a type of music popular with both Israelis and Palestinians.
-- a style dubbed Mizrahi.
זוהר ארגוב
DEATH 7 Nov 1987
Zohar Argov (born Orkabi), is one of Israel's most prominent and controversial singers.
He had risen from dire poverty to regional stardom.
In Israel he is known as "the King of Mizrahi Music", this genre being one that he helped pioneer and bring into the mainstream of Israeli music. His music heavily influenced other singers of his genre and related genres throughout Israel and the region. Born to Jewish parents who migrated to Israel from Yemen, Ovadia and Yona Orkabi, he was the oldest child of nine siblings. Performing in school and on stage from a young age, his unique voice and talent was noticed by many of his peers. He dropped out of school at the age of 14, and began work as a builder. In 1972 he got married and had a son, Gili who also became a singer with a notable career.
In 1977, he released his first single which did not see much success. At this time he also changed his last name from "Orkabi" to Argov which he perceived as being a more favorable name, this name was shared by one of Israel's most prominent composers, (Sasha Argov). The same year, he and his wife separated due to ongoing financial stress caused by his attempts at establishing a career in music.
In 1978, he was arrested for the first time on suspicion of rape. The judge in charge of his trial was Dov Levin, who would later become a judge on the Israeli Supreme Court. Dov Levin is best known as a Supreme Court judge who served during the trial of notorious Nazi, (John Demjanjuk). Argov made inappropriate comments in regards to his victim during the trial and due to this and based on other evidence, he was convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment. The same year, he and his wife divorced.
After he served his sentence and was considered reformed in 1979, he was released from prison. He quickly joined a band and they primarily performed at small gatherings.
His first album, "Elinor" was released in 1980, this saw him become an instant success, among the songs written, was one devoted to his ex-wife, Bracha. As of 1980, he was one of the first singers from the "Mizrahi" genre, to see commercial and mainstream popularity and success.
In 1982, Zohar won a music contest with the song "HaPerah BeGani", this further strengthened his popularity in the mainstream of Israeli music. Also at the same time while touring in the United States he became addicted to drugs and this was detrimental to his career and health. He continued to sing while under the influence of drugs however the addiction would cause him to miss performances.
In 1984, Zohar continued touring around the world including France and America, he was arrested when returning from Paris on charges of drug trafficking and possession. Subsequently over the next few years he would be arrested on similar charges.
In 1986, Argov would again see commercial and widespread success with albums released, however he would not perform regularly at this period and was contemplating entering rehab. He was later committed to rehab for drug abuse and completed his program in 1987. He was frequently invited to appear on TV shows and would remind the audience of the fact that his rehab was successful. However shortly after he lapsed and became addicted to drugs again. The same year a record company released his final album without his approval, this is something he challenged with legal action which was not successful.
In July 1987, he was arrested again, this occurred several times with the final charge being on attempted rape. He died pending investigation from suicide by hanging in his cell at the age of 32. It is believed by some that he was killed and the suicide was staged.
In regards to his legacy he remains a controversial figure, his songs are now some of the most famous in Israel and have been performed as covers by many singers over the years from Israel and overseas. A movie has been made which chronicles his life and career, "Zohar" this movie was a local hit, multiple musicals and plays about him have been staged, and three streets in Israel have been named in his honour, including after his most famous song "Ha'Perah Be'Gani" these streets are located in Herzliya Pituah and Rishon Lezion.
In 2022, in Rishon Lezion, a street has been named in his honour, it is known as "Zohar Argov Street", however many of his family members and friends did not attend the official inauguration of the street, due to the media scrutiny over his life. Although many have lamented the fact that streets has been named after him, due to his crimes and behavior, with some stating "He is not fit to be the king", others have praised the decision. As of 2023, with 35 years after his death, he is still the 18th most played artist on Israeli Radio.
(Sources)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zohar_Argov
-
https://www.timesofisrael.com/unfit-to-be-the-king-how-singer-zohar-argovs-legacy-continues-to-be-whitewashed/
-
https://www.timesofisrael.com/herzliya-debates-naming-street-after-late-singer-zohar-argov/amp/
-
https://m.jpost.com/metro/years-have-passed-revisiting-the-legendary-zohar-argov-411898
Subject of the film "Zohar: Mediterranean Blues," the musician pioneered a type of music popular with both Israelis and Palestinians.
-- a style dubbed Mizrahi.
Zohar Argov (born Zohar Orqabi)
זוהר ארגוב
DEATH 7 Nov 1987
Zohar Argov (born Orkabi), is one of Israel's most prominent and controversial singers.
He had risen from dire poverty to regional stardom.
In Israel he is known as "the King of Mizrahi Music", this genre being one that he helped pioneer and bring into the mainstream of Israeli music. His music heavily influenced other singers of his genre and related genres throughout Israel and the region. Born to Jewish parents who migrated to Israel from Yemen, Ovadia and Yona Orkabi, he was the oldest child of nine siblings. Performing in school and on stage from a young age, his unique voice and talent was noticed by many of his peers. He dropped out of school at the age of 14, and began work as a builder. In 1972 he got married and had a son, Gili who also became a singer with a notable career.
In 1977, he released his first single which did not see much success. At this time he also changed his last name from "Orkabi" to Argov which he perceived as being a more favorable name, this name was shared by one of Israel's most prominent composers, (Sasha Argov). The same year, he and his wife separated due to ongoing financial stress caused by his attempts at establishing a career in music.
In 1978, he was arrested for the first time on suspicion of rape. The judge in charge of his trial was Dov Levin, who would later become a judge on the Israeli Supreme Court. Dov Levin is best known as a Supreme Court judge who served during the trial of notorious Nazi, (John Demjanjuk). Argov made inappropriate comments in regards to his victim during the trial and due to this and based on other evidence, he was convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment. The same year, he and his wife divorced.
After he served his sentence and was considered reformed in 1979, he was released from prison. He quickly joined a band and they primarily performed at small gatherings.
His first album, "Elinor" was released in 1980, this saw him become an instant success, among the songs written, was one devoted to his ex-wife, Bracha. As of 1980, he was one of the first singers from the "Mizrahi" genre, to see commercial and mainstream popularity and success.
In 1982, Zohar won a music contest with the song "HaPerah BeGani", this further strengthened his popularity in the mainstream of Israeli music. Also at the same time while touring in the United States he became addicted to drugs and this was detrimental to his career and health. He continued to sing while under the influence of drugs however the addiction would cause him to miss performances.
In 1984, Zohar continued touring around the world including France and America, he was arrested when returning from Paris on charges of drug trafficking and possession. Subsequently over the next few years he would be arrested on similar charges.
In 1986, Argov would again see commercial and widespread success with albums released, however he would not perform regularly at this period and was contemplating entering rehab. He was later committed to rehab for drug abuse and completed his program in 1987. He was frequently invited to appear on TV shows and would remind the audience of the fact that his rehab was successful. However shortly after he lapsed and became addicted to drugs again. The same year a record company released his final album without his approval, this is something he challenged with legal action which was not successful.
In July 1987, he was arrested again, this occurred several times with the final charge being on attempted rape. He died pending investigation from suicide by hanging in his cell at the age of 32. It is believed by some that he was killed and the suicide was staged.
In regards to his legacy he remains a controversial figure, his songs are now some of the most famous in Israel and have been performed as covers by many singers over the years from Israel and overseas. A movie has been made which chronicles his life and career, "Zohar" this movie was a local hit, multiple musicals and plays about him have been staged, and three streets in Israel have been named in his honour, including after his most famous song "Ha'Perah Be'Gani" these streets are located in Herzliya Pituah and Rishon Lezion.
In 2022, in Rishon Lezion, a street has been named in his honour, it is known as "Zohar Argov Street", however many of his family members and friends did not attend the official inauguration of the street, due to the media scrutiny over his life. Although many have lamented the fact that streets has been named after him, due to his crimes and behavior, with some stating "He is not fit to be the king", others have praised the decision. As of 2023, with 35 years after his death, he is still the 18th most played artist on Israeli Radio.
(Sources)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zohar_Argov
-
https://www.timesofisrael.com/unfit-to-be-the-king-how-singer-zohar-argovs-legacy-continues-to-be-whitewashed/
-
https://www.timesofisrael.com/herzliya-debates-naming-street-after-late-singer-zohar-argov/amp/
-
https://m.jpost.com/metro/years-have-passed-revisiting-the-legendary-zohar-argov-411898
Subject of the film "Zohar: Mediterranean Blues," the musician pioneered a type of music popular with both Israelis and Palestinians.
-- a style dubbed Mizrahi.
זוהר ארגוב
DEATH 7 Nov 1987
Zohar Argov (born Orkabi), is one of Israel's most prominent and controversial singers.
He had risen from dire poverty to regional stardom.
In Israel he is known as "the King of Mizrahi Music", this genre being one that he helped pioneer and bring into the mainstream of Israeli music. His music heavily influenced other singers of his genre and related genres throughout Israel and the region. Born to Jewish parents who migrated to Israel from Yemen, Ovadia and Yona Orkabi, he was the oldest child of nine siblings. Performing in school and on stage from a young age, his unique voice and talent was noticed by many of his peers. He dropped out of school at the age of 14, and began work as a builder. In 1972 he got married and had a son, Gili who also became a singer with a notable career.
In 1977, he released his first single which did not see much success. At this time he also changed his last name from "Orkabi" to Argov which he perceived as being a more favorable name, this name was shared by one of Israel's most prominent composers, (Sasha Argov). The same year, he and his wife separated due to ongoing financial stress caused by his attempts at establishing a career in music.
In 1978, he was arrested for the first time on suspicion of rape. The judge in charge of his trial was Dov Levin, who would later become a judge on the Israeli Supreme Court. Dov Levin is best known as a Supreme Court judge who served during the trial of notorious Nazi, (John Demjanjuk). Argov made inappropriate comments in regards to his victim during the trial and due to this and based on other evidence, he was convicted and sentenced to three years imprisonment. The same year, he and his wife divorced.
After he served his sentence and was considered reformed in 1979, he was released from prison. He quickly joined a band and they primarily performed at small gatherings.
His first album, "Elinor" was released in 1980, this saw him become an instant success, among the songs written, was one devoted to his ex-wife, Bracha. As of 1980, he was one of the first singers from the "Mizrahi" genre, to see commercial and mainstream popularity and success.
In 1982, Zohar won a music contest with the song "HaPerah BeGani", this further strengthened his popularity in the mainstream of Israeli music. Also at the same time while touring in the United States he became addicted to drugs and this was detrimental to his career and health. He continued to sing while under the influence of drugs however the addiction would cause him to miss performances.
In 1984, Zohar continued touring around the world including France and America, he was arrested when returning from Paris on charges of drug trafficking and possession. Subsequently over the next few years he would be arrested on similar charges.
In 1986, Argov would again see commercial and widespread success with albums released, however he would not perform regularly at this period and was contemplating entering rehab. He was later committed to rehab for drug abuse and completed his program in 1987. He was frequently invited to appear on TV shows and would remind the audience of the fact that his rehab was successful. However shortly after he lapsed and became addicted to drugs again. The same year a record company released his final album without his approval, this is something he challenged with legal action which was not successful.
In July 1987, he was arrested again, this occurred several times with the final charge being on attempted rape. He died pending investigation from suicide by hanging in his cell at the age of 32. It is believed by some that he was killed and the suicide was staged.
In regards to his legacy he remains a controversial figure, his songs are now some of the most famous in Israel and have been performed as covers by many singers over the years from Israel and overseas. A movie has been made which chronicles his life and career, "Zohar" this movie was a local hit, multiple musicals and plays about him have been staged, and three streets in Israel have been named in his honour, including after his most famous song "Ha'Perah Be'Gani" these streets are located in Herzliya Pituah and Rishon Lezion.
In 2022, in Rishon Lezion, a street has been named in his honour, it is known as "Zohar Argov Street", however many of his family members and friends did not attend the official inauguration of the street, due to the media scrutiny over his life. Although many have lamented the fact that streets has been named after him, due to his crimes and behavior, with some stating "He is not fit to be the king", others have praised the decision. As of 2023, with 35 years after his death, he is still the 18th most played artist on Israeli Radio.
(Sources)
https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zohar_Argov
-
https://www.timesofisrael.com/unfit-to-be-the-king-how-singer-zohar-argovs-legacy-continues-to-be-whitewashed/
-
https://www.timesofisrael.com/herzliya-debates-naming-street-after-late-singer-zohar-argov/amp/
-
https://m.jpost.com/metro/years-have-passed-revisiting-the-legendary-zohar-argov-411898
Subject of the film "Zohar: Mediterranean Blues," the musician pioneered a type of music popular with both Israelis and Palestinians.
-- a style dubbed Mizrahi.
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