Erez Halevi, Israeli Pop Innovator Behind 'As Nature Made You,' Dies at 71
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
Israeli pop artist Erez Halevi, known for his 1980s hit "As Nature Made You," died at 71. The song, from his 1984 debut album "The Night," became an anthem for self-acceptance and was adopted by the LGBTQ+ community. Halevi wrote the song to protest imposed identities, stating it was against any establishment dictating how people should be. He released further albums but remained largely out of the public eye.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Erez Halevi, Israeli pop artist and creator of "As Nature Made You," died at 71.
- His 1984 song "As Nature Made You" became an anthem for self-acceptance and LGBTQ+ rights.
- Halevi wrote the song to protest against societal expectations and imposed identities.
- The song was featured on his debut album "The Night," produced by Matti Caspi.
- Halevi released subsequent albums but largely avoided the spotlight.
- Performances by Dudu Tassa and Ivri Lider kept the song alive.
Erez Halevi, a distinctive and intriguing creator in 1980s Israeli pop, has passed away at the age of 71. Halevi will be primarily remembered for "As Nature Made You," a delicate and beautiful song that evolved over the years into more than just a hit. It became an anthem for self-acceptance and the freedom to be oneself.
The song was featured on Halevi's 1984 debut album, "The Night." Halevi wrote and composed all the tracks on the enchanting album, which was musically produced by Matti Caspi, who also played nearly all the instruments. Alongside the title track and "The Fishermen," "As Nature Made You" stood out as a peak of a highly unusual album that blended soft pop, melancholic melodies, an intimate delivery, and Halevi's unique high-pitched voice.
Over time, the song gained new significance, particularly embraced by the LGBTQ+ community as a symbol of acceptance and the fight against imposed identities. Halevi himself stated he wrote it in response to expectations that, as a creator of Yemenite descent, he should produce Mizrahi music. He explained the song was a protest against any establishment dictating how a person should be.
Halevi's career did not follow the typical path of pop stars. He released additional albums like "Intermediate State" and "The Gate Opens" but largely stayed out of the spotlight. The song continued its independent life, with notable renditions by Dudu Tassa and Ivri Lider. Halevi's passing leaves "As Nature Made You," along with "The Fishermen" and "The Night," as enduring moments in Israeli music history.
