Israeli Singer-Songwriter Erez Halevi Dies at 71

Israeli singer and songwriter Erez Halevi passed away Friday at the age of 71. Halevi was best known for his debut album "HaLayla" (The Night), released in 1984, and for songs such as "Kach Bara Otach HaTeva" (Thus Nature Created You), "HaDayagim" (The Fishermen), "KsheNifgashnu Shinat" (When We Met Again), and "Tipah Shel Chome" (A Drop of Warmth).

Halevi, who grew up in Rehovot, began playing guitar at 15. He later studied flamenco and Spanish guitar, participated in the radio program "Tashuot Rishonot" (First Returns), and received a scholarship from composer Moti Vilensky. Early in his career, he performed in pubs and clubs, covering artists like Bob Dylan, James Taylor, and Tim Hardin, alongside his original material.

After the release of his debut album, produced by Matti Caspi, Halevi reduced his musical activities to focus on other pursuits, including art and raising a family. He returned to performing in the early 1990s with a band called "Lechem" (Bread) and released his second album, "Matzav Beinaim" (Intermediate State), in 1994. Subsequent albums included "Eretz Atikat Yomim" (Ancient Land) in 1998 and "HaSha'ar Niftach" (The Gate Opens) in 2008.

In 2009, he staged the show "Yom Rodef Blues" (Day Chases Blues), combining old and new songs, which led to a double live album. In 2010, he contributed to Eli Botner's album, singing "HaYam Osef De'amot" (The Sea Gathers Tears). In 2012, the project "Michtavim BaBokuk" (Letters in a Bottle) was released, featuring Israeli artists performing songs written by Halevi, including Ehud Banai, Ariel Zilber, Ariel Horowitz, Kobi Oz, Dudi Levi, and Kfir Ben Ish. Halevi is survived by three children.

Two other Israeli cultural figures also recently passed away: singer and theater actor Ili Gurlitzky at 91, and composer and radio editor Gilad Ben Shach at 85.