Avi Biton: 10 Surprising Facts About the Mizrahi Music Star
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
Avi Biton, a significant figure in 1990s Mizrahi music, is celebrating his 61st birthday. Originally Abraham Bledas, he began his career as a hairdresser before releasing his first album in 1990. Biton also directed and produced films, wrote for other artists like Sarai Haddad, and appeared on television shows. He faced bankruptcy in 2007 but has since continued his creative endeavors, including a surprising collaboration with singer Shapita on a Metallica cover.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Avi Biton, born Abraham Bledas, turns 61 on October 30th.
- He began his career as a hairdresser before releasing his first album in 1990.
- Biton also directed and produced films, and wrote songs for other artists.
- He declared bankruptcy in 2007 due to significant debt.
- Biton collaborated with singer Shapita on a cover of Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters."
- He is married to Keren and has four children.
Avi Biton, a prominent figure in 1990s Mizrahi music, is celebrating his 61st birthday on October 30th. Known for his melancholic songs, dramatic films, and tales of unrequited love, Biton's career has been marked by surprising turns.
Born Abraham Bledas in 1965 to Turkish immigrant parents in Or Yehuda, Biton's musical style was influenced by Turkish music from his childhood. Before his music career took off in 1990 with his debut album "Don't Look Back," he worked as a hairdresser. He went on to release numerous albums, becoming a well-known name in Turkish-Mizrahi music.
Beyond music, Biton also starred in and independently produced films like "A Friend and Brother," "Love's Victim," and "Crying in the Rain," where he also served as director and screenwriter. He contributed to other artists' careers, notably writing the song "Singing in the Streets" for Sarai Haddad's debut album and collaborating with singers like Lior Narkis, Moshe Cohen, and Liat Banai.
Biton also appeared on television, playing himself in the 1999 sitcom "Shמש" (Shemesh) and later in "HaYisre'elim," "Danny Hollywood," and "Ha'Alufa." In 2021, he surprised audiences with a cover of Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters" alongside singer Shapita.
Financially, Biton faced challenges, declaring bankruptcy in 2007 due to approximately 850,000 shekels in debt. He later settled the debt by paying 50,000 shekels. He also had his own reality show, "Avi Biton Lives in a Movie," in 2008, and hosted interview and radio shows.
Despite the dramatic themes in his work, Biton is married to Keren and they have four children. In 2011, he participated in the reality show "Hall of Fame" but was eliminated by the production, not by public vote.