Israeli music lovers were left stunned this morning by the sudden death of Arik Einstein, 74, from an aortic aneurysm. The singer, songwriter and artist was taken ill in his home last night and was rushed by ambulance to Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv where he died during surgery.

After his discharge from the IDF Nahal Entertainment Troupe in 1959, Einstein joined the Sambation satirical theater where he appeared alongside the likes of Chaim Topol and Yehoram Gaon. During the 60s, he appeared in several bands such as Green Onion, Yarkon Bridge Trio and the High Windows with other eminent artists such as Miki Gabrielov and Shalom Hanoch and also launched his solo career establishing himself as one of the country's most outstanding rock musicians and vocalists.

Among his most famous and best loved songs were Uf Gozel (fly little bird), Sa La'at (drive slowly), and Ani Ve'ata (me and you). He also starred in movies including the classic 1964 comedy Sallah Shabbati with Chaim Topol.

Einstein's funeral will take place at the Trumpeldor Cemetery in Tel Aviv this evening at 5 pm. He is survived by four daughters two from his first wife Alona, who died of cancer in 2006, and two with his second wife Sima.

Published by Globes [online], Israel business news - www.globes-online.com - on November 27, 2013

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