Matti Caspi, singer and composer who helped mold Israeli culture, dead at 76 |
Matti Caspi, a composer, singer, and lyricist who produced some 1,000 songs, including many of Israel’s most beloved tunes, died overnight between Saturday and Sunday. He was 76 and had suffered from cancer in recent years.
Among his most famous works are “Brit Olam” (Eternal Covenant), “Ekh Ze SheKochav” (How Is It That a Star), “Hine Hine” (Here Here), “Lo Yadati SheTelchi Mimeni” (I Didn’t Know You Would Leave Me) and “Shir HaYonah” (The Song of the Dove).
As a musician and as an Israeli, Caspi was deeply connected to his local audience. When he developed metastases from cancer last May, he informed his followers on social media, letting fans know he was canceling his upcoming performances to focus on his health. He launched and completed a $1.5 million crowdfunding and media campaign to raise money for experimental treatments that were not included under the national healthcare system.
“I’ll fight in every way possible, I’ll be stubborn to the end,” Caspi said in July, by when his illness prevented him from playing the piano or the guitar.
His family announced his death in a statement on Sunday morning.
“With a heavy heart and deep sadness, we announce the passing of our beloved husband and father. The light in our lives has gone out,” the family said. “His love and the creative work he left behind will forever be a part of us.”
Caspi is survived by his wife Raquel and his four children.
Caspi released dozens of albums during his decades of work, often serving as both musician and producer, with a unique ability to compose singable harmonies and lyrics.
He was known for his collaborations, working with Leonard Cohen, Ehud Manor, Yehudit Ravitz, Shlomo Gronich, Shalom Hanoch, Hava Alberstein, Netanela, Nurit Galron, Danny Robas, Gali Atari, Arik Sinai, Meir Banai, Erez Halevi, Shoshana Damari, and many more.
Caspi was born in 1949 in Kibbutz Hanita, in northern Israel. During his mandatory army service in the Southern Command Troupe, Caspi formed his first musical band, a trio with two friends, Gadi Oron and Ya’akov Noy, called The Three Fat Men, and released his first big hit, “Ani Met” (I Am Dying).
His professional career began........