Zohar Argov (born Zohar Orqabi) was a popular Mizrahi (Middle Eastern)
singer with a distinctive voice.
He was born July 16, 1955 in Rishon LeZion, Israel. he was the eldest
of ten children in a Yemenite Jewish Family. He earned the title
"HaMelekh" (the King) during a time when mainstream, overseas pop music
dominated radio airplay, rather than traditional Oriental style music,
as was his style. He is still undisputed "The King" of Mizrahi music.
Modern singers continually remake his songs.
Zohar Argov unfortunately allowed heroin addiction to cause problems in
his professional and personal life, but is was mostly ignored by those
around him because he was still able to amaze crowds with his
performances, including live.
He was arrested on alleged rape charges, and committed suicide in his
cell by hanging the morning of November 6, 1987.
He was survived by his mother (who died in 1995), ten siblings, and his
son Gili Argov, now a singer in Israel. His accomplishments and
contributions to Israeli music are still acknowledged to this day.
