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The music industry has been forever changed by Esther Zaied, better known by her married name Esther Ofarim. She was born in Safed, Israel, on June 13, 1941, and is a multi-talented vocalist renowned for her alluring voice.
Early Life
Esther Ofarim, a Syrian Jew who was raised in a Jewish family, fell in love with singing at a young age. She captivated listeners with her performances of Hebrew and other world folk tunes when she was a little girl. When she met the guitarist and dancer Abi Ofarim, whom she would eventually marry, her trip took an unexpected turn. She became a student at Abi’s dancing school in Haifa, therefore their relationship went beyond just being personal.
When Esther was given a tiny part in the 1960 movie “Exodus” by American director Otto Preminger, her life underwent yet another unusual turn. This change provided a springboard for her developing career.
Career
In 1960, she secured the role of Katzia in the play “The Legend of Three and Four” at the Habima Theatre. Her musical prowess was evident in 1961 when she took home the top prize at Tel Aviv’s first Israeli pop song contest.
The Kol Yisrael orchestra, conducted by Gary Bertini, accompanied her mesmerizing performances of “Sani Imchá Bemachol” (Take Me with You When You Dance) and “Naamah,” composed by Pnina and Tsvi Avni.
She traveled to Poland to represent Israel in the Sopot International Song Festival for Kol Yisrael radio. With her performance of the Moshe Wilensky and Shimshon Halfi song “Stav,” she took second place in this competition.
Esther and Abi Ofarim earned European chart success in 1963 and 1964, solidifying their reputation as a folk music power couple. Along with the famed Smothers Brothers, Esther set off on a tour of the United States in 1964. She became a musical superstar as a result of the overwhelmingly positive reception and admiration she received during her concerts.
The pair proceeded to play in prestigious music halls and theaters around Europe as their reputation grew. Esther established her name in German movies and even featured in BBC and Eurovision television specials.
With “Noch einen Tanz,” Esther and Abi Ofarim had a big success in 1966. This song’s English translation, “One More Dance,” achieved popularity in the UK as well and peaked at No. 13. The legendary Bee Gees’ song “Morning of My Life,” which they performed in 1967, brought them their biggest success in Germany. “Cinderella Rockefella” was the number-one song in 1968 in several nations, including the UK.
Before finally breaking up in 1969, Esther and Abi Ofarim’s journey brought them to live performances in New York City and London as well as on a successful European tour.
What was Esther Ofarim’s Cause of Death?
Esther Ofarim is not dead. She is still alive and at the age of 82.
