Biography

Shalom Hanoch (Hebrew: שלום חנוך) (born September 1, 1946) is an Israeli rock singer, lyricist and composer.He is considered to be the father of Israeli rock and modern Israeli music in general, both of which have been profoundly influenced by his work.His collaboration with Arik Einstein produced some of the first Israeli rock albums. He is often referred to as "The King of Israeli Rock". Shalom Hanoch was born in Kibbutz Mishmarot in 1946, roughly 16 months before the establishment of the state of Israel. His musical talent as a child was recognized in the kibbutz. Before discovering rock music, he listened to a wide variety of genres (from Classical, through Russian folk music, Gospel, and Blues).

After getting his first jazz guitar when he was around 12 years old, Hanoch began composing his own songs. By the age of 14, he had completed his first song, Laila (Night). He continued writing music withanother member of the Kibbutz, Meir Ariel, and joined the Kibbutz's band, HaMishmaron. Songs from that time include Agadat Deshe (Grass Legend), Nisa LaYam (We'll Go To The Beach), Risim (Eyelashes) and Yom Acharon (Last Day). At age 16, he took acting classes at Beit Tzvi arts school. He was an Atheist.