The 1978 Eurovision Song Contest title went to the Israeli entrant Izhar Cohen for his performance of the song A-Ba-Ni-Bi. This track, which utilized the Bet language children's game, was composed by Nurit Hirsh with lyrics provided by Ehud Manor. The victory marked a significant point in a career spanning several decades of singing and acting.
Early life and musical beginnings
Born in Tel Aviv on 13 March 1951, Cohen grew up in Givatayim. He belongs to a family of singers of Yemenite-Jewish descent. His parents were Shlomo and Sarah Cohen, and he performed with his siblings Hofni, Pini, and Vardina Cohen. Cohen began singing as a child, eventually joining his father in professional performances. By the age of 18, he joined the Nachal entertainment troupe.
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During the 1970s, Cohen established himself as a fixture in the Israeli music scene. Following his 1978 win with the group Alphabeta, he returned to the Eurovision stage in 1985. On that occasion, he placed fifth with the song Olé, Olé, featuring music by Kobi Oshrat and words by Hamutal Ben-Ze'ev. He made several unsuccessful attempts to represent his country again, entering national finals in 1982, 1987, and 1996.
Stage, screen, and business
Beyond his musical recording career, Cohen performed as an actor at the Haifa Theatre. In more recent years, he appeared on the television program The Singer in the Mask as the character Bull, finishing in 10th place. In 2024, he participated in the Israeli version of Dancing with the Stars, where he remained until his elimination on 26 June 2024. Outside of entertainment, he operates a jewelry shop located on Dizengoff Street in Tel Aviv.
Fast facts
- Born: 13 March 1951
- Birthplace: Tel Aviv, Israel
- Eurovision win: 1978
- Eurovision song: A-Ba-Ni-Bi
- Theater affiliation: Haifa Theatre
- Business venture: Jewelry shop on Dizengoff Street
- Dancing with the Stars elimination: 26 June 2024
Questions readers ask
Which Eurovision songs did Izhar Cohen perform?
He performed A-Ba-Ni-Bi in 1978, which won the contest, and Olé, Olé in 1985, which placed fifth.
What is the meaning of the song title A-Ba-Ni-Bi?
The title uses the Hebrew word ani, meaning 'I', translated through a popular children's language game known as Bet language.
