Zvika Pick, Israeli Pop Icon, Dies at 72
Israeli singer and musician Zvika Pick was found deceased in a residence in Ramat HaSharon on Sunday morning, August 14. He left behind a legacy that shaped decades of Israeli popular music and remains a touchstone for fans across Israel and beyond.
In recent years, Pick faced health challenges following a stroke in 2018. News agencies noted that his health struggles kept him in the public eye, including coverage of his family life, such as his daughter Daniela Pick’s marriage to American filmmaker Quentin Tarantino. This personal dimension played a role in the media narrative around Pick while he continued to influence the music scene with his work and collaborations. [citation: Israel News Agency]
Reacting to the loss, political figures spoke warmly of Pick. Former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who leads the opposition in the Knesset, expressed condolences stating that Pick was among Israel’s greatest artists and that his music carried a vivid joie de vivre. He added that Pick’s influence extended into the daily lives of many Israelis and offered a heartfelt tribute to the family during this difficult time. [citation: Israel News Agency]
Pick earned the title of the king of Israeli pop for a career that spanned five decades, blending rock and pop in ways that resonated with listeners across generations. His impact touched not only the stage but the national soundtrack, and his presence was felt in the hearts of countless fans who grew up with his songs.
Culture minister Healy Trooper commented that Pick’s passing marks a significant loss for Israeli culture. Trooper highlighted how Pick’s hits found homes in Israeli households and how his music contributed to moments of national pride, including recognition on the Eurovision stage in 1998. [citation: Israel News Agency]
The creative journey of the king of Israeli pop
Born in Wroclaw, Poland, in 1949, Pick moved with his family to Israel in 1956, settling in Ramat Gan. The early 1960s saw him joining the first wave of Israeli rock groups, starting with Ha-Kedim, known in English as Echoes, where he played guitar from the age of 15. This period laid the groundwork for a career marked by experimentation and a willingness to fuse genres.
Throughout the ensuing years, Pick performed with various ensembles, including Telstar, Ha-shmenim ve-ha-razim, and Chocolate. A skilled musician who often handled synthesizers and arrangement duties, he developed a distinctive sound that bridged traditional Israeli melodies with modern pop sensibilities. His evolving artistry reflected a broader shift in the country’s music scene toward global influences while maintaining a strong local voice.
In 1971, Pick released his first solo album, featuring songs written by himself and by Ehud Manor and Jonathan Gefen, accompanied by the rhythm ensemble Churchilim. After joining CBS Records, Pick established himself as an innovator within Israeli pop, breaking from conventional patterns and charting a course that encouraged younger artists to experiment. His work during this period illustrated a blend of lyric poetry, melodic hooks, and production savvy that became a hallmark of his career.
Among Pick’s enduring achievements is his contribution to the international music landscape through the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest winner Diva, performed by Dana International. The track underscored Pick’s ability to craft songs with broad appeal and to collaborate with other star artists who pushed Israeli music onto a global stage. In the 2000s, Pick remained active as both a performer and a songwriter for other artists. He also composed songs for his daughters, Sharona and Daniela, who formed the duo Achayot Peak. Daniela Pick later gained wide recognition through her marriage to Quentin Tarantino in 2018, a milestone frequently noted in contemporary profiles of Pick’s career. [citation: Israel News Agency]