Yosi Piamenta z”l

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yosi piamenta[Audio below.] It is with great sadness that we report the passing of noted and beloved Jewish musician Yosi Piamenta z”l. He was 64.

Born November 29, 1951, Yosi was a singer, songwriter and guitarist, known for introducing the electric guitar into Chassidic Jewish music.

In addition to being an original songwriter, Yosi covered others’ music, including many Chassidishe niggunim from Lubavitch and Belz, and Sephardic niggunim and zemiros. Yosi was recognized as one of the premier guitarists in the world.

Yosi was born in Yerushalayim to Yehuda and Genia Piamenta. In 1962, when he was 12 years old, Yosi moved with his family to Tel Aviv. There, he received his first guitar from his uncle, Albert Piamenta, an Israeli saxophonist.

In his 20s, Yosi moved to New York, together with his brother, Avi Piamenta, with the intention of working on a joint album with American saxophone player Stan Getz. The album was a success, but Yosi disapproved of the entertainment industry lifestyle and turned to Yiddishkeit , joining the frum community. He married his 16-year-old cousin, Vivian, and they raised six children together.

Yosi lived in Flatbush, New York, for over 20 years before moving back to Eretz Yisroel to live close to his father. His father, Yehuda, later passed away.

In August 2014, Yosi – together his brother Avi – released a single, “Yaancha,” calling it a “prayer for Piamenta’s recovery,” as Yosi was battling illness at the time.

Yosi released over 10 musical albums and performed at dozens of venues across the globe.

This past April, Yosi fell into a coma but woke up two days later. He had been suffering from cancer and underwent surgery at Sheba Medical Center.

He succumbed to his illness, passing away today in Eretz Yisroel.

Yosi had a tremendous lev tov and sought to help others in all ways and bring simchah to Jews across the globe. He was a kind and gentle person, and he exuded the simchah of an individual who embraced the Torah way of life and sought to become closer and closer to the Ribono Shel Olam.

His passing has created a void in the Jewish music world and, more significantly, in the hearts of the tens of thousands of people he inspired and brought joy to.

Yehi zichro boruch.

Levayah details have not yet been finalized.

The following are links to some of Yosi’s music:

1) Asher Bara

2) Birkat Hamazon

3) Geni

4) Hey Joe

{Gavriel Sitrit-Matzav.com Newscenter}


7 COMMENTS

  1. Yosi was one of those rare breed, impossible to dislike…and easy to admire…his stellar musicianship didn’t compare to his stellar level of “mentchlichkeit”…he was quite simply “good people” in every sense of the word…and as impressive as his musical legacy is,it doesn’t compare to his way more significant legacy…his kids…All of whom share…and show, that always admirable utterly irrepressible Piamenta DNA…knowing him was a privilege well always remember with a smile…

  2. Yosi was one of those rare breed, impossible to dislike…and easy to admire…the only thing more impressive than his stellar musicianship was his stellar and totally genuine level of faith, warmth and “mentchlichkeit”…never seen without his tehillim and/or guitar…he was “good people pure and simple” in every sense of the term, .and as impressive as his musical legacy is,it doesn’t compare to his way more significant legacy…his family all of whom share…and show, that always admirable utterly irrepressible Piamenta DNA…knowing him was a privilege our family will always remember with a smile…

  3. BDE! A great man indeed. Had many pleasant conversations with him. Always had a way to make you feel like you were special. His reward for making people happy and lifting their spirits is surely great! May his family be consoled!

  4. What a loss! He with his brother played my wedding. Later we got to play music together on his trips to Detroit.
    But it was his outlook, kindness, humor, and contagious joy that will be missed most of all.

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