Yigal Bashan
Yigal Bashanphoto from Kan 11

Singer and composer Yigal Bashan passed away this evening (Sunday) at the age of 68.

"With great sorrow and great pain, we announce the passing of our beloved Yigal Bashan," said the family, calling him "a warm family man, and a lover, an artist and a craftsman."

Bashan, who leaves behind a wife and two children, received the ACUM Lifetime Achievement Award in 2016.

Throughout the years of his musical career, Bashan has performed many Israeli hits such as "Sivan", "I Have a Little Bird in My Heart", "Let's Make a Holiday" and more.

Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a statement of mourning in which he said: "I express deep sorrow for the passing of the late Yigal Bashan. He was an inseparable part of the Israeli vocal track. His voice and songs will continue to accompany us for many years to come. On behalf of all the citizens of Israel I send condolences to his family."

Bashan was one of the most successful and beloved singers in the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. At age 17 he appeared in the musical "I like Mike". Bashan enlisted in the IDF Northern Command and in 1969 he won the Kinor David Prize (Harp of David Prize). In 1971 he released his debut album, which included 'Sweet Sweet' and the 'Egoz Patrol.'

In August 2014, he was hospitalized after being stabbed. A year later he was hospitalized again for the same reason. A few days later he appeared in the evening of the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra's tribute to the late Uzi Hitman, at the Charles Bronfman Auditorium in Tel Aviv. Bashan was received by the audience with many cheers, and at the end of his appearance the audience stood and cheered him for many minutes.