Mike Brant Israeli musician Date of Birth: 01.02.1947 Country: Israel

Biography of Mike Brant

Mike Brant, born Moshe Brand, was an Israeli musician who gained international fame in the 1970s. He was born in a refugee camp in Cyprus in 1947 to Polish-Jewish mother Bronia Rosenberg and Russian immigrant father Fishel Brand. After their attempts to settle in Palestine, the family finally found a home in Haifa in 1947.

Brant exhibited unusual behavior as a child, not speaking until the age of six. When he finally started talking, he confided in his friends that he dreamed of becoming a true star or a vagabond when he grew up. Nevertheless, he continued to live with his family in the kibbutz, and at the age of 11, he began singing in the school choir.

At the age of 17, Brant joined his brother's musical group called "The Chocolates" as the lead vocalist. The band performed in cafes and clubs in Haifa and Tel Aviv. Despite only speaking Hebrew, Brant sang in English and French. In 1965, he changed his name to the more international "Mike."

Brant's talent caught the attention of Israeli impresario Jonathan Karmon, who arranged a tour of the United States and South Africa that lasted almost a year. In May 1969, Brant performed at the Hilton Hotel in Tehran, where he was heard by young French singer Sylvie Vartan. Vartan was amazed by Brant's voice and musicality, inviting him to come to Paris.

On July 9, 1969, Brant arrived in the capital of France. It took him ten long days to track down Vartan, but she eventually introduced him to producer Jean Renard, who had previously turned Johnny Hallyday into a star. Following Renard's advice, Brant changed his last name from "Brand" to "Brant," which the producer believed was more suitable for the stage. It was also during this time that Brant recorded his biggest hit, the song "Laisse-moi t'aimer" ("Let Me Love You").

The song was a huge success at the Midem music festival in January 1970, selling 50,000 copies in just two weeks. Brant became a true star in France in the early 1970s, with other successful songs including "Qui saura" ("Who Knows"), "L'Amour C'est Ca, L'Amour C'est Toi," "C'est Ma Priere," "Un grand bonheur" ("Great Happiness"), and "Parce que je t'aime plus que moi" ("Because I Love You More Than Myself"). His first album, "Disque d'Or" ("Gold Record"), sold over a million copies.

Unfortunately, in February 1971, Brant was involved in a car accident upon his return to Israel. Although he was not seriously injured, he experienced deepening depression while continuing to perform concerts, including ones for soldiers on the frontline. From 1971 to 1973, Brant gave over 250 concerts each year.

On November 22, 1974, Brant attempted suicide by jumping out of a hotel room window in Geneva, Switzerland. Although he suffered multiple fractures, he survived. Struggling with depression and reducing the number of concerts, Brant focused on his next album, "Dis-lui" ("Tell Her"). Sadly, this album would be his last release.

On April 25, 1975, the same day as the release of his new album, Brant jumped from the window of his apartment on 6 Rue Erlanger in Paris. He was 28 years old. Brant was buried in Haifa.

A documentary film about Mike Brant's life titled "Laisse-moi t'aimer: Dmaot Shel Malachim (Tears of Angels)" was released in April 1998.