Eden ahbez

Edenahbez

American songwriter and recording artist

Birth name	George Alexander Aberle
Also known as
Born	April 15, 1908 Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
Origin
Died	March 4, 1995 Indio, California, U.S.
Genres	Exotica, Jazz, Easy listening
Occupation(s)	Songwriter, Composer, Recording artist
Instrument(s)

eden ahbez (born George Alexander Aberle; April 15, 1908 – March 4, 1995) was an American songwriter and recording artist. He was a prominent figure in the Exotica music genre and is best known for writing the song "Nature Boy", which became a major hit for Nat King Cole in 1948.

Early Life

ahbez was born in Brooklyn, New York City, and was raised in an orphanage. He later moved to Kansas City, Missouri, where he was adopted by a family named McGrew. In the 1940s, he relocated to Los Angeles, California, where he became involved in the health food and natural living movements.

Career

In the late 1940s, ahbez began performing and writing songs. His most famous composition, "Nature Boy", was inspired by his experiences living a bohemian lifestyle and his interest in Eastern philosophy. The song was recorded by Nat King Cole and became a number one hit in 1948, bringing ahbez widespread recognition.

ahbez's unique lifestyle and appearance, which included wearing long hair and robes, living under the Hollywood Sign, and adhering to a vegetarian diet, made him a notable figure in the Los Angeles music scene. He was often associated with the hippie movement, although his lifestyle predated it by several decades.

Later Years and Death

In the 1950s and 1960s, ahbez continued to write and record music, though he never achieved the same level of success as with "Nature Boy". He released several albums, including Eden's Island in 1960, which has since become a cult classic among fans of Exotica music.

ahbez passed away on March 4, 1995, in Indio, California, after being hit by a car.

Legacy

eden ahbez is remembered as a pioneer of the Exotica genre and a precursor to the hippie movement. His song "Nature Boy" remains a standard in the American songbook and has been covered by numerous artists over the years.

Discography

• Eden's Island (1960)
• Echoes from Nature Boy (1995)

See Also

• Exotica
• Nat King Cole
• Hippie
• Vegetarianism