Robbie Solomon
Robbie Solomon, a musician and composer, shares insights into his Hanukkah-themed music. He talks about his collaborations and the process of arranging well-known songs for a new audience. Solomon also highlights some of his original compositions.
Robbie Solomon
of
Safam
About Robbie Solomon
Robbie Solomon is a cantor, musician, and composer who co-founded the Jewish musical ensemble Safam in 1974. Over his career, he composed more than 100 songs, including "Leaving Mother Russia," an anthem for the Soviet Jewry movement, and "Eight Little Candles." He served as cantor at multiple temples including Baltimore Hebrew Congregation, Temple Sinai in Sharon, Massachusetts, and Temple Isaiah in Lexington. Safam produced 15 albums and toured worldwide, blending traditional Jewish music with contemporary styles.
In this interview
- Discusses his original composition "Eight Little Candles" for Hanukkah.
- Talks about collaborating with Joel on songs including "Judith Maccabee" and "Candles of the Menorah."
- Describes rearranging Peter Yarrow's "Light One Candle" in a Boyz II Men style.
- Recalls creating arrangements of well-known Hanukkah songs for a new audience.
“That is my composition. It leads off the album.”— Robbie Solomon, in this interview
Since this interview
Solomon retired as Cantor Emeritus from Baltimore Hebrew Congregation and was honored at a retirement event in 2017. He subsequently moved to Boston to be near family, continuing to volunteer, write songs, and perform with Safam.
