Born 1923 in Damar, Yemen. Her family came to Israel in 1925
and settled in Rishon LeZion.
From early childhood Damari would accompany her mother, sang
at Yemenite weddings and other celebrations. When she was 13
years old she left from Tel Aviv and studied at the Shulamit
performing arts studio. At the age of 16 she married Shlomo
Busemi, the director of the Shulamit studio
Damari performed from the age of 14, on both stage and radio.
She was the star of the musical theater "Li-La-Lo", and in many
productions at other venues. Her Yemenite origin, her distinctive
contralto voice, and her unique appearance that differed from
most of her contemporaries all contributed to her success. In
1945 the poet Nathan Alterman and the composer Moshe Wilensky
wrote for her the song "Kalaniot" (anemones), which is one of
the most well Israeli songs of all time.
During the Israel War of Independence Damari used to sing for
Israeli fighters wherever they were. In 1948 she recorded her
first album, and after the establishment of the State of Israel
she went on a world tour.
In 1956 she took part, with her brother Sa'adia, in a film called
"Lacking a Homeland", about her family's immigration from Yemen.
From 1950 until 1966 she divided her time between the United
States and Israel.
In 1987 Damari started recording again. Her duet with Boaz Sharabi,
"Singing with you" was very successful, as well as her subsequent
solo album, called "Or" (light).
In 1988 Shoshana Damari was awarded the Israel Prize for Music.
In January 2005 she was invited by the popular young musician
Idan Reichel to participate in his new album "From the Depths"
(ממעמקים).
Shoshana Damari died February 14th 2006, in Tel Aviv and was
buried in the Trumpeldor cemetery along with other great Israeli
artists.
