A Moroccan-French drummer and songwriter who blends traditional Gnawa music with modern styles, creating a unique fusion sound. He's known for his energetic live performances and collaborations with international artists.
Isaac Bitton, a French-American musician, is best known for his transformation from a secular rockstar to a prominent figure in contemporary Jewish music. Initially famous as the drummer for the rock band Les Variations, Bitton's journey took a dramatic turn in the late 1970s when he became a baal teshuva through Chabad.
Born on December 2, 1947, in Casablanca, Morocco, to a Jewish family, Bitton moved to France alone at the age of 18. He formed a rock group with his friends, which eventually gained popularity and opened for top-billed rockers such as Bachman-Turner Overdrive, Kiss, The Jimi Hendrix Experience, Cream, Taste, and Aerosmith.
During his time with Les Variations, Bitton was rated as one of the top three drummers in Europe. He even jammed with John Bonham and Robert Plant in a club in Belgium. Bitton's connection to his Jewish roots was always evident, as he wore the Star of David around his neck while performing.
In the late 1970s, Bitton met Chabad emissaries who helped him discover his Orthodox Jewish heritage. This encounter led to a significant transformation in his life, and he eventually became a baal teshuva.
In 1977, the Baal Shem Tov Band (BSTB) was formed as part of an outreach program to college students at the Lubavitch Rabbinical College of America in Morristown, New Jersey. The band's regular members included Menachem Schmidt on snare drum, Tzvi Freeman on acoustic guitar, Moshe Morgenstern on cello, and Shlomo Sawilowsky as business and equipment manager. They were occasionally complemented by a violinist.
Bitton's music career after Les Variations was marked by a crossover into modern Jewish music. He has made significant contributions to the genre, using his platform to spread the message of Orthodox Judaism. His music has inspired countless individuals, and he continues to be a prominent figure in the Jewish music scene.
Bitton settled in the Chabad Lubavitch neighborhood of Crown Heights, Brooklyn, where he still lives with his family. His journey from a rockstar to a baal teshuva serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing the power of faith and personal growth.
"My music is a way to express my love for Hashem and to inspire others to do the same."
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