Eddie "The Sheik" Kochak

There is no doubt that Eddie "The Sheik" Kochak has proven himself as a pioneer in the advancement of Middle Eastern Belly Dance Music in America. His concentrated effeorts, in addition to his creativity and talent have exposed the music to new audiences such as world music enthusiasts as well as Belly Dancers world-wide.

Born, raised, and educated in Brooklyn, New York, his desire to entertain was apparent at an early age. By the age of eight, Eddie entertained family and relatives with his Tabla (Arabic Drum). As his interest and ability developed, he began his studies with New York's foremost percussionist, Henry Adler. During World War II, Eddie served in the Special Services Division of the Army, and from 1942 to 1946 he entertained troops in the Italian, Greek, and Egyptian theatres of war. Upon his return, Eddie's immeidate success established him as a leader in his field, appearing at fine clubs on both Arabic and American concerts stages throughout the United States and Canada.

Eddie has appeared at the Dean Martin "City of Hope" telethon, where he was presented the Award of Hope: a five year collaboration with Anthony Quinn on the Broadway hit musical "Zorba The Greek:" with Danny Thomas for ALSAC: at the churches, hospitals, charitable organizations and other institutions have proven him to be an unselfish and tireless entertainer.

As an outstanding sponsor of his beautiful musical art, his work is credited in over 100 recordings of Arabic, Armenian, Greek, Turkish, and Israeli music, both as a producer and consultant.

When Eddie met Hakki Obadia, it was an artist phenomenon as the Easterner from Baghdad collaborated with the Westerner from Brooklyn. Hakki, while lesser known in the East Coast, cotinued to have a loyal following in the Middle East and on the West Coast. He was not only the founder of the first Symphony Orchestra of Baghdad, but the concertmaster as well. His devotion to classical (Western) and Arabic music is legendary. He became assistant conductor with the symphony orchestra at the University of California, where he studied music and composition under the noted American composer, Roger Sessions, and the late internationally famous Ernest Bloch. Hakki has thought many students both in Bagdad and California. Considered by many critics a "genius." Hakki is the master of the Oud, Piano, Guitar, and Mandolin.

Eddie's and Hakki's collaboration gave the dancer an exciting sound, while also containing enough moods for a spell-binding performance. The music features complete cabaret routines, as well as more unique and specialized music such as Dervish, Sudani, Pharaonic, Beledi, amongst others.