Eden Ahbez, born George Alexander Aberle on April 15, 1908, in Brooklyn, New York, was an influential American songwriter and recording artist, recognized as one of the pioneers of the hippie movement in the United States. Raised in the Brooklyn Hebrew Orphan Asylum and later adopted by a family in Kansas, Ahbez spent his early years under the name George McGrew. He developed a strong connection with nature and was known for challenging societal norms.

In the 1930s, Ahbez lived in Kansas City, Missouri, where he performed as a pianist and dance band leader. By 1941, he had moved to Los Angeles, where he worked as a pianist in a small health food store and restaurant. There, he embraced a lifestyle centered around vegetarianism, Asian mysticism, and the philosophies of the Naturmensch and Lebensreform movements.

Ahbez gained fame with his composition "Nature Boy," which became a No. 1 hit for Nat "King" Cole in 1948. The song's success brought him into the spotlight, and he became known for his eccentric lifestyle, which included living outdoors, wearing white robes, and subsisting on a diet of fruits, vegetables, and nuts.

Throughout his career, Ahbez continued to compose music, often incorporating ethnic rhythms and unusual instruments like flutes and bongos. In 1960, he released his solo album "Eden's Island," which blended ethnic and natural elements. Ahbez also mentored musician Joe Romersa, passing on his creative ideas and leaving behind a legacy that influenced future generations.

Eden Ahbez died on March 4, 1995, in Los Angeles, California. His contributions to music and his unconventional lifestyle have left a lasting impact, marking him as a pioneer of the hippie movement and a unique figure in contemporary music history.