Grigoris Bithikotsis facts for kids

Grigoris Bithikotsis (born December 11, 1922 – died April 7, 2005) was a famous Greek singer and songwriter. He sang folk music and worked for over 50 years! Many people think he was one of the most important musicians in Greek popular music.

Early Life and Music

Grigoris Bithikotsis was born in 1922 in Peristeri, Athens. His family was not rich. He loved music from a young age.

He got a bouzouki, which is a Greek string instrument, as soon as he could. At first, he had to hide it at a friend's house. He practiced in secret because his father did not like the new rembetiko music style. This was a type of Greek folk music that Grigoris loved.

Working with Mikis Theodorakis

In 1959, Grigoris met a famous composer named Mikis Theodorakis. They worked together to create many folk songs. Grigoris wrote over 80 songs himself. Some of his well-known songs include Stu Belami to ouzeri and Tou Votanikou o magas.

Grigoris had a very strong and beautiful singing voice. He sang his own songs and also many of Mikis Theodorakis's songs. Mikis often chose Grigoris to sing his best works. Together, they helped create a new style of Greek music called laika. This style became very popular.

Later Life and Legacy

In the 1950s, Grigoris Bithikotsis was sent away to the island of Makronisos. This happened because of his political beliefs at the time.

Throughout his life, Grigoris performed many concerts. He even had a big concert in Athens when he turned 80 years old. He passed away in Athens in 2005, after being in the hospital for three months. Thousands of people attended his funeral, including important people from Greek politics.

Selected Albums

Grigoris Bithikotsis released many albums during his long career. Here are some of them:

• Epitafios [1960]
• Politeia A [1961]
• To tragoudi tou nekrou aderfou [1962]
• Epifania [1962]
• To Axion Esti [1964]
• Romiosini [1966]
• Na 'tane to '21 [1969]
• 14 Hryses Epityhies N1 (14 Greatest Hits Vol. 1) [1977]
• Oktovriou 1978/October 1978 - with Mikis Theodorakis [1978]
• Oi Magalyteres Epityhies Tou (His Greatest Hits)