Joe Grech facts for kids
Joseph Grech (born February 9, 1934 – died December 30, 2024) was a famous singer from Malta. He was born in a town called Cospicua. Joe Grech is best known for being the first person to sing in the Maltese language at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1971. This was Malta's very first time joining this big European music show!
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Early Music Journey
Joe Grech started his music journey playing the trumpet. He played with the Zejtun Band Club. Soon after, he decided to focus on singing instead.
Winning the Malta Song Festival
In 1960, Joe Grech became the first singer to win the Malta Song Festival. This was a big music competition. It was held at the Radio City Opera House in Hamrun, Malta. Joe's winning song was "Vola Uccellino," which he also wrote himself.
The festival was broadcast on Rediffusion Malta. This was a popular radio service at the time. Two orchestras played music for the songs. Most songs were in Italian, but one was in Maltese.
Joe won the Malta Song Festival again in 1962. His winning song was "Żgħażagħ Rebbieħa."
International Recognition
In 1965, Joe Grech was chosen to represent Malta in a festival in Italy. This was the Italian Festival of Martina Franca. It was very rare for a Maltese singer to take part in an Italian festival. Joe even won a special award there. He was named the Best Foreign Singer at the festival!
Becoming a Pop Star
By 1967, Joe Grech was one of Malta's most popular pop singers. His song "Il-Kaċċatur" (The Hunter) became a huge hit. It sold very well in Malta. It was also popular in countries like Australia, where many Maltese people lived.
This success led to more songs. Joe Grech released four hit songs in less than two years. This was a big achievement for a Maltese singer back then.
In 1967, Joe Grech also won the "Malta Song Festival 1967" with the song "Serenata." He sang this song with Mary Rose Darmanin. The famous actor Roger Moore was a special guest at this festival.
The 1970s and Beyond
In 1971, Joe Grech made history. He was the first Maltese singer to represent Malta in the Eurovision Song Contest. He sang "Marija l-Maltija." This song was special because it was sung in Maltese. This made it the first Eurovision song ever sung in a Semitic language.
Touring the World
Throughout the 1970s, Joe Grech toured many countries. He performed in London, Scotland, and Ireland. He also had successful tours in Canada, America, Italy, and Australia.
During one of his Australian tours, he recorded an album called "Saħħa Malta With Joe Grech." The song "Evviva l-Maltin" was written especially for his Australian fans. In 1977, he even performed at the famous Sydney Opera House.
Later Years and Awards
In the year 2000, Joe Grech released a CD called "Katarin, Joe Grech, Marcelle & Philip." It featured 15 songs, all sung in Maltese.
Joe Grech was known for his kind and giving nature. In 2002, the Order of Malta recognized his good deeds. They gave him the Cross of Merit award.
On December 13, 2019, Joe Grech received a very important award. The President of Malta gave him the "Midalja għall-Qadi tar-Repubblika" (Medal for Service to the Republic).
Joe Grech passed away on December 30, 2024, at the age of 90.
