Manolis Chiotis facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Manolis Chiotis |
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Manolis Hiotis
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Emmanouil Chiotis |
| Born | March 21, 1921 Thessaloniki, Greece |
| Died | March 21, 1970 (aged 49) Athens, Greece |
| Genres | Laikon, Elafrolaikon |
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| Years active | 1935–1970 |
Manolis Chiotis (pronounced Hee-OH-tees) was a famous Greek musician. He was born on March 21, 1921, and passed away on March 21, 1970. Manolis was a talented composer, singer, and bouzouki player.
He is known as one of the best bouzouki players ever. The bouzouki is a musical instrument that looks a bit like a mandolin or a guitar. Manolis helped make the four-string bouzouki (called a tetrachordo) very popular. He also tuned it like a guitar, which helped him play his amazing, fast music.
Manolis Chiotis: A Greek Music Legend
Manolis Chiotis was a key figure in Greek music. He played and composed songs in styles called rebetiko and laiko. Rebetiko is a traditional Greek music style, often with deep lyrics. Laiko is a more modern, popular Greek music style.
Manolis was not only a great player but also a songwriter and producer. This means he wrote the music, sang the songs, and helped create the recordings. His music touched many people's hearts.
A Special Performance
Manolis Chiotis once played for some very important people. In the summer of 1961, he performed for Aristotle Onassis, a famous Greek businessman, and the opera singer Maria Callas. Also in the audience were Prince Rainier III of Monaco and his wife, Grace Kelly, who was a famous actress.
After the show, these important guests wanted to meet Manolis. Maria Callas told him that she had been translating his song lyrics for Princess Grace all night. Princess Grace loved the songs because, as Callas said, "she is a woman in love."
Princess Grace then asked Manolis a question. She wanted to know the difference between a bouzouki and an electric guitar.
Manolis gave a very special answer. He said, "Mrs. Callas, please explain to Princess Grace that the strings of an electric guitar vibrate due to electricity, while the strings of a bouzouki vibrate through the heart." This showed how much passion he put into his music.
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