Grigoris Bithikotsis: Difference between revisions

 

Bithikotsis was born in [[Peristeri]], [[Athens]], in 1922 to a poor family. He became interested in music at an early age, and acquired a [[bouzouki]] as soon as he was able. At first, he had to hide the instrument at a friend's house and practice in secret, as his father disapproved of the new [[rembetiko]] style that had captured his son's interest.

He met composer [[Mikis Theodorakis]] in 1959 and the two collaborated producing folk songs. Bithikotsis composed over 80 songs, including: ''Stu Belami to ouzeri'' and ''Toy Votanikou o magas''. He possessed a rich singing voice with which he performed his own compositions and those of Theodorakis, who frequently chose his friend Grigoris to perform his masterpieces. The two contributed greatly to the then-emerging [[laika (music)|laika]] style of Greek music.

 

Throughout his life, Bithikotsis performed frequent concerts at numerous venues, including one in Athens upon the occasion of his eightieth birthday. He died in Athens, in 2005, following 3 months of hospitalization. His funeral was attended by thousands, including representatives of all the Greek political parties.