Grigoris Bithikotsis
Known For
Acting
Born
1922-12-11 in Peristeri, Athens Prefecture, Greece
Died
2005-04-07
Biography
Grigoris Bithikotsis (Greek Γρηγόρης Μπιθικώτσης, December 11, 1922 – April 7, 2005) was a Greek folk singer/songwriter with a career spanning five decades. He is considered one of the most important figures in Greek popular music. 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 Tou 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 style of Greek music. A leftist, he was exiled to the island of Makronisos in the 1950s during the reign of King Paul. 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 three months of hospitalization. His funeral was attended by thousands, including representatives of all the Greek political parties.
Most Known For
I stole my wife
as singer
The Red Lanterns
as singer
Synoikia to Oneiro
as singer
Official sweetheart
as singer
The Underdog
as singer
Liar Wanted
as singer
Modern Cinderella
as singer
It is a great pity
as singer
Rolled in the mud
as singer
The Harbor Bum
as singer
Κατατρεγμένοι της μοίρας
as Singer
The steps of life
as Singer
The Devastated
as singer
The Stupid Face
as Singer
We without money
as singer
The Wastrels
as singer
I leave with Bitterness in Foreign Countries
as singer
The man who returned from pain
as singer
Tired life
as Singer
Play my sweety bouzouki
as singer